bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The aerobic diagenesis of Mesoproterozoic organic matter
Authors: Wang Xiaomei , Zhao Wenzhi , Zhang Shuichang , Wang Huajian , Su Jin , Canfield Donald E. , Hammarlund Emma U. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe Xiamaling Formation in the North China Block contains a well-preserved 1400 Ma sedimentary sequence with a low degree of thermal maturity. Previous studies have confirmed the dynamic and complex nature of this evolving marine setting, including the existence of an oxygen-minimum zone, using multi-proxy approaches, including iron speciation, trace metal dynamics, and organic geochemistry. Here, we investigate the prevailing redox conditions during diagenesis via the biomarkers of rearranged hopanes from the finely laminated sediments of the organic-rich black shales in Units 2 and 3 of the Xiamaling Formation. We find that rearranged hopanes are prominent in the biomarker composition of the oxygen-minimum zone sediment, which is completely different from that of the sediment in the overlying anoxic strata. Since the transition process from hopanes to rearranged hopanes requires oxygen via oxidation at the C-l6 alkyl position of 17α(H)-hopanes, we infer that dissolved oxygen led to the transformation of hopane precursors into rearranged hopanes during the early stages of diagenesis. The use of hopanoid hydrocarbons as biomarkers of marine redox conditions has rarely been previously reported, and the hydrocarbon signatures point towards oxic bottom waters during the deposition of Unit 3 of the Xiamaling Formation, which is consistent with the earlier oxygen-minimum zone environmental interpretation of this Unit.
Association of short-term exposure to ambient carbon monoxide with hospital admissions in China
Authors: Liu Hui , Tian Yaohua , Xiang Xiao , Li Man , Wu Yao , Cao Yaying , Juan Juan , Song Jing , Wu Tao , Hu Yonghua 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEvidence on the acute effects of ambient carbon monoxide (CO) pollution on morbidity risk in developing countries is scarce and inconsistent. We conducted a multicity case-crossover study in 26 largest cities in China from January, 2014 to December, 2015 to examine the association between short-term exposure to CO and daily hospital admission. We fitted conditional logistic regression to obtain effect estimates of the associations. We also performed subset analyses to explore the health effects of CO at low levels. During the study period, a total of 14,569,622, 2,008,786 and 916,388 all-cause, cardiovascular and respiratory admissions were identified, respectively. A 1 mg/m3 increase in the CO concentrations corresponded to a 3.75% (95% CI, 3.63–3.87%), 4.39% (95% CI, 4.07–4.70%), and 4.44% (95% CI, 3.97–4.92%) increase in all-cause, cardiovascular, and respiratory admissions on the same day, respectively. The associations were robust to controlling for criteria co-pollutants. In subset analyses, negative effects of short-term CO exposure on hospital admission were observed at lower concentrations (<1 mg/m3), while positive effects were observed at higher concentrations (>2 mg/m3). In conclusion, current CO levels in China were significantly associated with increased daily hospital admissions.
A Relational Formulation of Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Yang Jianhao M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractNon-relativistic quantum mechanics is reformulated here based on the idea that relational properties among quantum systems, instead of the independent properties of a quantum system, are the most fundamental elements to construct quantum mechanics. This idea, combining with the emphasis that measurement of a quantum system is a bidirectional interaction process, leads to a new framework to calculate the probability of an outcome when measuring a quantum system. In this framework, the most basic variable is the relational probability amplitude. Probability is calculated as summation of weights from the alternative measurement configurations. The properties of quantum systems, such as superposition and entanglement, are manifested through the rules of counting the alternatives. Wave function and reduced density matrix are derived from the relational probability amplitude matrix. They are found to be secondary mathematical tools that equivalently describe a quantum system without explicitly calling out the reference system. Schrödinger Equation is obtained when there is no entanglement in the relational probability amplitude matrix. Feynman Path Integral is used to calculate the relational probability amplitude, and is further generalized to formulate the reduced density matrix. In essence, quantum mechanics is reformulated as a theory that describes physical systems in terms of relational properties.
