bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Signatures of selection in mammalian clock genes with coding trinucleotide repeats: Implications for studying the genomics of high‐pace adaptation
Authors: Prentice Melanie B. , Bowman Jeff , Lalor Jillian L. , McKay Michelle M. , Thomson Lindsay A. , Watt Cristen M. , McAdam Andrew G. , Murray Dennis L. , Wilson Paul J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractClimate change is predicted to affect the reproductive ecology of wildlife; however, we have yet to understand if and how species can adapt to the rapid pace of change. Clock genes are functional genes likely critical for adaptation to shifting seasonal conditions through shifts in timing cues. Many of these genes contain coding trinucleotide repeats, which offer the potential for higher rates of change than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at coding sites, and, thus, may translate to faster rates of adaptation in changing environments. We characterized repeats in 22 clock genes across all annotated mammal species and evaluated the potential for selection on repeat motifs in three clock genes (NR1D1, CLOCK, and PER1) in three congeneric species pairs with different latitudinal range limits: Canada lynx and bobcat (Lynx canadensis and L. rufus), northern and southern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus and G. volans), and white‐footed and deer mouse (Peromyscus leucopus and P. maniculatus). Signatures of positive selection were found in both the interspecific comparison of Canada lynx and bobcat, and intraspecific analyses in Canada lynx. Northern and southern flying squirrels showed differing frequencies at common CLOCK alleles and a signature of balancing selection. Regional excess homozygosity was found in the deer mouse at PER1 suggesting disruptive selection, and further analyses suggested balancing selection in the white‐footed mouse. These preliminary signatures of selection and the presence of trinucleotide repeats within many clock genes warrant further consideration of the importance of candidate gene motifs for adaptation to climate change.
Allometric trajectories of body and head morphology in three sympatric Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) morphs
Authors: Simonsen Marianne Knutsdotter , Siwertsson Anna , Adams Colin Ean , Amundsen Per‐Arne , Præbel Kim , Knudsen Rune 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA study of body and head development in three sympatric reproductively isolated Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus (L.)) morphs from a subarctic lake (Skogsfjordvatn, northern Norway) revealed allometric trajectories that resulted in morphological differences. The three morphs were ecologically assigned to a littoral omnivore, a profundal benthivore and a profundal piscivore, and this was confirmed by genetic analyses (microsatellites). Principal component analysis was used to identify the variables responsible for most of the morphological variation of the body and head shape. The littoral omnivore and the profundal piscivore morph had convergent allometric trajectories for the most important head shape variables, developing bigger mouths and relatively smaller eyes with increasing head size. The two profundal morphs shared common trajectories for the variables explaining most of the body and head shape variation, namely head size relative to body size, placement of the dorsal and pelvic fins, eye size and mouth size. In contrast, the littoral omnivore and the profundal benthivore morphs were not on common allometric trajectories for any of the examined variables. The findings suggest that different selective pressures could have been working on traits related to their trophic niche such as habitat and diet utilization of the three morphs, with the two profundal morphs experiencing almost identical environmental conditions.
Standing out from the crowd: How to identify plasma cells
Authors: Tellier Julie , Nutt Stephen L 
Published: August 2017

Being the sole source of antibody, plasmablasts and plasma cells are essential for protective immunity. Due to their relative rarity, heterogeneity and the loss of many canonical B‐cell markers, antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) have often been problematic to identify and further characterize. In the mouse, the combination of the expression of CD138 and BLIMP‐1, has led to many insights into ASC biology, although this approach requires the use of a GFP reporter strain. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology, two independent studies by Wilmore et al. and Pracht et al. provide alternative approaches to identify all murine ASCs using antibodies against the cell surface proteins, Sca‐1 and TACI, respectively. Here we will discuss the advantages of these new approaches to identify ASCs in the context of our emerging knowledge of the cell surface phenotype and gene expression program of various ASC subsets in the murine and human systems.
Dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column for capillary electrochromatography
Authors: Aşır Süleyman , Sarı Duygu , Derazshamshir Ali , Yılmaz Fatma , Şarkaya Koray , Denizli Adil 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column was prepared and used in capillary electrochromatography as stationary phase for the first time. Dopamine was selectively separated from aqueous solution containing the competitor molecule norepinephrine, which is similar in size and shape to the template molecule. Morphology of the dopamine‐imprinted column was observed by scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the organic solvent content of mobile phase, applied pressure and pH of the mobile phase on the recognition of dopamine by the imprinted monolithic column has been evaluated, and the imprinting effect in the dopamine‐imprinted monolithic polymer was verified. Developed dopamine‐imprinted monolithic column resulted in excellent separation of dopamine from structurally related competitor molecule, norepinephrine. Separation was achieved in a short period of 10 min, with the electrophoretic mobility of 5.81 × 10–5 m2V–1s–1 at pH 5.0 and 500 mbar pressure.
