bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variability of Picoeukaryotic Communities in the Mariana Trench
Authors: Jing Hongmei , Zhang Yue , Li Yingdong , Zhu Wenda , Liu Hongbin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPicoeukaryotes play prominent roles in the biogeochemical cycles in marine ecosystems. However, their molecular diversity studies have been confined in marine surface waters or shallow coastal sediments. Here, we investigated the diversity and metabolic activity of picoeukaryotic communities at depths ranging from the surface to the abyssopelagic zone in the western Pacific Ocean above the north and south slopes of the Mariana Trench. This was achieved by amplifying and sequencing the V4 region of both 18S ribosomal DNA and cDNA using Illumina HiSeq sequencing. Our study revealed: (1) Four super-groups (i.e., Alveolata, Opisthokonta, Rhizaria and Stramenopiles) dominated the picoeukaryote assemblages through the water column, although they accounted for different proportions at DNA and cDNA levels. Our data expand the deep-sea assemblages from current bathypelagic to abyssopelagic zones. (2) Using the cDNA-DNA ratio as a proxy of relative metabolic activity, the highest activity for most subgroups was usually found in the mesopelagic zone; and (3) Population shift along the vertical scale was more prominent than that on the horizontal differences, which might be explained by the sharp physicochemical gradients along the water depths. Overall, our study provides a better understanding of the diversity and metabolic activity of picoeukaryotes in water columns of the deep ocean in response to varying environmental conditions.
Epidermal growth factor receptor T790M mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) of Yunnan in southwestern China
Authors: Zhou Yongchun , Ma Yuhui , Shi Hutao , Du Yaxi , Huang Yunchao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo explore the effect of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M mutation status on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Yunnan province of southwestern China. First, this study used the super amplification refractory mutation system (Super ARMS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and Droplet Digital PCR (dd PCR) to evaluate the T790M gene mutation, in plasmatic ctDNA samples from 212 cases of NSCLC. The association between T790M mutations and clinical parameters were further explored. Next, to investigate the mechanism of drug resistance that resulted from T790M mutation, subgroup analyses according to duration of medicine (EGFR-TKIs) were carried out. Finally, we also evaluate the effectiveness of blood-based circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) on detecting the T790M mutation by calculating Super ARMS’s detection efficiency. We found that the T790M mutation rate was 8.4% (18/212) in overall patients. The T790M mutation was more frequent in patients with brain metastasis 30.0% (12/40) (p < 0.01). We found that post-TKI samples 42.8% (15/35) were associated with a higher T790M mutation rate (p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed that the duration of TKI therapy for 6 to 10 months 66.6% (8/12) (p < 0.01) and >10 months 75.0% (9/12) (p < 0.01) were also associated with a higher T790M mutation rate. Super ARMS’s sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and accuracy were 100.0%, 99.4%, 94.7%, 100.0%, and 99.5% respectively. Generally, the EGFR-T790M mutation was more common in NSCLC patients with brain metastasis and those who received TKI therapy for more than 6 months. Moreover, Super ARMS is a sensitive, efficient, and practical clinic method for dynamically monitoring T790M mutation status and effectively guiding clinic treatment.
The earliest evidence for modern-style plate tectonics recorded by HP–LT metamorphism in the Paleoproterozoic of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: François Camille , Debaille Vinciane , Paquette Jean-Louis , Baudet Daniel , Javaux Emmanuelle J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKnowing which geodynamic regimes characterised the early Earth is a fundamental question. This implies to determine when and how modern plate tectonics began. Today, the tectonic regime is dominated by mobile-lid tectonics including deep and cold subduction. However, in the early Earth (4.5 to 2 Ga) stagnant-lid tectonics may also have occurred. The study of high pressure–low temperature (HP–LT) metamorphic rocks is important, because these rocks are only produced in present-day subduction settings. Here, we characterize the oldest known HP–LT eclogite worldwide (2089 ± 13 Ma; 17–23 kbar/500–550 °C), discovered in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We provide evidence that the mafic protolith of the eclogite formed at 2216 ± 26 Ma in a rift-type basin, and was then subducted to mantle depths (>55 km) before being exhumed during a complete Wilson cycle lasting ca. 130 Ma. Our results indicate the operation of modern mobile-lid plate tectonics at 2.2–2.1 Ga.