Metallo supramolecular cylinders inhibit HIV-1 TAR-TAT complex formation and viral replication in cellulo
Authors: Cardo Lucia , Nawroth Isabel , Cail Peter J. , McKeating Jane A. , Hannon Michael J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractShape-selective recognition of nucleic acid structures by supramolecular drugs offers the potential to treat disease. The Trans Activation Response (TAR) region is a region of high secondary structure within the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) RNA that complexes with the virus-encoded Transactivator protein (TAT) and regulates viral transcription. Herein, we explore different metallo-supramolecular triple stranded helicates (cylinders) that target the TAR bulge motif and inhibit the formation of TAR-TAT complexes and HIV infection. Cylinders that incorporate Ni(II) and Ru(II) showed the most potent anti-viral activity with limited evidence of cellular cytotoxicity. These metallo-supramolecular compounds provide an exciting avenue for developing a new class of anti-viral agents.
A potential link between gambling addiction severity and central dopamine levels: Evidence from spontaneous eye blink rates
Authors: Mathar David , Wiehler Antonius , Chakroun Karima , Goltz Dominique , Peters Jan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAccumulating evidence points at similarities between substance use disorders (SUD) and gambling disorder on the behavioral and neural level. In SUD, attenuation of striatal D2/3-receptor availability is a consistent finding, at least for stimulating substances. For gambling disorder, no clear association with striatal D2/3-receptor availability has been unveiled so far. With its presumably negligible dopaminergic toxicity, possible differences in receptor availability in gambling disorder might constitute a vulnerability marker. Spontaneous eye blink rate (sEBR) is discussed as a potential proxy measure for striatal dopamine D2/3-receptor availability. Here we examined sEBR in 21 male problem gamblers and 20 healthy control participants. In addition, participants completed a screening questionnaire for overall psychopathology and self-reported measures of alcohol and nicotine consumption. We found no significant difference in sEBR between gamblers and controls. However, in gamblers, sEBR was negatively associated with gambling severity and positively associated with psychopathology. A final exploratory analysis revealed that healthy controls with low sEBR displayed higher alcohol and nicotine consumption than healthy participants with high sEBR. Although the exact association between dopamine transmission and sEBR is still debated, our findings reveal that sEBR is sensitive to inter-individual differences in gambling disorder severity in problem gamblers.
European dog owner perceptions of obesity and factors associated with human and canine obesity
Authors: Muñoz-Prieto Alberto , Nielsen Liza Rosenbaum , Dąbrowski Roman , Bjørnvad Charlotte Reinhard , Söder Josefin , Lamy Elsa , Monkeviciene Ingrida , Ljubić Blanka Beer , Vasiu Iosif , Savic Sara , Busato Francesca , Yilmaz Zeki , Bravo-Cantero Antonio F. , Öhlund Malin , Lucena Sónia , Zelvyte Rasa , Aladrović Jasna , Lopez-Jornet Pia , Caldin Marco , Lavrador Catarina , Karveliene Birute , Mrljak Vladimir , Mazeikiene Jovita , Tvarijonaviciute Asta 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObesity is a common nutrition-related disorder leading to reduced life expectancy in both humans and dogs. With the aim of identifying new prevention and control options, the study objectives were (1) to investigate dog-owner perceptions about obesity in terms of themselves and their dogs, and (2) to identify factors associated with obesity and possible social, environmental and economic drivers for its development in dog owners and their pets. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed across multiple countries. The questionnaire focused on human and canine obesity, associated factors and potential drivers, and was distributed online and in the form of hard copies among dog owners in 11 European countries. In total, 3,185 responses from ten countries were included in multivariable analyses. Between 19.1% and 48.8% of the dog owners reported to be overweight/obese. Owner-reported overweight/obesity in dogs ranged from 6.0% to 31.3% based on body condition score charts, and 31.8% to 69.4% based on body fat index charts. Common factors associated with obesity in owners and their dogs were age, gender and owners’ attitudes to diet and physical activity. Dog owners who did not consider obesity to be a disease were more likely to have obese dogs.
