bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical Detection of Positively Charged Carbon Nanoparticles Suspension in Flow
Authors: Gocyla Mateusz , Dolinska Joanna , Rostkowska Natalia , Opallo Marcin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe electrochemical behaviour of suspended nanoparticles received some attention recently. Very few studies are performed in the flow system. Here, we have demonstrated that injection of positively charged (with ammonium functionalities) carbon nanoparticles suspension to flowing ascorbic acid solution significantly enhances its chronoamperometric response and can be used for these nanoparticles detection. This is because of electrocatalytic properties of these nanoparticles towards ascorbic acid electrooxidation. The magnitude of the signal depends on the type of flow system and is larger than in the case of suspension of negatively charged nanoparticles. It is also proportional to the concentration of nanoparticles. Their adsorption on the electrode surface plays the crucial role in the electrode process.
Current state‐of‐art of STR sequencing in forensic genetics
Authors: Alonso Antonio , Barrio Pedro Alberto , Müller Petra , Köcher Steffi , Berger Burkhard , Martin Pablo , Bodner Martin , Willuweit Sascha , Parson Walther , Roewer Lutz , Budowle Bruce 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe current state of validation and implementation strategies of massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology for the analysis of STR markers for forensic genetics use is described, covering the topics of the current catalog of commercial MPS‐STR panels, leading MPS‐platforms, and MPS‐STR data analysis tools. In addition, the developmental and internal validation studies carried out to date to evaluate reliability, sensitivity, mixture analysis, concordance, and the ability to analyze challenged samples are summarized. The results of various MPS‐STR population studies that showed a large number of new STR sequence variants that increase the power of discrimination in several forensically relevant loci are also presented. Finally, various initiatives developed by several international projects and standardization (or guidelines) groups to facilitate application of MPS technology for STR marker analyses are discussed in regard to promoting a standard STR sequence nomenclature, performing population studies to detect sequence variants, and developing a universal system to translate sequence variants into a simple STR nomenclature (numbers and letters) compatible with national STR databases.
Complementary middle‐down and intact monoclonal antibody proteoform characterization by capillary zone electrophoresis – mass spectrometry
Authors: Belov Arseniy M. , Zang Li , Sebastiano Roberto , Santos Marcia R. , Bush David R. , Karger Barry L. , Ivanov Alexander R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractHigh‐resolution capillary zone electrophoresis – mass spectrometry (CZE‐MS) has been of increasing interest for the analysis of biopharmaceuticals. In this work, a combination of middle‐down and intact CZE‐MS analyses has been implemented for the characterization of a biotherapeutic monoclonal antibody (mAb) with a variety of post‐translational modifications (PTMs) and glycosylation structures. Middle‐down and intact CZE separations were performed in an acidified methanol‐water background electrolyte on a capillary with a positively charged coating (M7C4I) coupled to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer using a commercial sheathless interface (CESI). Middle‐down analysis of the IdeS‐digested mAb provided characterization of PTMs of digestion fragments. High resolution CZE enabled separation of charge variants corresponding to 2X‐deamidated, 1X‐deamidated, and non‐deamidated forms at baseline resolution. In the course of the middle‐down CZE‐MS analysis, separation of glycoforms of the FC/2 fragment was accomplished due to hydrodynamic volume differences. Several identified PTMs were confirmed by CZE‐MS2. Incorporation of TCEP‐HCl reducing agent in the sample solvent resulted in successful analysis of reduced forms without the need for alkylation. CZE‐MS studies on the intact mAb under denaturing conditions enabled baseline separation of the 2X‐glycosylated, 1X‐glycosylated, and aglycosylated populations as a result of hydrodynamic volume differences. The presence of a trace quantity of dissociated light chain was also detected in the intact protein analysis. Characterization of the mAb under native conditions verified identifications achieved via intact analysis and allowed for quantitative confirmation of proteoforms. Analysis of mAbs using CZE‐MS represents a complementary approach to the more conventional liquid‐chromatography – mass spectrometry‐based approaches.