Early childhood exposure to secondhand smoke and behavioural problems in preschoolers
Authors: Luk Tzu Tsun , Wang Man Ping , Suen Yi Nam , Koh David Soo-quee , Lam Tai Hing , Chan Sophia Siu-chee 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEvidence on behavioural abnormalities in children exposed to secondhand smoke is limited. This study examined the relation between infant/ toddler cotinine concentration, a biomarker of secondhand smoke exposure, and behavioural problems in preschoolers who were unexposed to maternal smoking during gestation. A prospective cohort of 301 non-smoking mothers with their young children aged ≤18 months visiting postnatal primary care clinics in Hong Kong was enrolled in 2012 and followed by telephone survey 3 years afterwards. Saliva was collected at baseline for cotinine assay. Child behavioural health at 3-year follow-up was assessed by the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). We conducted multivariable linear regressions to compute regression coefficients (b) of SDQ scores in relation to salivary cotinine level. Mean ± SD age of children at follow-up was 3.7 ± 0.5 years and 50.8% were boys. After adjusting for age, sex, birthweight, household income, housing type, maternal education and depressive symptoms, greater cotinine concentrations during early childhood were associated with greater conduct problems (b = 0.90, 95% CI 0.03–1.76) and hyperactivity/ inattention (b = 1.12, 95% CI 0.07–2.17) at preschool age. This study corroborates previous findings on the potential role of secondhand smoke in development of child behavioural problems.
Neurogenin3 phosphorylation controls reprogramming efficiency of pancreatic ductal organoids into endocrine cells
Authors: Azzarelli Roberta , Rulands Steffen , Nestorowa Sonia , Davies John , Campinoti Sara , Gillotin Sébastien , Bonfanti Paola , Göttgens Berthold , Huch Meritxell , Simons Benjamin , Philpott Anna 
Published: October 2018

Abstractβ-cell replacement has been proposed as an effective treatment for some forms of diabetes, and in vitro methods for β-cell generation are being extensively explored. A potential source of β-cells comes from fate conversion of exocrine pancreatic cells into the endocrine lineage, by overexpression of three regulators of pancreatic endocrine formation and β-cell identity, Ngn3, Pdx1 and MafA. Pancreatic ductal organoid cultures have recently been developed that can be expanded indefinitely, while maintaining the potential to differentiate into the endocrine lineage. Here, using mouse pancreatic ductal organoids, we see that co-expression of Ngn3, Pdx1 and MafA are required and sufficient to generate cells that express insulin and resemble β-cells transcriptome-wide. Efficiency of β-like cell generation can be significantly enhanced by preventing phosphorylation of Ngn3 protein and further augmented by conditions promoting differentiation. Taken together, our new findings underline the potential of ductal organoid cultures as a source material for generation of β-like cells and demonstrate that post-translational regulation of reprogramming factors can be exploited to enhance β-cell generation.