Nebulisation of synthetic lamellar lipids mitigates radiation-induced lung injury in a large animal model
Authors: Collie David , Murchison John T. , Wright Steven H. , McLean Alec , Howard Lynsey , del-Pozo Jorge , Smith Sionagh , McLachlan Gerry , Lawrence Jessica , Kay Elaine , Schwarz Tobias , Parys Magdalena 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMethods to protect against radiation-induced lung injury (RILI) will facilitate the development of more effective radio-therapeutic protocols for lung cancer and may provide the means to protect the wider population in the event of a deliberate or accidental nuclear or radiological event. We hypothesised that supplementing lipid membranes through nebulization of synthetic lamellar lipids would mitigate RILI. Following pre-treatment with either nebulised lamellar lipids or saline, anaesthetised sheep were prescribed fractionated radiotherapy (30 Gray (Gy) total dose in five 6 Gy fractions at 3–4 days intervals) to a defined unilateral lung volume. Gross pathology in radio-exposed lung 37 days after the first radiation treatment was consistent between treatment groups and consisted of deep red congestion evident on the pleural surface and firmness on palpation. Consistent histopathological features in radio-exposed lung were subpleural, periarteriolar and peribronchial intra-alveolar oedema, alveolar fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia and type II pneumocyte hyperplasia. The synthetic lamellar lipids abrogated radiation-induced alveolar fibrosis and reduced alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) expression in radio-exposed lung compared to saline treated sheep. Administration of synthetic lamellar lipids was also associated with an increased number of cells expressing dendritic cell-lysosomal associated membrane protein throughout the lung.
Intrinsic refractive index matched 3D dSTORM with two objectives: Comparison of detection techniques
Authors: Schmidt Nora C. , Kahms Martin , Hüve Jana , Klingauf Jürgen 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe have built a setup for 3D single molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM) where a very high resolution is achieved by, firstly, the use of two objectives instead of one and, secondly, minimizing optical aberrations by refractive index matching with a glycerol-water mixture as immersion medium in conjunction with glycerol-immersion objectives. Multiple optical paths of the microscope allow to switch between astigmatic and interferometric localisation along the optical axis, thus enabling a direct comparison of the performance of these localisation methods.
Time-advanced occurrence of moderate-size earthquakes in a stable intraplate region after a megathrust earthquake and their seismic properties
Authors: Hong Tae-Kyung , Lee Junhyung , Park Seongjun , Kim Woohan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe distance-dependent coseismic and postseismic displacements produced by the 2011MW9.0 Tohoku-Oki megathrust earthquake caused medium weakening and stress perturbation in the crust around the Korean Peninsula, increasing the seismicity with successiveML5-level earthquakes at the outskirts of high seismicity regions. The averageML5-level occurrence rate prior to the megathrust earthquake was 0.15 yr−1(0.05–0.35 yr−1at a 95% confidence level), and the rate has increased to 0.71 yr−1(0.23–1.67 yr−1at a 95% confidence level) since the megathrust earthquake. The 2016ML5-level midcrustal earthquakes additionally changed the stress field in adjacent regions, inducing the 15 November 2017ML5.4 earthquake. The successive 2016 and 2017 moderate-size earthquakes built complex stress fields in the southeastern Korean Peninsula, increasing the seismic hazard risks in the regions of long-term stress accumulation. The increased seismic risks may continue until the medium properties and stress field are recovered.
Analytical ultracentrifugation in saliva research: Impact of green tea astringency and its significance on the in-vivo aroma release
Authors: Dinu Vlad , Liu Chujiao , Ali Joseph , Ayed Charfedinne , Gershkovich Pavel , Adams Gary G. , Harding Stephen E. , Fisk Ian D. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCurrent saliva testing methods rely on cutting edge yet expensive techniques for the detection and analysis of genetic material, proteins and biomarkers for clinical use. However, these techniques are limited in scope and often cannot be used with complex food materials. We propose an efficient ex-vivo tool for evaluating biologically relevant interactions between food components and human saliva using sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation (SV-AUC). We evaluated macromolecular content from “unstimulated” (US) and “stimulated” (SS) samples pooled from 5 healthy volunteers. Over 90% of total saliva protein consisted of α-amylase and mucin, and up to 10% was secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA). It was shown that α-amylase concentration increased upon parafilm stimulation, which lead to a decrease in the viscosity of saliva. Then, we used a simple food system (green tea) to evaluate changes in the salivary protein content caused by green tea polyphenols. It was found that aroma release from green tea is highly influenced by interactions between α-amylase and polyphenol epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG). This interaction was found to increase the viscosity of the salivary bulk, suggested to contribute to astringency, and increased the concentrations of β-ionone, benzaldehyde and isovaleraldehyde (P < 0.01), suggested to play a significant role in the characteristic flavour of green tea.