Evaluation of massively parallel sequencing for forensic DNA methylation profiling
Authors: Richards Rebecca , Patel Jayshree , Stevenson Kate , Harbison SallyAnn 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEpigenetics is an emerging area of interest in forensic science. DNA methylation, a type of epigenetic modification, can be applied to chronological age estimation, identical twin differentiation and body fluid identification. However, there is not yet an agreed, established methodology for targeted detection and analysis of DNA methylation markers in forensic research. Recently, a massively parallel sequencing‐based approach has been suggested. The use of massively parallel sequencing is well established in clinical epigenetics and is emerging as a new technology in the forensic field. This review investigates the potential benefits, limitations, and considerations of this technique for the analysis of DNA methylation in a forensic context. The importance of a robust protocol, regardless of the methodology used, which minimizes potential sources of bias is highlighted.
Aeolian dynamics of transgressive dunefields on the southern Mozambique coast, Africa
Authors: Miguel Lucas Lavo António Jimo , Castro João Wagner Alencar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA relatively unknown coastal zone of southern Mozambique in Africa is covered by vast mobile and stabilized dunefields. The aeolian dynamics of these transgressive dunefields are studied based on mobility and stability models, statistical analysis of climate data and topographic profiles. Detailed analyses of regional winds, rainfall records, atmospheric temperature records and annual monitoring of dune migration rates helped to find reliable data about instantaneous aeolian sand transport rates, wind drift potential, dune mobility and dune migration rates. The data obtained suggest that the coastal transgressive dunefields are controlled by the southeast winds, availability of loose sediments on the beach, the presence of headland boundary between Maputo and Gaza provinces and the appropriate deposition spaces between the coastline and lacustrine‐lagoon systems. Two distinctive segments of transgressive dunefields were identified in the region studied, including the northern segment of Maputo province with active (mobile) and semi‐vegetated dunes that migrate 23 m/yr landward, and Gaza province dunefields with stabilized (vegetated) and semi‐vegetated dunes. The data obtained in this research have considerable potential to make a valuable contribution to the study of coastal dunefields. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Strong hybrid male incompatibilities impede the spread of a selfish chromosome between populations of a fly
Authors: Verspoor Rudi L. , Smith Jack M. L. , Mannion Natasha L. M. , Hurst Gregory D. D. , Price Tom A. R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMeiotically driving sex chromosomes manipulate gametogenesis to increase their transmission at a cost to the rest of the genome. The intragenomic conflicts they produce have major impacts on the ecology and evolution of their host species. However, their ecological dynamics remain poorly understood. Simple population genetic models predict meiotic drivers will rapidly reach fixation in populations and spread across landscapes. In contrast, natural populations commonly show spatial variation in the frequency of drivers, with drive present in clines or mosaics across species ranges. For example, Drosophila subobscura harbors a sex ratio distorting drive chromosome (SRs) at 15–25% frequency in North Africa, present at less than 2% frequency in adjacent southern Spain, and absent in other European populations. Here, we investigate the forces preventing the spread of the driver northward. We show that SRs has remained at a constant frequency in North Africa, and failed to spread in Spain. We find strong evidence that spread is impeded by genetic incompatibility between SRs and Spanish autosomal backgrounds. When we cross SRs from North Africa onto Spanish genetic backgrounds we observe strong incompatibilities specific to hybrids bearing SRs. The incompatibilities increase in severity in F2 male hybrids, leading to almost complete infertility. We find no evidence supporting an alternative hypothesis, that there is resistance to drive in Spanish populations. We conclude that the source of the stepped frequency variation is genetic incompatibility between the SRs chromosome and the genetic backgrounds of the adjacent population, preventing SRs spreading northward. The low frequency of SRs in South Spain is consistent with recurrent gene flow across the Strait of Gibraltar combined with selection against the SRs element through genetic incompatibility. This demonstrates that incompatibilities between drive chromosomes and naïve populations can prevent the spread of drive between populations, at a continental scale.