High-Sensitivity cardiac Troponins in Cardio-Healthy Subjects: A Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study
Authors: Aw Tar-Choon , Huang Wei-ting , Le Thu-Thao , Pua Chee-Jian , Ang Briana , Phua Soon-Kieng , Yeo Khung-Keong , Cook Stuart A. , Chin Calvin W. L. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe 99th percentile upper reference limits (URL) of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) in healthy subjects are essential for diagnosis and management of cardiovascular diseases. Unless screened stringently, subclinical disease affects the derived URL. In 779 healthy subjects(49% males; 17–88 years) screened by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), the gold standard for assessing cardiac volumes and myocardial mass; and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), the 99th percentile URL of hsTnT (Roche) and hs-cTnI (Abbott) were similar to the published URL. The overall 99th percentile URL of hsTnT and hsTnI were 15.2 and 21.2 ng/L, respectively; males had higher values than females (hsTnT: 16.8 versus 11.9 ng/L and hsTnI: 38.8 versus 14.4 ng/L). Correlation between hsTnT and hsTnI was modest (r = 0.45; p < 0.001). A larger proportion of healthy volunteers <60 years had detectable hsTnI compared to hsTnT (n = 534; 30.0% versus 18.3%, p < 0.001). Lower eGFR was an independent clinical determinant of hsTnT, but not hsTnI. Both hs-cTn concentrations were independently associated with myocardial mass and cardiac volumes (p < 0.01 for all), but only hsTnI was independently associated with CMR multi-directional strain measures and extent of LV trabeculations (p < 0.05 for all). Differences exist between hs-cTn assays and may influence their selection depending on cardiac conditions, patient population and local factors.
Using volunteered observations to map human exposure to ticks
Authors: Garcia-Marti Irene , Zurita-Milla Raul , Harms Margriet G. , Swart Arno 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLyme borreliosis (LB) is the most prevalent tick-borne disease in Europe and its incidence has steadily increased over the last two decades. In the Netherlands alone, more than 20,000 citizens are affected by LB each year. Because of this, two Dutch citizen science projects were started to monitor tick bites. Both projects have collected nearly 50,000 geo-located tick bite reports over the period 2006–2016. The number of tick bite reports per area unit is a proxy of tick bite risk. This risk can also be modelled as the result of the interaction of hazard (e.g. tick activity) and human exposure (e.g. outdoor recreational activities). Multiple studies have focused on quantifying tick hazard. However, quantifying human exposure is a harder task. In this work, we make a first step to map human exposure to ticks by combining tick bite reports with a tick hazard model. Our results show human exposure to tick bites in all forested areas of the Netherlands. This information could facilitate the cooperation between public health specialists and forest managers to create better mitigation campaigns for tick-borne diseases, and it could also support the design of improved plans for ecosystem management.
From monetite plate to hydroxyapatite nanofibers by monoethanolamine assisted hydrothermal approach
Authors: Suchanek Katarzyna , Bartkowiak Amanda , Perzanowski Marcin , Marszałek Marta 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCalcium phosphates offer outstanding biological adaptability. Thanks to their specific physico-chemical properties they are one of the most widely used materials in bone tissue engineering applications. The search for an innovative and economic strategy of synthesizing their different forms has been drawing considerable attention in the field. Herein, we report on a facile hydrothermal process in the presence of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid and monoethanolamine to obtain various forms of calcium phosphates. The monoethanolamine served as an alkaline source and crystal growth modifier, while ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid was used to control the Ca2+ supersaturation level under high temperature and high pressure conditions. The obtained inorganic compounds were examined for their elemental composition, morphology, and structure using scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and powder x-ray diffraction. We were able to selectively synthesize monetite plate-like microcrystals as well as hydroxyapatite plates and nanofibers by simply varying the concentration of monoethanolamine.
Novel biconvex structure electrowetting liquid lenticular lens for 2D/3D convertible display
Authors: Sim Jee Hoon , Kim Junoh , Kim Cheoljoong , Shin Dooseub , Lee Junsik , Koo Gyohyun , Jung Gyu Suk , Won Yong Hyub 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRecently, a planoconvex structure electrowetting lenticular lens capable of 2D/3D conversion through a varifocal property by an electrowetting phenomenon has been developed. However, even though it has a similar planoconvex structure to that of a commercial solid lenticular lens, comparable 3D performance could not be realized because the refractive index difference between nonconductive liquid and conductive liquid was not large. Therefore, the goal of the present study is to obtain better 3D performance compared to the conventional planoconvex structure by introducing a novel biconvex structure using ETPTA. The newly developed biconvex structure electrowetting lenticular lens showed greatly improved characteristics compared to the planoconvex structure: dioptric power (171.69D → 1,982.56D), viewing angle (26degrees → 46degrees), and crosstalk ratio (27.27% → 16.18%). Thanks to these improvements, a fine 3D image and a natural motion parallax could be observed with the biconvex structure electrowetting lenticular lens. In addition, the novel biconvex structure electrowetting lenticular lens was designed to achieve a plane lens state with a no voltage applied condition, and as such it could show a clean 2D image at 0 V. In conclusion, a novel biconvex structure electrowetting lenticular lens showed 2D/3D switchable operation as well as excellent 3D performance compared to a solid lenticular lens.
