bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic and oceanographic tools reveal high population connectivity and diversity in the endangered pen shell Pinna nobilis
Authors: Wesselmann Marlene , González-Wangüemert Mercedes , Serrão Ester A. , Engelen Aschwin H. , Renault Lionel , García-March José R. , Duarte Carlos M. , Hendriks Iris E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFor marine meta-populations with source-sink dynamics knowledge about genetic connectivity is important to conserve biodiversity and design marine protected areas (MPAs). We evaluate connectivity of a Mediterranean sessile species, Pinna nobilis. To address a large geographical scale, partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase I (COI, 590 bp) were used to evaluate phylogeographical patterns in the Western Mediterranean, and in the whole basin using overlapping sequences from the literature (243 bp). Additionally, we combined (1) larval trajectories based on oceanographic currents and early life-history traits and (2) 10 highly polymorphic microsatellite loci collected in the Western Mediterranean. COI results provided evidence for high diversity and low inter-population differentiation. Microsatellite genotypes showed increasing genetic differentiation with oceanographic transport time (isolation by oceanographic distance (IBD) set by marine currents). Genetic differentiation was detected between Banyuls and Murcia and between Murcia and Mallorca. However, no genetic break was detected between the Balearic populations and the mainland. Migration rates together with numerical Lagrangian simulations showed that (i) the Ebro Delta is a larval source for the Balearic populations (ii) Alicante is a sink population, accumulating allelic diversity from nearby populations. The inferred connectivity can be applied in the development of MPA networks in the Western Mediterranean.
ILF2 and ILF3 are autoantigens in canine systemic autoimmune disease
Authors: Bremer Hanna D. , Landegren Nils , Sjöberg Ronald , Hallgren Åsa , Renneker Stefanie , Lattwein Erik , Leonard Dag , Eloranta Maija-Leena , Rönnblom Lars , Nordmark Gunnel , Nilsson Peter , Andersson Göran , Lilliehöök Inger , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin , Kämpe Olle , Hansson-Hamlin Helene 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDogs can spontaneously develop complex systemic autoimmune disorders, with similarities to human autoimmune disease. Autoantibodies directed at self-antigens are a key feature of these autoimmune diseases. Here we report the identification of interleukin enhancer-binding factors 2 and 3 (ILF2 and ILF3) as autoantigens in canine immune-mediated rheumatic disease. The ILF2 autoantibodies were discovered in a small, selected canine cohort through the use of human protein arrays; a method not previously described in dogs. Subsequently, ILF3 autoantibodies were also identified in the same cohort. The results were validated with an independent method in a larger cohort of dogs. ILF2 and ILF3 autoantibodies were found exclusively, and at a high frequency, in dogs that showed a speckled pattern of antinuclear antibodies on immunofluorescence. ILF2 and ILF3 autoantibodies were also found at low frequency in human patients with SLE and Sjögren’s syndrome. These autoantibodies have the potential to be used as diagnostic biomarkers for canine, and possibly also human, autoimmune disease.
Zinc ion rapidly induces toxic, off-pathway amyloid-β oligomers distinct from amyloid-β derived diffusible ligands in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lee Ming-Che , Yu Wan-Cheng , Shih Yao-Hsiang , Chen Chun-Yu , Guo Zhong-Hong , Huang Shing-Jong , Chan Jerry C. C. , Chen Yun-Ru 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease in the elderly. Zinc (Zn) ion interacts with the pathogenic hallmark, amyloid-β (Aβ), and is enriched in senile plaques in brain of AD patients. To understand Zn-chelated Aβ (ZnAβ) species, here we systematically characterized ZnAβ aggregates by incubating equimolar Aβ with Zn. We found ZnAβ40 and ZnAβ42 both form spherical oligomers with a diameter of ~12–14 nm composed of reduced β-sheet content. Oligomer assembly examined by analytical ultracentrifugation, hydrophobic exposure by BisANS spectra, and immunoreactivity of ZnAβ and Aβ derived diffusible ligands (ADDLs) are distinct. The site-specific13C labeled solid-state NMR spectra showed that ZnAβ40 adopts β-sheet structure as in Aβ40 fibrils. Interestingly, removal of Zn by EDTA rapidly shifted the equilibrium back to fibrillization pathway with a faster kinetics. Moreover, ZnAβ oligomers have stronger toxicity than ADDLs by cell viability and cytotoxicity assays. Theex vivostudy showed that ZnAβ oligomers potently inhibited hippocampal LTP in the wild-type C57BL/6JNarl mice. Finally, we demonstrated that ZnAβ oligomers stimulate hippocampal microglia activation in an acute Aβ-injected model. Overall, our study demonstrates that ZnAβ rapidly form toxic and distinct off-pathway oligomers. The finding provides a potential target for AD therapeutic development.