Adaptive control‐theoretic detection of integrity attacks against cyber‐physical industrial systems
Authors: Rubio‐Hernan Jose , De Cicco Luca , Garcia‐Alfaro Joaquin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe use of control‐theoretic solutions to detect attacks against cyber‐physical industrial systems is a growing area of research. Traditional literature proposes the use of control strategies to retain, eg, satisfactory close‐loop performance, as well as safety properties, when a communication network connects the distributed components of a physical system (eg, sensors, actuators, and controllers). However, the adaptation of these strategies to handle security incidents is an ongoing challenge. In this paper, we survey the advantages of a watermark‐based detector against some integrity attacks as well as the weaknesses against other attacks. To cover these weaknesses, we propose a new control and security strategy that complements the watermark‐based detector. We validate the detection efficiency of the new strategy via numeric simulation. Experimental results are also presented by using a laboratory testbed based on supervisory control and data acquisition industrial protocols.
A tunable 3‐D statistical channel model for spatio‐temporal characteristics of wireless communication networks
Authors: Nawaz Syed Junaid , Wyne Shurjeel , Baltzis Konstantinos B. , Gulfam Sardar M. , Cumanan Kanapathippillai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA new 3‐dimensional geometric channel model is proposed with multiple degrees of freedom in its scattering volume geometry, which enables accurate modeling of realistic propagation scenarios for emerging machine‐to‐machine wireless networks. Analytical expressions for the joint and marginal statistics in delay and angular domains are derived, and we present the impact of various physical channel parameters such as link distance, antenna height, size and position of the scattering region, as well as shape and orientation of the scattering region on the delay and angular spread of the proposed model. The derived analytical results are validated with simulations and are also shown to provide a good fit to published empirical data sets. Relative to existing models, the proposed model is shown to more accurately adapt to different propagation environments envisioned for emerging communication scenarios such as in indoor picocellular and vehicle‐to‐vehicle communication applications.
Distributed ON/OFF switching and dynamic channel allocation: Decreasing complexity and improving energy efficiency
Authors: Hajijamali Arani Atefeh , Mehbodniya Abolfazl , Omidi Mohammad Javad , Adachi Fumiyuki 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHeterogeneous network (HetNet) has emerged as a promising and viable approach to deliver higher‐rate data services. In HetNets, switching OFF base stations (BSs) is known as an effective solution to reduce the energy consumption of networks and thus enables the “greener” networks concept. In this paper, we investigate the impact of the number of energy‐saving modes for BSs on improving energy efficiency. We assume that BSs are able to switch among several modes, ie, different transmission power levels. We apply a no‐regret learning algorithm to choose the BS's operation mode while modeling the BS's operation under dynamic traffic with a Markov process. As a result, we face a trade‐off between energy savings and computational complexity. Furthermore, we use a distributed channel allocation algorithm based on the average cochannel interference power. Simulation results show that energy consumption reduces with increased number of modes. However, increasing the number of modes beyond a certain limit will not have a significant effect on energy efficiency.
Fatigue Life Analysis of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stack
Authors: Liu B. , Wei M. Y. , Liu L. F. , Wu C. W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks usually undergo vibrations during packing, transportation and serving time, in particular for those used in automobiles and portable equipment. Using finite element method (FEM), the response stress of the stack under random vibration is analyzed in the present paper. Based on the Miner fatigue damage theory, the fatigue lifes of fuel cell components (such as bolts, gaskets and PEMs) are assessed. Then the component fatigue life contours under four working conditions, i.e., the three single‐axial (in x‐, y‐ and z‐axis separately) and multi‐axial random vibrations are obtained. Accordingly, the component damage under vibrations in different directions is evaluated. The stress distribution on gasket and PEM will greatly affect their fatigue lifes. Moreover, comparing the fatigue lifes of 4‐bolt‐ and 6‐bolt‐clamping stacks under the same total clamping force, it is found that increasing the bolt number could improve the bolt fatigue lifes.