Intercalated metal–organic frameworks with high electronic conductivity as negative electrode materials for hybrid capacitors
Authors: Ozawa Yuka , Ogihara Nobuhiro , Hasegawa Masaki , Hiruta Osamu , Ohba Nobuko , Kishida Yoshihiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHybrid capacitors should ideally exhibit high volumetric energy density, favorable low-temperature performance and safe operation. Here we describe a negative electrode comprising an intercalated metal–organic framework, 4,4′-biphenyl dicarboxylate dilithium [4,4′-Bph(COOLi)2], which forms a repeating organic–inorganic layered structure of π-stacked biphenyl and tetrahedral LiO4 units. The electrode shows a stepwise two-electron transfer and has a capacity of 190 mAh g−1 at 0.7 V vs. Li/Li+, which can suppress the lithium metal deposition reaction occurring an internal short circuit. A hybrid capacitor containing 4,4′-Bph(COOLi)2 negative and activated carbon positive electrodes possesses high volumetric energy density of approximately 60 Wh L−1 and good high-rate performance, particularly at the low temperature of 0 °C, because of low charge-transfer resistance along with low activation energy. Hopping mobility calculations suggest the observed low resistance properties are the result of high electron mobility arising from two electron-hopping pathways between adjacent molecules in the π-stacked biphenyl packing layer by lithium intercalation.
MiR-218-5p targets LHFPL3 to regulate proliferation, migration, and epithelial–mesenchymal transitions of human glioma cells
Authors: Li Zhixiao , Qian Rongjun , Zhang Jiadong , Shi Xiwen 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is a main subtype of high-grade gliomas with features in progressive brain tumor. Lipoma HMGIC fusion partner-like 3 (LHFPL3) is reported to be highly expressed in malignant glioma, but the relationship and mechanism between LHFPL3 and tumor is inexplicit. The present study aimed to screen the miRNAs targeting LHFPL3 and verify the pathogenesis and development of gliomas. Bioinformatics software predicted that miR-218-5p and miR-138-5p can specifically bind to LHFPL3 mRNA. And the expression of miR-218-5p and miR-138-5p was down-regulated in glioma cell lines and glioma tissues from the patients compared with the normal cells. While dual luciferase activity experiment confirmed, only miR-218-5p can directly bind to LHFPL3. After miR-218-5p transfection of U251 and U87 cells, cytological examinations found a reduction in cell activity, proliferation and invasive ability. Further study showed that miR-218-5p transfection could inhibit epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMT). Therefore, miR-218-5p targeting LHFPL3 mRNA plays significant roles in preventing the invasiveness of glioma cells. The present study also revealed a novel mechanism for miRNA–LHFPL3 interaction in glioma cells, which may be potential targets for developing therapies in treating glioma.
Research on key technologies in ±1100 kV ultra‐high voltage DC transmission
Authors: Liu Zehong , Zhang Fuxuan , Yu Jun , Gao Keli , Ma Weimin 
Published: October 2018

Based on completely mastering ±800 kV transmission technologies, the first ±1100 kV direct current (DC) transmission demonstration project is being constructed in China. Combining theoretical analysis and a large number of experiments, the margin of switching overvoltage in converter stations, the configuration scheme and performance of lightning arresters, the shielding angles of ground lines under different geographical conditions, and the maximum air gap of lines have been determined. The switching impulse flashover characteristics of equipotential sphere and typical rod‐plane air gaps are also provided. The external insulation is designed differently for light, medium, and heavy pollution areas. For the ±1100 kV project, if the 8 × 1250 mm2 conductors are applied, the pole gap is 26 m and the height of the line is 25 m, all the electromagnetic parameters will meet the requirement of international electromagnetic standards. The key design points of ±1100 kV converter transformers, smoothing reactors, converter valves, and wall bushings are researched and the 75 mH smoothing reactors, ±1100 kV/5000 A converter valves, and ±1100 kV/5523 A wall bushings are successfully made. The optimised hierarchical connection modes and coordination control measure of the ±1100 kV project are studied and the results can provide sufficient technical support for the demonstration project.
