bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional ASP with Intensional Sets: Application to Gelfond-Zhang Aggregates
Authors: CABALAR PEDRO , FANDINNO JORGE , FARIÑAS DEL CERRO LUIS , PEARCE DAVID 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we propose a variant of Answer Set Programming (ASP) with evaluable functions that extends their application to sets of objects, something that allows a fully logical treatment of aggregates. Formally, we start from the syntax of First Order Logic with equality and the semantics of Quantified Equilibrium Logic with evaluable functions (${\rm QEL}^=_{\cal F}$). Then, we proceed to incorporate a new kind of logical term,intensional set(a construct commonly used to denote the set of objects characterised by a given formula), and to extend${\rm QEL}^=_{\cal F}$semantics for this new type of expression. In our extended approach, intensional sets can be arbitrarily used as predicate or function arguments or even nested inside other intensional sets, just as regular first-order logical terms. As a result, aggregates can be naturally formed by the application of some evaluable function (count,sum,maximum, etc) to a set of objects expressed as an intensional set. This approach has several advantages. First, while other semantics for aggregates depend on some syntactic transformation (either via a reduct or a formula translation), the${\rm QEL}^=_{\cal F}$interpretation treats them as regular evaluable functions, providing a compositional semantics and avoiding any kind of syntactic restriction. Second, aggregates can be explicitly defined now within the logical language by the simple addition of formulas that fix their meaning in terms of multiple applications of some (commutative and associative) binary operation. For instance, we can use recursive rules to definesumin terms of integer addition. Last, but not least, we prove that the semantics we obtain for aggregates coincides with the one defined by Gelfond and Zhang for the${\cal A}\mathit{log}$language, when we restrict to that syntactic fragment.
Vieillesse et technologie : du laboratoire au monde réel
Authors: Sixsmith Andrew 
Published: August 2018

﻿Vieillesse et technologie : du laboratoire au monde réel﻿ Récapitulation. AGE-WELL est un nouveau réseau de recherche canadien qui vise à aider les personnes âgées à garder leur autonomie, leur santé et leur participation sociale grâce à des technologies accesibles. Cet article présente les domaines clés de la recherche mais se concentre sur la façon dont ceci peut encourager l’innovation.
Frictional Properties of Subduction Input Sediments at an Erosive Convergent Continental Margin and Related Controls on Décollement Slip Modes: The Costa Rica Seismogenesis Project
Authors: Kurzawski Robert Marek , Niemeijer André Rik , Stipp Michael , Charpentier Delphine , Behrmann Jan Hinrich , Spiers Christopher James 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe spectrum of slip modes occurring along shallow portions of the plate boundary décollement in subduction zones includes aseismic slip, slow slip, and seismogenic slip. The factors that control slip modes directly influence the hazard potential of subduction zones for generating large‐magnitude earthquakes and tsunamis. We conducted an experimental study of the frictional behavior of subduction input sediments, recovered from two Integrated Ocean Drilling Program expeditions to the erosive subduction margin offshore Costa Rica (Expeditions 334 and 344), employing rotary shear under hydrothermal conditions. The velocity dependence of friction was explored, using simulated gouges prepared from all major lithologies, covering a wide range of conditions representative for the initial stages of subduction. Temperature, effective normal stress, and pore fluid pressure were varied systematically up to 140 °C, 110 MPa, and 120 MPa, respectively. Sliding velocities up to 100μm/s, relevant for earthquake rupture nucleation and slow slip, were investigated. The only sediment type that produced frictional instabilities (i.e., laboratory earthquakes) was the calcareous ooze carried by the incoming Cocos Plate, which by virtue of its slip‐weakening behavior is also a likely candidate for triggering slow slip events. We evaluate this mechanism of producing unstable slip and consider alternatives. Therefore, locking and unlocking of plate boundary megathrusts are not only related to variations in pore fluid pressure but may also depend on the presence of pelagic carbonate‐rich lithologies. Subduction systems containing such input are likely low latitude, where extensive deposition of carbonates takes place above the carbonate compensation depth.