The impact of dementia, depression and awareness on activities of daily living in a sample from a middle‐income country
Authors: Mograbi Daniel C. , Morris Robin G. , Fichman Helenice Charchat , Faria Camila Assis , Sanchez Maria Angélica , Ribeiro Pricila C. C. , Lourenço Roberto Alves 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivePrevious studies have indicated that dementia and depression have a considerable impact on the functional capacity of older adults, also influencing awareness about ability. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the impact of dementia, depression and awareness on activities of daily living (ADL) in a sample from a middle‐income country.MethodsThe current study explored impairments in basic, instrumental and advanced ADL using a factorial design comparing four groups: people with dementia and depression, people with dementia without depression, older adults with depression but no dementia and healthy older adults. For each type of ADL, self‐report and informant report was contrasted in order to investigate the issue of lack of awareness in relation to ADL.ResultsResults indicate that dementia is associated with impairments in all types of ADL. Advanced ADL were also reduced in depressed participants. In addition, in the case of instrumental and basic ADL, informant report indicated less preserved abilities than participant self‐report, particularly in people with dementia.ConclusionsThe findings highlight the importance of developing interventions and compensatory strategies to prevent loss of ADL in dementia, also suggesting that early intervention in older adults with depression should focus on advanced ADL to prevent social isolation and withdrawal. Finally, the findings indicate that self‐information about ADL may be compromised in dementia, so clinicians exploring disability should consider fully different aspects of ADL in this group. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Wnt signaling pathway regulates differentiation of chicken embryonic stem cells into spermatogonial stem cells via Wnt5a
Authors: He Nana , Wang Yilin , Zhang Chen , Wang Man , Wang Yingjie , Zuo Qisheng , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the mechanism of signaling pathway‐mediated differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in chicken. The Wnt signaling pathway was identified based on previous RNA Sequencing results and was proven a crucial signaling pathway that participates in the differentiation of ESCs into SSCs. In retinoic acid (RA) induction experiments in vitro, we found that Wnt signaling expression was inhibited by Wnt5a‐shRNA, resulting in decreased expression of corresponding marker genes in SSCs, C‐kit, Cvh, integrin α6 and integrin β1, but it was significantly promoted by RA treatment. Immunofluorescence assay showed that percentage of C‐kit, Cvh, and integrin α6 and integrin β1‐positive cells in RA treatment group and Wnt5a overexpression group was significantly higher than that in Wnt5a signaling interference group. Results of fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis (FACS) also showed that proportion of germ‐like cells was reduced by 14.3% (from 18.3% to 4.0%) at day 4 and 15.4% (from 18.6% to 3.2%) at day 12 after transfection, respectively. In experiments in vivo, shRNA‐Wnt5a was stably expressed in fertilized chicken embryos and significantly reduced germ cell formation by 11.3% (from 21.7% to 10.4%) and 3.7% (6.4% from 10.1%). Results of quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR) and western blot assays showed that the expression of some specific germ cell marker genes, integrin α6 and integrin β1, was significantly suppressed following Wnt5a signaling interference in vivo. Taken together, our study suggests that Wnt signaling pathway could regulate positively the differentiation of chicken ESCs into SSCs through Wnt5a.
MurB as a target in an alternative approach to tackle the Vibrio cholerae resistance using molecular docking and simulation study
Authors: Ragunathan Adhithya , Malathi Kullappan , Anbarasu Anand 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCholera is a serious threat to a large population in the under developed countries. Though oral rehydration therapy is the preferred choice of treatment, the use of antibiotics could reduce the microbial load in the case of severity. The use of antibiotics is also sought in the scenarios where there is problem with access to clean water. However, Vibrio cholera (V. cholerae) strains have developed resistance to antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ampicillin, chloramphenicol, doxycycline, erythromycin, and tetracycline. In this work, we have addressed the resistance issue by targeting MurB protein which is essential for the cell wall biosynthesis in V. cholerae. 20 Phytochemical compounds were chosen to screen the potential inhibitors against V. cholerae to avoid the complications faced by synthesis of small molecules. The molecular docking and dynamics study indicates that quercetin is the most potential and stable inhibitor of Murb.