Planetary nebula IC 5148 and its ionized halo
Authors: Barría D. , Kimeswenger S. , Kausch W. , Goldman D. S. 
Published: October 2018

Context. Many round or roundish planetary nebulae (PNe) show multiple shells and halo structures during their evolutionary stage near the maximum temperature of their central star. Controversial debate is ongoing if these structures are recombination halos, as suggested by hydrodynamic modeling efforts, or ionized material. Recently, we discovered a halo with somewhat unusual structures around the sparsely studied PN IC 5148 and present for the first time spectroscopy going out to the halo of such a PN.
Aims. We investigate the spatial distribution of material and its ionization state from the center of the nebula up to the very outskirts of the halo.
Methods. We obtained long-slit low resolution spectroscopy (FORS2 at VLT) of the nebula in two position angles, which we used to investigate the nebular structure and its halo in the optical range from 450 to 880 nm. In addition we used medium resolution spectra taken with X-shooter at VLT ranging from 320 nm to 2.4 μm to derive atmospheric parameters for the central star. We obtained the distance and position in the Galaxy from various methods combined with Gaia DR2 data. We also applied Cloudy models to the nebula in order to derive physical parameters of the various regions.
Results. We obtained spatially resolved structures and detailed descriptions of the outrunning shock front and a set of unusual halo structures denoted to further shock. The halo structures appears clearly as hot ionized material. Furthermore, we derived a reliable photometric value for the central star at a Gaia distance of D = 1.3 kpc. Considering the large distance z = 1.0 kpc from the galactic plane together to its non-circular motion in the galaxy and, a metallicity only slightly below that of typical disk PNe, most likely IC 5148 originates from a thick disk population star.
Effects of Stratified Vitamin D Supplementation in Middle-Aged and Elderly Individuals with Vitamin D Insufficiency
Authors: Lu Yanhui , Fu Xiaomin , Zhang Lili , Liu Minyan , Cheng Xiaoling , Yan Shuangtong , Li Nan , Miao Xinyu , Sun Banruo , Li Chunlin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe incidence of vitamin D deficiency is high globally, and vitamin D supplementation draws particular attention. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stratified vitamin D supplementation in middle-aged and elderly individuals with vitamin D insufficiency in Beijing. A total of 448 subjects aged over 40 years old were selected from a community in Beijing. Among them, 100 middle-aged and elderly people with vitamin D insufficiency were randomly selected on a voluntary basis. They were further divided into control group and intervention group. The control group received health education and lifestyle guidance, and the intervention group received lifestyle guidance and vitamin D supplementation for nine months. The doses were stratified as follows: for vitamin D insufficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 5000 IU/w; for mild vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 10 000 IU/w; for severe vitamin D deficiency, oral vitamin D3 supplement was given at 15 000 IU/w. Safety evaluation was conducted after three-month treatment. The intervention group consisted of 8%, 62%, and 30% of cases who had vitamin D insufficiency, mild vitamin D deficiency, and severe vitamin D deficiency, respectively, which were similar with the control group. It showed that the blood 25(OH)D level increased significantly in the intervention group, from 14.30±4.30 ng/ml to 33.62±6.99 ng/ml (p<0.001), in contrast to insignificant change in the control group. Stratified vitamin D supplementation effectively increased the blood 25(OH)D level, as well as the number of cases with corrected vitamin D insufficiency or deficiency.