Permafrost Extent on the Alaskan Beaufort Shelf From Surface‐Towed Controlled‐Source Electromagnetic Surveys
Authors: Sherman D. , Constable S.C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe have developed a surface‐towed electric dipole‐dipole system capable of operating in shallow water and deployable from small vessels. Our system uses electromagnetic energy from a modulated manmade source to interrogate the underlying resistivity structure of the seafloor. We used this system in the summers of 2014 and 2015 to map subsea ice‐bearing permafrost on the Beaufort shelf along 200 km of coastline, from Tigvariak Island to Harrison Bay. Permafrost is resistive and was found to be anisotropic, likely due to interbedded layers of frozen and unfrozen sediment. Maps of depth to permafrost and its thickness were produced from electrical resistivity inversions and results compared to borehole logs in the area. We observed elevated resistivity values offshore the Sagavanirktok River outflow, supporting the idea that fresh groundwater flow has a preserving effect on submerged permafrost. This system provides a cost effective method that could be used to further quantify permafrost extent, provide a baseline for measurements of future degradation, and provide observational constraints to aid in permafrost modeling studies.
Chromosomal instability-induced senescence potentiates cell non-autonomous tumourigenic effects
Authors: He Qianqian , Au Bijin , Kulkarni Madhura , Shen Yang , Lim Kah. J. , Maimaiti Jiamila , Wong Cheng. Kit. , Luijten Monique. N. H. , Chong Han C. , Lim Elaine H. , Rancati Giulia , Sinha Indrajit , Fu Zhiyan , Wang Xiaomeng , Connolly John. E. , Crasta Karen C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractChromosomal instability (CIN), a high rate of chromosome loss or gain, is often associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance in cancers. Aneuploid, including near-polyploid, cells contain an abnormal number of chromosomes and exhibit CIN. The post-mitotic cell fates following generation of different degrees of chromosome mis-segregation and aneuploidy are unclear. Here we used aneuploidy inducers, nocodazole and reversine, to create different levels of aneuploidy. A higher extent of aneuploid and near-polyploid cells in a given population led to senescence. This was in contrast to cells with relatively lower levels of abnormal ploidy that continued to proliferate. Our findings revealed that senescence was accompanied by DNA damage and robust p53 activation. These senescent cells acquired the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Depletion of p53 reduced the number of senescent cells with concomitant increase in cells undergoing DNA replication. Characterisation of these SASP factors demonstrated that they conferred paracrine pro-tumourigenic effects such as invasion, migration and angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, a correlation between increased aneuploidy and senescence was observed at the invasive front in breast carcinomas. Our findings demonstrate functional non-equivalence of discernable aneuploidies on tumourigenesis and suggest a cell non-autonomous mechanism by which aneuploidy-induced senescent cells and SASP can affect the tumour microenvironment to promote tumour progression.
Directly Probing Light Absorption Enhancement of Single Hierarchical Structures with Engineered Surface Roughness
Authors: Wang Jingwei , Shi Run , Wang Weijun , Cai Nianduo , Chen Pengcheng , Kong Dejun , Amini Abbas , Cheng Chun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHierarchical nanostructures are ideal architectures to harvest solar energy. The understanding of light absorption in single hierarchical structures is emergently important and greatly helpful in enhancing multiscale optical phenomena and light management. However, due to the geometrical complexity of hierarchical architectures, theoretical and experimental studies of light absorption have faced significant challenges. Here, we directly quantify light absorption in single hierarchical structures for the first time by utilizing VO2-based near field powermeter. It is found that light trapping is significantly enhanced in rough microwires when the roughness amplitude is comparable to the incident light wavelength. The roughness enhanced light absorption is verified as a general phenomenon on both VO2 and Si hierarchical structures. Therefore, our work not only provides a simple and quantitative method of measuring light absorption upon single geometrically complex structures in micro/nanoscale, but also contributes a general rule to rationally design of hierarchical structures for enhanced performance in photoelectric and photochemical applications.