Computational and biological characterization of fusion proteins of two insecticidal proteins for control of insect pests
Authors: Javaid Shaista , Naz Sehrish , Amin Imran , Jander Georg , Ul-Haq Zaheer , Mansoor Shahid 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSucking pests pose a serious agricultural challenge, as available transgenic technologies such as Bacillus thuringiensis crystal toxins (Bt) are not effective against them. One approach is to produce fusion protein toxins for the control of these pests. Two protein toxins, Hvt (ω-atracotoxin from Hadronyche versuta) and onion leaf lectin, were translationally fused to evaluate the negative effects of fusion proteins on Phenacoccus solenopsis (mealybug), a phloem-feeding insect pest. Hvt was cloned both N-terminally (HL) and then C-terminally (LH) in the fusion protein constructs, which were expressed transiently in Nicotiana tabacum using a Potato Virus X (PVX) vector. The HL fusion protein was found to be more effective against P. solenopsis, with an 83% mortality rate, as compared to the LH protein, which caused 65% mortality. Hvt and lectin alone caused 42% and 45%, respectively, under the same conditions. Computational studies of both fusion proteins showed that the HL protein is more stable than the LH protein. Together, these results demonstrate that translational fusion of two insecticidal proteins improved the insecticidal activity relative to each protein individually and could be expressed in transgenic plants for effective control of sucking pests.
Androgen receptor modulation following combination exposure to brominated flame-retardants
Authors: Kharlyngdoh Joubert Banjop , Pradhan Ajay , Olsson Per-Erik 
Published: March 2018

AbstractEndocrine disrupting compounds can interfere with androgen receptor (AR) signaling and disrupt steroidogenesis leading to reproductive failure. The brominated flame-retardant (BFR) 1, 2-dibromo-4-(1, 2-dibromoethyl) cyclohexane (TBECH), is an agonist to human, chicken and zebrafish AR. Recently another group of alternative BFRs, allyl 2, 4, 6-tribromophenyl ether (ATE), and 2, 3-dibromopropyl 2, 4, 6-tribromophenyl ether (DPTE) along with its metabolite 2-bromoallyl 2, 4, 6-tribromophenyl ether (BATE) were identified as potent human AR antagonists. These alternative BFRs are present in the environment. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of mixed exposures to the AR agonist and the AR antagonists at environmentally relevant concentrations. In vitro reporter luciferase assay showed that the AR antagonists, when present at concentration higher than TBECH, were able to inhibit TBECH-mediated AR activity. These AR antagonists also promoted AR nuclear translocation. In vitro gene expression analysis in the non-tumorigenic human prostate epithelial cell RWPE1 showed that TBECH induced AR target genes whereas DPTE repressed these genes. Further analysis of steroidogenic genes showed that TBECH up-regulated most of the genes while DPTE down-regulated the same genes. The results indicate that when TBECH and DPTE are present together they will antagonize each other, thereby reducing their individual effects.