Evaluation of alpha-II-spectrin breakdown products as potential biomarkers for early recognition and severity of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Papa Linda , Rosenthal Kimberly , Silvestri Francesca , Axley John C. , Kelly Jared M. , Lewis Stephen B. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study assessed whether cytoskeletal protein alpha-II spectrin breakdown products (SBDP150, SBDP145, and SBDP120) would identify the presence of aSAH and be associated with severity (GCS score, WFNS grade and survival to hospital discharge). This prospective case-control study, conducted at a tertiary care Level I trauma center, enrolled adult patients with angiography confirmed aSAH who underwent ventriculostomy placement for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) drainage. There were 40 patients enrolled in the study, 20 with aSAH and 20 control subjects. Patients with aSAH were a mean age of 54 (SD15) and 75% were female. There were significant differences in SBDP150, SBDP145, and SBDP120 CSF levels between patients with and without aSAH (p < 0.001), even in those presenting with a GCS Score of 15 and a WFNS Grade 1. The AUC for distinguishing aSAH from control subjects was 1.0 for SBDP150 and SBDP145, and 0.95 for SBDP120. SBDP150 and SBDP145 both yielded sensitivities and specificities of 100% and SBDP120 was 90% and 100% respectively. Moreover, there were significantly higher levels of SBDP150 and SBDP145 in the non-survivors than in the survivors (p < 0.001). This study demonstrates the potential that SBDP’s have as biomarkers for recognition and severity of aSAH. A larger prospective study is warranted.
The Impact of Blood Transfusion on Recurrence and Mortality Following Colorectal Cancer Resection: A Propensity Score Analysis of 4,030 Patients
Authors: Wu Hsiang-Ling , Tai Ying-Hsuan , Lin Shih-Pin , Chan Min-Ya , Chen Hsiu-Hsi , Chang Kuang-Yi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWhether blood transfusion exacerbates cancer outcomes after surgery in humans remains inconclusive. We utilized a large cohort to investigate the effect of perioperative blood transfusion on cancer prognosis following colorectal cancer (CRC) resection. Patients with stage I through III CRC undergoing tumour resection at a tertiary medical center between 2005 and 2014 were identified and evaluated through August 2016. Propensity score matching was used to cancel out imbalances in patient characteristics. Postoperative disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) were analysed using Cox regression model. A total of 4,030 and 972 patients were analysed before and after propensity score matching. Cox regression analyses demonstrated blood transfusion associated with shorter DFS and OS before and after matching (hazard ratio: 1.41, 95% CI: 1.2–1.66 for DFS; 1.97, 95% CI: 1.6–2.43 for OS). Larger transfusion volume was linked to higher overall mortality (≤4 units vs. nil, HR = 1.58; >4 units vs. nil, HR = 2.32) but not more cancer recurrence. Preoperative anemia was not associated with decreased survival after adjusting covariates. Perioperative blood transfusion was associated with worse cancer prognosis after curative colorectal resection, independently of anemia status. Strategies aimed at minimizing transfusion requirements should be further developed.