The polymorphism rs35767 at IGF1 locus is associated with serum urate levels
Authors: Mannino Gaia C. , Fuoco Anastasia , Marini Maria A. , Spiga Rosangela , Di Fatta Concetta , Mancuso Elettra , Perticone Francesco , Andreozzi Francesco , Sesti Giorgio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPrevious studies suggested that the IGF-1/IGF-1 receptor signaling pathway may contribute to regulate uric acid levels. To confirm this hypothesis, we assessed the effects of the IGF-1-raising genetic variant rs35767 on urate levels in serum and urine, and we investigated IGF-1 ability to modulate the expression of transporters involved in reabsorption and secretion of uric acid in the kidney. The study population included 2794 adult Whites. 24-hour urinary uric acid concentration was available for 229 subjects. rs35767 polymorphism was screened using TaqMan genotyping assays. HEK293 (human embryonic kidney-293) cell line was treated with IGF-1 (1, 5, 10, 50 nM) for 24-hours, and differences in the expression of urate transporters were evaluated via Western Blot and real time rtPCR. Individuals carrying the IGF-1-raising allele (rs35767 T) exhibited significantly lower levels of serum urate according to both additive and recessive models, after correction for gender, age, BMI, glucose tolerance, glomerular filtration rate, and anti-hypertensive treatment. TT genotype carriers displayed higher uricosuria than C allele carriers did, after adjusting for confounders. Exposure of HEK293 cells to IGF-1 resulted in a dose-dependent increase of uric acid transporters deputed to uric acid excretion (MRP4, NPT1 and BCRP), and reduction of GLUT9 expression, the major mediator of uric acid reabsorption, both at mRNA and protein level. We observed a significant association between the functional polymorphism rs35767 near IGF1 with serum urate concentrations and we provide a mechanistic explanation supporting a causal role for IGF-1 in the regulation of uric acid homeostasis.
Cloning, characterization and functional analysis of an Alveoline-like protein in the shell of Pinctada fucata
Authors: Kong Jingjing , Liu Chuang , Wang Tianpeng , Yang Dong , Yan Yi , Chen Yan , Liu Yangjia , Huang Jingliang , Zheng Guilan , Xie Liping , Zhang Rongqing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractShell matrix proteins (SMPs) have important functions in biomineralization. In the past decades, the roles of SMPs were gradually revealed. In 2015, our group identified 72 unique SMPs in Pinctada fucata, among which Alveoline-like (Alv) protein was reported to have homologous genes in Pinctada maxima and Pinctada margaritifera. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of Alv and the functional analysis of Alv protein during shell formation were explored. The deduced protein (Alv), which has a molecular mass of 24.9 kDa and an isoelectric point of 11.34, was characterized, and the functional analyses was explored in vivo and in vitro. The Alv gene has high expression in mantle and could response to notching damage. The functional inhibition of Alv protein in vivo by injecting recombinant Alv (rAlv) antibodies destroyed prism structure but accelerated nacre growth. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining showed that native Alv exists in the EDTA-insoluble matrix of both prismatic and nacreous layers and has different distribution patterns in the inner or outer prismatic layer. Taken together, the characterization and functional analyses of matrix protein Alv could expand our understanding of basic matrix proteins and their functions during shell formation.
Cytosolic nucleic acid sensors of the innate immune system promote liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy
Authors: Schulze Sarah , Stöß Christian , Lu Miao , Wang Baocai , Laschinger Melanie , Steiger Katja , Altmayr Felicitas , Friess Helmut , Hartmann Daniel , Holzmann Bernhard , Hüser Norbert 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStimulation of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors of innate immunity by pathogen-derived nucleic acids is important for antimicrobial defence, but stimulation through self-derived nucleic acids may contribute to autoinflammation and cancer. DNA sensing in the cytosol requires the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), while cytosolic RNA sensors use mitochondrial antiviral-signalling protein (MAVS). In a murine model of two-thirds hepatectomy, combined deficiency of MAVS and STING resulted in strongly impaired hepatocyte proliferation and delayed recovery of liver mass. Whereas lack of MAVS and STING did not influence upregulation of the G1-phase cyclins D1 and E1, it substantially reduced the hyperphosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein, attenuated the activation of cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK)-2, delayed upregulation of CDK1 and cyclins A2 and B1, and impaired S-phase entry of hepatocytes. Mechanistically, lack of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors strongly upregulated the anti-proliferative mediators TGF-β2 and activin A, which was associated with an increased expression of the cell cycle inhibitors p15 and p21. Partial hepatectomy was followed by the release of exosomes with abundant nucleic acid cargo, which may provide ligands for the MAVS and STING pathways. Together, these findings identify a previously unrecognised function of cytosolic nucleic acid sensors of innate immunity for promoting liver regeneration.