Differential gene expression revealed with RNA-Seq and parallel genotype selection of the ornithine decarboxylase gene in fish inhabiting polluted areas
Authors: Vega-Retter C. , Rojas-Hernandez N. , Vila I. , Espejo R. , Loyola D. E. , Copaja S. , Briones M. , Nolte A. W. , Véliz D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHow organisms adapt to unfavorable environmental conditions by means of plasticity or selection of favorable genetic variants is a central issue in evolutionary biology. In the Maipo River basin, the fishBasilichthys microlepidotusinhabits polluted and non-polluted areas. Previous studies have suggested that directional selection drives genomic divergence between these areas in 4% of Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) loci, but the underlying genes and functions remain unknown. We hypothesized thatB. microlepidotusin this basin has plastic and/or genetic responses to these conditions. Using RNA-Seq, we identified differentially expressed genes in individuals from two polluted sites compared with fish inhabiting non-polluted sites. In one polluted site, the main upregulated genes were related to cellular proliferation as well as suppression and progression of tumors, while biological processes and molecular functions involved in apoptotic processes were overrepresented in the upregulated genes of the second polluted site. The ornithine decarboxylase gene (related to tumor promotion and progression), which was overexpressed in both polluted sites, was sequenced, and a parallel pattern of a heterozygote deficiency and increase of the same homozygote genotype in both polluted sites compared with fish inhabiting the non-polluted sites was detected. These results suggest the occurrence of both a plastic response in gene expression and an interplay between phenotypic change and genotypic selection in the face of anthropogenic pollution.
Synthesis of transfer-free graphene on cemented carbide surface
Authors: Yu Xiang , Zhang Zhen , Liu Fei , Ren Yi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDirect growth of spherical graphene with large surface area is important for various applications in sensor technology. However, the preparation of transfer-free graphene on different substrates is still a challenge. This study presents a novel approach for the transfer-free graphene growth directly on cemented carbide. The used simple thermal annealing induces an in-situ transformation of magnetron-sputtered amorphous silicon carbide films into the graphene matrix. The study reveals the role of Co, a binding phase in cemented carbides, in Si sublimation process, and its interplay with the annealing temperature in development of the graphene matrix. A detailed physico-chemical characterisation was performed by structural (XRD analysis and Raman spectroscopy with mapping studies), morphological (SEM) and chemical (EDS) analyses. The optimal bilayer graphene matrix with hollow graphene spheres on top readily grows at 1000 °C. Higher annealing temperature critically decreases the amount of Si, which yields an increased number of the graphene layers and formation of multi-layer graphene (MLG). The proposed action mechanism involves silicidation of Co during thermal treatment, which influences the existing chemical form of Co, and thus, the graphene formation and variations in a number of the formed graphene layers.
Effect of FePd alloy composition on the dynamics of artificial spin ice
Authors: Morley Sophie A. , Riley Susan T. , Porro Jose-Maria , Rosamond Mark C. , Linfield Edmund H. , Cunningham John E. , Langridge Sean , Marrows Christopher H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractArtificial spin ices (ASI) are arrays of single domain nano-magnetic islands, arranged in geometries that give rise to frustrated magnetostatic interactions. It is possible to reach their ground state via thermal annealing. We have made square ASI using different FePd alloys to vary the magnetization via co-sputtering. From a polarized state the samples were incrementally heated and we measured the vertex population as a function of temperature using magnetic force microscopy. For the higher magnetization FePd sample, we report an onset of dynamics at T = 493 K, with a rapid collapse into >90% ground state vertices. In contrast, the low magnetization sample started to fluctuate at lower temperatures, T = 393 K and over a wider temperature range but only reached a maximum of 25% of ground state vertices. These results indicate that the interaction strength, dynamic temperature range and pathways can be finely tuned using a simple co-sputtering process. In addition we have compared our experimental values of the blocking temperature to those predicted using the simple Néel-Brown two-state model and find a large discrepancy which we attribute to activation volumes much smaller than the island volume.