Chronology, petrology, geochemistry and tectonic environment of the Bailingshan complex in Eastern Tianshan, Xinjiang, NW China
Authors: Fan Shuanghu , Chen Shu'e , Liu Lei , Zhang Yibin , Zhang Li , Zhang Tianyu , Yang Liu‐Chen 
Published: May 2018

The Bailingshan complex distributed in the Jueluotage tectonic belt of Eastern Tianshan is composed of quartz monzodiorite, granodiorite, monzogranite, and granite. The petrography and petrochemistry of the complex have the features of metaluminous–high K calc‐alkaline series. The ages obtained by zircon U–Pb dating from different rocks indicate that quartz monzodiorite, granodiorite, monzogranite, and granite formed in 314.2 ± 3.5, 302.5 ± 3.8, 298.2 ± 3.6, and 310.9 ± 4.7 Ma, respectively, which is equivalent to the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian. The unconformity between the Lower Carboniferous and Upper Carboniferous in the Jueluotage tectonic belt indicates that the collisional orogen finished in the later period of the Early Carboniferous in this area, and that it began to enter the post‐collisional extension from the Late Carboniferous. The magmatic intrusion is a sign of the extensional activity of the Jueluotage tectonic belt in the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian.
Nucleus reuniens of the thalamus controls fear memory intensity, specificity and long‐term maintenance during consolidation
Authors: Troyner Fernanda , Bicca Maíra A. , Bertoglio Leandro J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe thalamic nucleus reuniens (NR) has been shown to support bidirectional medial prefrontal cortex‐hippocampus communication and synchronization relevant for cognitive processing. Using non‐selective or prolonged inactivation of the NR, previous studies reported its activity positively modulates aversive memory consolidation. Here we examined the NR's role in consolidating contextual fear memories with varied strength, at both recent and more remote time points, using muscimol‐induced temporary inactivation in rats. Results indicate the NR negatively modulates fear memory intensity, specificity, and long‐term maintenance. The more intense, generalized, and enduring fear memory induced by NR inactivation during consolidation was less prone to behavioral suppression by extinction or reconsolidation disruption induced by clonidine, an alpha‐2 adrenergic receptor agonist. Lastly, we used immunohistochemistry for Arc protein, which is involved in synaptic modifications underlying memory consolidation, to investigate whether treatment condition and/or conditioning status could change its levels not only in the NR, but also in the hippocampus (dorsal and ventral CA1 subregions) and the medial prefrontal cortex (anterior cingulate, prelimbic and infralimbic subregions). Results indicate a significant imbalance in the number of Arc‐expressing neurons in the brain areas investigated in muscimol fear conditioned animals when compared with controls. Collectively, present results provide convergent evidence for the NR's role as a hub regulating quantitative and qualitative aspects of a contextual fear memory during its consolidation that seem to influence the subsequent susceptibility to experimental interventions aiming at attenuating its expression. They also indicate the selectivity and duration of a given inactivation approach may influence its outcomes.
Association Between Body Mass Index and the Risk of Hip Fracture by Sex and Age: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kim Se Hwa , Yi Sang-Wook , Yi Jee-Jeon , Kim Yoo Mee , Won Young Jun 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

The association between body mass index (BMI) and hip fracture may differ by ethnic group. We examined the association between BMI and hip fracture according to sex and age and to identify BMI ranges associated with the lowest risk in Korean men and women. We followed up 288,068 Korean adults (aged 50 to 80 years), who underwent health examinations in 2002–03 to 2013; we examined national hospital discharge records. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated using Cox proportional hazard models after adjusting for confounders. During a mean follow-up period of 10.5 years, 1502 men and 2432 women suffered a hip fracture. Nonlinear associations were observed between BMI and hip fracture: a U-curve for women and a reverse J-curve for men. Men with BMIs of 27.5 to 29.9 kg/m2 and women with BMIs of 25 to 27.4 kg/m2 showed the lowest incidence of hip fracture. The multivariate-adjusted HRs for hip fracture per 5 kg/m2 decrease in BMI were 2.09 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.83–2.38) and 1.34 (95% CI 1.19–1.51) in men and women with BMI &lt;25 kg/m2. The HRs were generally highest in the age group of 50 to 59 years (HR = 3.42 in men and 2.27 in women) and thereafter decreased with age. Among participants with BMI ≥25 kg/m2, the HRs for hip fracture per 5 kg/m2 increase in BMI were 1.26 (95% CI 1.08–1.47) in women and 0.91 (95% CI 0.62–1.33) in men. In conclusion, the overweight range of BMI was associated with the lowest risk of hip fracture. Lower BMI was a risk factor for hip fracture, whereas obesity was associated with an increased risk of hip fracture, particularly in women. Overweight may be protective against hip fracture in Asian adults but not obesity. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
LRP1 Suppresses Bone Resorption in Mice by Inhibiting the RANKL-Stimulated NF-κB and p38 Pathways During Osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Lu Di , Li Jianshuang , Liu Huadie , Foxa Gabrielle E , Weaver Kevin , Li Jie , Williams Bart O , Yang Tao 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACT

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the LRP1 gene coding sequence are associated with low bone mass, and cell culture studies suggest that LRP1 plays a role in osteoblast proliferation and osteoblast-mediated osteoclastogenesis. However, the in vivo function of LRP1 in bone homeostasis has not been explored. In this work, we studied the osteoclast-specific role of LRP1 in bone homeostasis using a Ctsk-Cre;Lrp1f/f mouse model on the C57BL/6J background. These mice had a dramatically decreased trabecular bone mass with markedly more osteoclasts, while the osteoblast activity was unaffected or slightly increased. The cortical bone parameters were largely unaltered. Upon RANKL treatment, Lrp1-deficient bone marrow monocytes more efficiently differentiated into osteoclasts and showed elevated p65 NFκB and p38 signaling. Consistently, Lrp1-overexpressing Raw264.7 cells were desensitized to RANKL-induced p38 and p65 activation and osteoclastogenesis. Moreover, RANKL treatment led to a sharp decrease of LRP1 protein and RNA in BMMs. Overall, our data suggest that osteoclast-expressed LRP1 is a crucial regulator of bone mass. It inhibits the NFκB and p38 pathways and lessens the efficiency of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Roles of methyltrienolone (R1881) in AKTs and AR expression patterns of cultured granulosa‐lutein cells
Authors: Nekoonam Saeid , Naji Mohammad , Mortezaee Keywan , Amidi Fardin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAR‐mediated androgen signaling plays a key role in female reproductive system. Granulosa‐lutein cells (GCs) are the main sites for expression of androgen receptor (AR). There is also a close relation between AKT signaling and AR. Here, we assayed the role for a synthetic AR ligand methyltrienolone (R1881) in expressions of AKTs and AR. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) was performed in 20 normal women. Mural GCs were isolated by filtration method, cultured, and passaged. Then, the cells were starved for 48 h with 10% charcoal stripped FBS. The cells were then treated with R1881, bicalutamide (AR blocker), LY294002 (PI3K/AKT pathway blocker), and combination of them for 48 h. Finally, GCs were evaluated for quantitative real‐time PCR analysis of AKT1, AKT2, AKT3, and AR, and also Western blot assessment of total AKT and phosphorylated AKT (p‐AKT) [Ser473 and Thr308]. Addition of R1881 to the GCs culture showed high expressions of AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3 (P ≤ 0.05 vs LY294002 group and bicalutamide group). Expressions of AKT1 and AKT2 were decreased in the GCs under exposure to bicalutamide or LY294002 (P ≤ 0.05 vs R1881). AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3 showed decreased rates of expressions in the LY294002 + bicalutamide group (P ≤ 0.05 vs R1881). AR, total AKT and p‐AKT showed no significant differences between groups. Our findings indicate that 46 h exposure with R1881 could affect AKTs expressions in the GCs of pre‐ovulatory phase, but it cannot promote AR expression and AKTs activation.