Predicting postoperative facial swelling following impacted mandibular third molars extraction by using artificial neural networks evaluation
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Jun , Li Zu-Bing , Li Zhi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPatients’ postoperative facial swelling following third molars extraction may have both biological impacts and social impacts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of artificial neural networks in the prediction of the postoperative facial swelling following the impacted mandibular third molars extraction. The improved conjugate grads BP algorithm combining with adaptive BP algorithm and conjugate gradient BP algorithm together was used. In this neural networks model, the functional projective relationship was established among patient’s personal factors, anatomy factors of third molars and factors of surgical procedure to facial swelling following impacted mandibular third molars extraction. This neural networks model was trained and tested based on the data from 400 patients, in which 300 patients were made as the training samples, and another100 patients were assigned as the test samples. The improved conjugate grads BP algorithm was able to not only avoid the problem of local minimum effectively, but also improve the networks training speed greatly. 5-fold cross-validation was used to get a better sense of the predictive accuracy of the neural network and early stopping was used to improve generalization. The accuracy of this model was 98.00% for the prediction of facial swelling following impacted mandibular third molars extraction. This artificial intelligence model is approved as an accurate method for prediction of the facial swelling following impacted mandibular third molars extraction.
Investigation of the anti-TB potential of selected propolis constituents using a molecular docking approach
Authors: Ali Mohammad Tuhin , Blicharska Natalia , Shilpi Jamil A. , Seidel Veronique 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHuman tuberculosis (TB), caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis, is the leading bacterial killer disease worldwide and new anti-TB drugs are urgently needed. Natural remedies have long played an important role in medicine and continue to provide some inspiring templates for drug design. Propolis, a substance naturally-produced by bees upon collection of plant resins, is used in folk medicine for its beneficial anti-TB activity. In this study, we used a molecular docking approach to investigate the interactions between selected propolis constituents and four ‘druggable’ proteins involved in vital physiological functions inM.tuberculosis, namelyMtPanK,MtDprE1,MtPknB andMtKasA. The docking score for ligands towards each protein was calculated to estimate the binding free energy, with the best docking score (lowest energy value) indicating the highest predicted ligand/protein affinity. Specific interactions were also explored to understand the nature of intermolecular bonds between the most active ligands and the protein binding site residues. The lignan (+)-sesamin displayed the best docking score towardsMtDprE1 (−10.7 kcal/mol) while the prenylated flavonoid isonymphaeol D docked strongly withMtKasA (−9.7 kcal/mol). Both compounds showed docking scores superior to the control inhibitors and represent potentially interesting scaffolds for furtherin vitrobiological evaluation and anti-TB drug design.
The Facile Modification of Polyacrylate Emulsion via Hexadecane to Enhance Controlled-release Profiles of Coated Urea
Authors: Shen Yazhen , Du Changwen , Zhou Jianmin , Ma Fei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDevelopment of controlled-release urea (CRU) has attracted research attention because of food scarcity problems and environmental concerns. To slow down the nutrient release of CRU coated with waterborne polyacrylate, conventional emulsion polymerization (CEP), conventional emulsion polymerization containing hexadecane (CEP + HD), and miniemulsion polymerization (MP) were carried out to discern the influence of polymerization technique and hexadecane on the properties of emulsions, films, and on the resultant nutrient release profiles of controlled-release urea. The addition of hexadecane improved water resistance, decreased the glass-transition temperature, and slowed down the nutrient release. CEP + HD was superior to MP in retarding nutrient release since the majority of HD was distributed in the exteriors of the particles of the former and interiors of the particles of the latter. Exterior HD improved water resistance more effectively, while interior HD reduced glass-transition temperature more significantly. Overall, our findings showed that incorporation of HD into polyacrylate emulsion produces excellent coatings that delay the release of urea. It has great potential application in controlled-release fertilizers coated with waterborne polymers.