Ricci-flow based conformal mapping of the proximal femur to identify exercise loading effects
Authors: Narra Nathaniel , Abe Shinya , Dimitrov Vassil , Nikander Riku , Kouhia Reijo , Sievänen Harri , Hyttinen Jari 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe causal relationship between habitual loading and adaptive response in bone morphology is commonly explored by analysing the spatial distribution of mechanically relevant features. In this study, 3D distribution of features in the proximal femur of 91 female athletes (5 exercise loading groups representing habitual loading) is contrasted with 20 controls. A femur specific Ricci-flow based conformal mapping procedure was developed for establishing correspondence among the periosteal surfaces. The procedure leverages the invariance of the conformal mapping method to isometric shape differences to align surfaces in the 2D parametric domain, to produce dense correspondences across an isotopological set of surfaces. This is implemented through a multi-parametrisation approach to detect surface features and to overcome the issue of inconsistency in the anatomical extent present in the data. Subsequently, the group-wise distribution of two mechanically relevant features was studied – cortical thickness and surface principal strains (simulation results of a sideways fall). Statistical inferences over the surfaces were made by contrasting the athlete groups with the controls through statistical parametric mapping. With the aid of group-wise and composite-group maps, proximal femur regions affected by specific loading groups were identified with a high degree of spatial localisation.
Strong cooling induced by stand-replacing fires through albedo in Siberian larch forests
Authors: Chen Dong , Loboda Tatiana V. , He Tao , Zhang Yi , Liang Shunlin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe Siberian larch forests, taking up about a fifth of the global boreal biome, are different from the North American boreal forests in that they generally do not undergo a secondary succession. While wildfires in the boreal forests in North America have been shown to exert a cooling effect on the climate system through a sharp increase in surface albedo associated with canopy removal and species composition change during succession, the magnitude of the surface forcing resulting from fire-induced albedo change and its longevity in Siberia have not been previously quantified. Here we show that in contrast to previous expectations, stand-replacing fires exert a strong cooling effect similar in magnitude to that in North America. This cooling effect is attributable to the increase in surface albedo during snow-on periods. However, the observed earlier snowmelt in the region, and subsequently a longer snow-free season, has resulted in a warming effect which has the potential to offset the fire-induced cooling. The net albedo-induced forcing of the Siberian larch forests in the future would hinge on the interaction between the fire-induced cooling effect and the climate-induced warming effect, both of which will be impacted by the expected further warming in the region.
Proteins enriched in charged amino acids control the formation and stabilization of selenium nanoparticles in Comamonas testosteroni S44
Authors: Xu Ding , Yang Lichen , Wang Yu , Wang Gejiao , Rensing Christopher , Zheng Shixue 
Published: March 2018

AbstractElemental selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are useful in medicine, environmental remediation and in material science. Biosynthesized SeNPs (BioSeNPs) by bacteria are cheap, eco-friendly and have a lower cytotoxicity in comparison with chemically synthesized ones. Organic matters were found to cap on the surface of BioSeNPs, but the functions were still not entirely clear. The purified BioSeNPs were coated in a thick layer of organic substrates observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and quantitative detection of the coating agents showed that one gram of purified BioSeNPs bound 1069 mg proteins, 23 mg carbohydrates and only very limited amounts of lipids. Proteomics of BioSeNPs showed more than 800 proteins bound to BioSeNPs. Proteins enriched in charged amino acids are the major factor thought to govern the formation process and stabilization of BioSeNPs in bacteria. In view of the results reported here, a schematic model for the molecular mechanism of BioSeNPs formation in bacteria is proposed. These findings are helpful for the artificial green synthesis of stable SeNPs under specific condition and guiding the surface modification of SeNPs for medicine application.
Low‐power pulse width modulation (PWM) for high‐frequency DC–DC converters
Authors: Veerabathini A. , Eshappa N.B. , Furth P.M. 
Published: March 2018

A low‐power pulse width modulation (PWM) control circuit for high‐frequency switching direct current (DC)–DC converters based on a one‐shot circuit is proposed. The proposed PWM control circuit eliminates the use of a high‐power comparator and ramp generator that is conventionally used to generate the PWM waveform. The design is validated through simulation in a 0.13‐μm process. The proposed circuit operating at 20 MHz demonstrates greater than 20× reduction in power consumption compared with the conventional PWM circuit over a duty‐cycle range of 10–90%.