EEG patterns of self-paced movement imaginations towards externally-cued and internally-selected targets
Authors: Pereira Joana , Sburlea Andreea Ioana , Müller-Putz Gernot R. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study, we investigate the neurophysiological signature of the interacting processes which lead to a single reach-and-grasp movement imagination (MI). While performing this task, the human healthy participants could either define their movement targets according to an external cue, or through an internal selection process. After defining their target, they could start the MI whenever they wanted. We recorded high density electroencephalographic (EEG) activity and investigated two neural correlates: the event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with the target selection, which reflect the perceptual and cognitive processes prior to the MI, and the movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs), associated with the planning of the self-paced MI. We found differences in frontal and parietal areas between the late ERP components related to the internally-driven selection and the externally-cued process. Furthermore, we could reliably estimate the MI onset of the self-paced task. Next, we extracted MRCP features around the MI onset to train classifiers of movement vs. rest directly on self-paced MI data. We attained performance significantly higher than chance level for both time-locked and asynchronous classification. These findings contribute to the development of more intuitive brain-computer interfaces in which movement targets are defined internally and the movements are self-paced.
SeesawPred: A Web Application for Predicting Cell-fate Determinants in Cell Differentiation
Authors: Hartmann András , Okawa Satoshi , Zaffaroni Gaia , del Sol Antonio 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCellular differentiation is a complex process where a less specialized cell evolves into a more specialized cell. Despite the increasing research effort, identification of cell-fate determinants (transcription factors (TFs) determining cell fates during differentiation) still remains a challenge, especially when closely related cell types from a common progenitor are considered. Here, we develop SeesawPred, a web application that, based on a gene regulatory network (GRN) model of cell differentiation, can computationally predict cell-fate determinants from transcriptomics data. Unlike previous approaches, it allows the user to upload gene expression data and does not rely on pre-compiled reference data sets, enabling its application to novel differentiation systems. SeesawPred correctly predicted known cell-fate determinants on various cell differentiation examples in both mouse and human, and also performed better compared to state-of-the-art methods. The application is freely available for academic, non-profit use at http://seesaw.lcsb.uni.lu.
Bacterial communities and potential waterborne pathogens within the typical urban surface waters
Authors: Jin Decai , Kong Xiao , Cui Bingjian , Jin Shulan , Xie Yunfeng , Wang Xingrun , Deng Ye 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWaterborne pathogens have attracted a great deal of attention in the public health sector over the last several decades. However, little is known about the pathogenic microorganisms in urban water systems. In this study, the bacterial community structure of 16 typical surface waters in the city of Beijing were analyzed using Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing based on 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant groups in 16 surface water samples, and Betaproteobacteria, Alphaproteobacteria, Flavobacteriia, Sphingobacteriia and Actinobacteria were the most dominant classes. The dominant genus across all samples was Flavobacterium. In addition, fifteen genus level groups of potentialy pathogenic bacteria were detected within the 16 water samples, with Pseudomonas and Aeromonas the most frequently identified. Spearman correlation analysis demonstrated that richness estimators (OTUs and Chao1) were correlated with water temperature, nitrate and total nitrogen (p < 0.05), while ammonia-nitrogen and total nitrogen were significantly correlated with the percent of total potential pathogens (p ≤ 0.05). These results could provide insight into the ecological function and health risks of surface water bacterial communities during the process of urbanization.
Pro inflammatory stimuli enhance the immunosuppressive functions of adipose mesenchymal stem cells-derived exosomes
Authors: Domenis Rossana , Cifù Adriana , Quaglia Sara , Pistis Cinzia , Moretti Massimo , Vicario Annalisa , Parodi Pier Camillo , Fabris Martina , Niazi Kayvan R. , Soon-Shiong Patrick , Curcio Francesco 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe predominant mechanism by which adipose mesenchymal stem cells (AMSCs) participate to tissue repair is through a paracrine activity and their communication with the inflammatory microenvironment is essential part of this process. This hypothesis has been strengthened by the recent discovery that stem cells release not only soluble factors but also extracellular vesicles, which elicit similar biological activity to the stem cells themselves. We demonstrated that the treatment with inflammatory cytokines increases the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory potential of AMSCs-derived exosomes, which acquire the ability to shift macrophages from M1 to M2 phenotype by shuttling miRNA regulating macrophages polarization. This suggests that the immunomodulatory properties of AMSCs-derived exosomes may be not constitutive, but are instead induced by the inflammatory microenvironment.