In silico analysis of single‐cell RNA sequencing data from 3 and 7 days old mouse spermatogonial stem cells to identify their differentially expressed genes and transcriptional regulators
Authors: Sisakhtnezhad Sajjad 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), which are at the basis of spermatogenesis process, are valuable cells with different applications in biotechnology and regenerative medicine. Understanding the molecular basis of SSC self‐renewal and differentiation at various developmental stages of the male organism is crucial to find key factors in the SSCs fate and function. Therefore, this study was aimed to use single‐cell RNA‐sequencing dataset analysis for identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their regulators in 3 and 7 days old mouse‐derived single SSCs (mSSCs). Results showed 68 upregulated and 203 downregulated genes in 7 days old mouse‐derived SSCs compared to 3 days old mSSCs, which were associated with 1493 and 3077 biological processes, respectively. It also found that DAZL, FKBP6, PAIP2, DDX4, H3F3B, TEX15, XRN2, MAEL, and SOD1 are important factors with the higher gene expression pattern, which may be pivotal for mSSCs fate and function during development of germ cells. Moreover, NR3C1, RXRA, NCOA, ESR1, PML, ATF2, BMI1, POU5F1, and CHD1 were the main central regulators for the upregulated DEGs, while HNF1A, C/EBPα, and NFATC1 were the master regulators for the downregulated DEGs. In this regard, two significant protein complexes were found in the protein‐protein interactions network for the upregulated DEGs regulators. Furthermore, 24 protein kinases detected upstream of the main central regulators of DEGs. In conclusion, this study presents DEGs and their transcriptional regulators that are crucial for inducing and regulating SSCs commitment during development, and for developing efficient protocols to identify and isolate SSCs for different applications.
Circulating lncRNA IFNG‐AS1 expression correlates with increased disease risk, higher disease severity and elevated inflammation in patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Xu Yahuan , Shao Bibo 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundThis study aimed to investigate the associations of circulating long, non‐coding (lncRNA) IFNG‐AS1, lncRNA ANRIL and lncRNA ITSN1 relative expressions with disease risk, severity and inflammatory cytokines levels in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.MethodsOne hundred and ninety‐one patients suspected of CAD who underwent coronary angiography were consecutively enrolled in this casecontrol study, and divided into CAD patients (N = 102) and controls (N = 89) according to coronary angiographic results. Blood samples of all participants were collected. Plasma lncRNA IFNG‐AS1, lncRNA ANRIL and lncRNA ITSN1 expressions were detected using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Serum tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, and IL‐17 were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Gensini Score was used to evaluate the disease severity of CAD patients.ResultsLncRNA IFNG‐AS1 relative expression in CAD patients was upregulated compared with that in controls (P < .001), and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve showed that the area under curve (AUC) of lncRNA‐IFNG‐AS1 for predicting the risk of CAD was 0.755 (95% CI: 0.688‐0.821). lncRNA IFNG‐AS1 relative expression was remarkably associated with Gensini Score (r = .259, P = .009). Additionally, lncRNA IFNG‐AS1 relative expression was positively associated with high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) (r = .283, P = .004), TNF‐α (r = .269, P = .006), and IL‐6 levels (r = .425, P < .001), while it was negatively correlated with IL‐10 level (r = −.263, P = .008). lncRNA ANRIL or lncRNA ITSN1 was not correlated with CA D risk, Gensini Score, hs‐CRP, ESR, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, or IL‐17 levels (all P > .05).ConclusionCirculating lncRNA IFNG‐AS1 expression correlates with increased disease risk, higher disease severity and elevated inflammation in CAD patients.
Using SMS Technology to Survey Low‐Income Youth: Lessons from a Vocational Education Tracking Study in Kenya
Authors: Lau Charles , Gachugu Ehud , Johnson Eric , Marks Leenisha 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTracking graduates of job training programs is increasingly important, given high youth unemployment and the need to understand labour market outcomes to inform policy and program decisions. We describe the strengths and weaknesses of using text messaging to survey 2180 graduates of Vocational Training Centres in three Kenyan counties. The response rate was 18 percent. The short message service survey over‐represented urban graduates and those from private Vocational Training Centres, and 39 percent were answered by someone other than the intended respondent—seriously jeopardizing data quality. We report lessons learned and offer recommendations for designing graduate tracking surveys. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.