High‐frequency electric‐motor modelling for conducted CM current prediction in adjustable speed drive system
Authors: Bi Chuang , Jia Kelin , Wu Yingzhe , Dong Liang , Li Hui , Yao Weizheng , Liu Gang , Zhang Hailong 
Published: March 2018

This study presents a novel high‐frequency three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) model to predict the common‐mode (CM) current and CM voltage in a pulse‐width modulation inverter‐fed adjustable speed drive systems. Parameters of the model are calculated based on the measured CM impedance, applying vector fitting method. The model‐calculated CM impedance is compared with the experimental impedance measured on a 3 kW PMSM with the star‐winding connection, which has shown considerable accuracy at a frequency range of 100 Hz–10 MHz. The frequency‐domain analysis of CM voltage and CM current is then predicted by using the proposed circuit model in MATLAB/Simulink, which gives good agreement between calculated and the measured results.
Mitigation of the low‐frequency neutral‐point current for three‐level T‐type inverters in three‐phase four‐wire systems
Authors: Zhang Wenping , Ding Chen 
Published: March 2018

Large electrolytic capacitors are normally applied to maintain a stiff DC‐bus in uninterrupted power supply systems. However, the low‐frequency currents flow through them, which can reduce their lifespan and risk the system reliability. Therefore, this study investigates the neutral‐point current and corresponding suppression scenarios for three‐phase four‐wire three‐level T‐type inverters. First, the neutral‐point current for three‐level T‐type inverters is analysed and the mathematical expression is obtained. With the mathematical model, the neutral‐point currents in cases of different load conditions are investigated. In order to reduce the neutral‐point current and extend the lifespan of DC‐bus capacitors, a neutral‐point current suppression control strategy is proposed. The basic concept of the proposed control strategy and its effectiveness in cases of different load conditions are presented. Finally, a 30 kW T‐type three‐level inverter platform is built and the experimental results are presented to verify the theoretical analysis.
Facile method for detecting C23H25ClN2 in fish using Au nanoparticle films as SERS substrates on glass
Authors: Li Yan‐meng , Wang Li‐wei , Li Ruo‐ping , Han Jun‐he , Huang Ming‐ju 
Published: March 2018

Malachite green (C23H25ClN2) is an illegal fungicide of aquatic products due to its potential carcinogenic, teratogenic, and mutagenic effects. It is typically challenging to detect C23H25ClN2 in fish with conventional techniques. The study reported a simple and rapid method for detecting C23H25ClN2 on fish surface with surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). Using the seed growth method with trometamol as the modifier, 110 nm in‐diameter gold nanoparticles on thin glass as SERS substrate were prepared, which exhibited high SERS activity, reproducibility, stability, and flexibility in SERS measurement. The fish samples required no pretreatment and the entire measurement took <5 min. Quantitative analyses were also conducted. Excellent linear relationships (R 2 = 0.9397–0.9977) were obtained between the concentrations and the peak intensities of C23H25ClN2 at some characteristic peaks with a wide concentrations range (0.5–10 μM). The detection limit can reach 0.5 μM. This method provided an easy and fast way to detect C23H25ClN2 on fish surface for food safety.
Modelling and optimisation of sodium silicate based silica aerogel synthesis using response surface methodology
Authors: Mirzaee Seyed Saeed , Salahi Esmaeil , Khanlarkhani Ali 
Published: March 2018

The purpose of this work was to model and optimise the preparation of silica aerogel using low‐cost material and modified sol–gel process. A central composite design was employed to optimise the synthesis factors. Among all factors discussed in literatures, silica concentration, gelation time and hydrophobic agent amount were the most efficacious ones. All experiments were performed at the same conditions, but the elected factors were varied in five levels. The response (density of silica aerogel) was fitted by quadratic regression model to find the optimal condition. Computation results showed that the minimum density of silica aerogel was achieved at silica concentration of 4.12 g/l, acid amount of 14.46 ml and trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS) consumption of 10.39 ml. The best density of silica aerogel was 0.078915 g/cm3 and the specific surface area determined by Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis was 780 m2/g.