Anti-tumor efficacy of Selinexor (KPT-330) in gastric cancer is dependent on nuclear accumulation of p53 tumor suppressor
Authors: Subhash Vinod Vijay , Yeo Mei Shi , Wang Lingzhi , Tan Shi Hui , Wong Foong Ying , Thuya Win Lwin , Tan Woei Loon , Peethala Praveen C. , Soe Mu Yar , Tan David S. P. , Padmanabhan Nisha , Baloglu Erkan , Shacham Sharon , Tan Patrick , Koeffler H. Phillip , Yong Wei Peng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractExportin-1 (XPO1) controls the nucleo-cytoplasmic trafficking of several key growth regulatory and tumor suppressor proteins. Nuclear export blockade through XPO1 inhibition is a target for therapeutic inhibition in many cancers. Studies have suggested XPO1 upregulation as an indicator of poor prognosis in gastric cancer. In the current study, we investigated the anti-tumor efficacy of selective inhibitors of nuclear export (SINE) compounds KPT-185, KTP-276 and clinical stage selinexor (KPT-330) in gastric cancer. XPO1 was found to be overexpressed in gastric cancer as compared to adjacent normal tissues and was correlated with poor survival outcomes. Among the 3 SINE compounds, in vitro targeting of XPO1 with selinexor resulted in greatest potency with significant anti-proliferative effects at nano molar concentrations. XPO1 inhibition by selinexor resulted in nuclear accumulation of p53, causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Also, inhibition of XPO1 lead to the cytoplasmic retention of p21 and suppression of survivin. Orally administered selienxor caused significant inhibition of tumor growth in xenograft models of gastric cancer. Furthermore, combination of selinexor with irinotecan exhibited greater anti-tumor effect compared to individual treatment. Taken together, our study underscores the therapeutic utility of XPO1 targeting in gastric cancer and suggests the potential benefits of XPO1 inhibition in-combination with chemotherapy.
Isolation and differential transcriptome of vascular smooth muscle cells and mid-capillary pericytes from the rat brain
Authors: Chasseigneaux Stéphanie , Moraca Yasmine , Cochois-Guégan Véronique , Boulay Anne-Cécile , Gilbert Alice , Le Crom Stéphane , Blugeon Corinne , Firmo Cyril , Cisternino Salvatore , Laplanche Jean-Louis , Curis Emmanuel , Declèves Xavier , Saubaméa Bruno 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBrain mural cells form a heterogeneous family which significantly contributes to the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier and regulation of the cerebral blood flow. Current procedures to isolate them cannot specifically separate their distinct subtypes, in particular vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and mid-capillary pericytes (mcPCs), which differ among others by their expression of smooth muscle actin (SMA). We herein describe an innovative method allowing SMA+ VSMCs and SMA− mcPCs to be freshly isolated from the rat cerebral cortex. Using differential RNA-Seq analysis, we then reveal the specific gene expression profile of each subtype. Our results refine the current description of the role of VSMCs in parenchymal cortical arterioles at the molecular level and provide a unique platform to identify the molecular mechanisms underlying the specific functions of mcPCs in the brain vasculature.
Hematoxylin and eosin staining of intact tissues via delipidation and ultrasound
Authors: Li Yawu , Li Ning , Yu Xiang , Huang Kai , Zheng Ting , Cheng Xiaofeng , Zeng Shaoqun , Liu Xiuli 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAcquiring information on the precise distribution of a tumor is essential to evaluate intratumoral heterogeneity. Conventional hematoxylin and eosin staining, which has been used by pathologists for more than 100 years, is the gold standard of tumor diagnosis. However, it is difficult to stain entire tumor tissues with hematoxylin and eosin and then acquire the three-dimensional distribution of cells in solid tumors due to difficulties in the staining and rinsing. In this paper, we propose a modified hematoxylin and eosin staining method, in which delipidation and ultrasound waves were applied to enhance tissue permeability and accelerate dye diffusion. This improved hematoxylin and eosin staining method is termed iHE (intact tissue hematoxylin and eosin staining). We applied the iHE method to stain intact organs of mice, which were then sectioned and imaged sequentially. The results showed that the whole tissue was stained homogeneously. Combined with micro-optical sectioning tomography (MOST), the iHE method can be used for 3D volume imaging and to evaluate the intratumoral heterogeneity of the entire tumor tissue spatially. Therefore, this method may help to accurately diagnose the invasion stage of tumors and guide clinical treatments.