Crocin reduces Aspergillus fumigatus‐induced airway inflammation and NF‐κB signal activation
Authors: Du Junfeng , Chi Yumin , Song Zhan , Di Qingguo , Mai Zhitao , Shi Jian , Li Min 
Published: August 2017

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic airway inflammation and its exacerbation is often accompanied by Aspergillus fumigatus (A. fumigatus) infection. Increasing evidences demonstrated the potent antioxidant and ‐inflammatory effects of crocin. However, the role of crocin in A. fumigatus‐induced inflammation is still unknown. We aimed to evaluate the role of crocin in inflammation response induced by A. fumigatus in human bronchial epithelial cells and the possible mechanisms. BEAS‐2B and NHBE cells were pretreated with crocin for 24 h, and then A. fumigatus conidia were added for 24 h. A. fumigatus treatment exhibited a significant higher TNF‐α, IL‐8, IL‐6, and IL‐1β level (P < 0.05), whereas crocin pretreatment significantly inhibited A. fumigatus induced the pro‐inflammatory cytokines (P < 0.05). NF‐κB inhibitor PDTC inhibited pro‐inflammatory cytokines release triggered by A. fumigatus (P < 0.05). Furthermore, crocin suppressed A. fumigatus induced NF‐κB p65 nuclear translocation, the phosphorylation of IKKα and IκBα, the degradation of IκBα and NF‐κB reporter activity. Crocin pretreatment also resulted in an inhibition of A.fumigatus‐induced ROS production (P < 0.05). Taken together, these results indicate that crocin may prevent A. fumigatus‐induced inflammation through suppressing NF‐κB signal pathway.
MiR‐216a‐3p inhibits colorectal cancer cell proliferation through direct targeting COX‐2 and ALOX5
Authors: Wang Dongxia , Li Yuechun , Zhang Chun , Li Xianming , Yu Jinming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractColorectal Cancer (CRC) is a most common digestive system malignant tumor. Despite recent advance in CRC treatment, searching for efficient biomarker and individual treatment therapy remains an urgent need. Cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) plays a critical role in the development and progression of CRC. In addition, shunting of arachidonic acid metabolism to the 5‐lipoxygenase (ALOX5, 5‐LO) pathway has also been reported to be implicated in the CRC pathogenesis. Cancer cell viability is promoted by ALOX5 through several mechanisms that are similar to those of COX‐2. In recent years, it has been widely recognized that through inhibition of target genes, miRNAs can exert both oncogenic and tumor suppressive functions, depending on circumstances. In the present study, we screened for candidate microRNAs (miRNAs) which were predicted to regulate COX‐2 and ALOX5 by online tools. Among the candidate miRNAs, miR‐216a‐3p expression was down‐regulated in CRC tissues and cell lines; a higher miR‐216a‐3p expression was correlated with longer overall survival in patients with CRC. Moreover, ectopic miR‐216a‐3p expression significantly suppressed CRC cell proliferation. Using luciferase reporter gene, real‐time PCR, and western blot assays, we confirmed the miR‐216a‐3p regulation of COX‐2 and ALOX5 through direct targeting; further verified that miR‐216a‐3p could inhibit COX‐2 and ALOX5 expression in CRC cells, thus to affect CRC cell proliferation. Taken together, miR‐216a‐3p presents a novel target of CRC treatment; rescuing miR‐216a‐3p expression in CRC might be a promising strategy for CRC treatment.
Accelerated start‐up and microbial community structures of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification using novel suspended carriers
Authors: Liu Tao , Jia Guangyue , Quan Xie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe integrated free‐floating biofilm and activated sludge (IFFAS) process is an ideal candidate for simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND). However, traditional carriers have their inherent drawbacks, such as the weak hydrophilicity and negative charges on the surface. In this study, novel carriers with favorable hydrophilicity and electrophilicity were prepared and implemented in an IFFAS‐based SND reactor.RESULTSCompared with traditional carriers, the water contact angle of the novel carriers dropped to 60.2° and positive charges on the surface (+11.7 mV, pH 7.0) were acquired. Through accurate control of dissolved oxygen (DO), it took only 30 days to start SND, with a total nitrogen (TN) removal efficiency of 80.2%. In contrast, the start‐up period was 42 days with weaker TN removal capacity in a control reactor filled with traditional carriers. Novel carriers provided a favorable niche for more types of bacteria to survive, of which Nitrosomonadales and Nitrospirale were identified as nitrifiers while anoxic denitrifiers, aerobic denitrifiers and anammox bacteria also co‐existed in the system, contributing to TN removal.CONCLUSIONNovel carriers with favorable hydrophilicity and electrophilicity were successfully prepared through a relatively facile approach, and a novel carriers‐based SND process enabled a shorter start‐up period, higher biomass and better TN removal efficiency. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Rectal protection in prostate stereotactic radiotherapy: a retrospective exploratory analysis of two rectal displacement devices
Authors: Wilton Lee , Richardson Matthew , Keats Sarah , Legge Kimberley , Hanlon Mary‐Claire , Arumugam Sankar , Hunter Perry , Evans Tiffany‐Jane , Sidhom Mark , Martin Jarad 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroductionHigh rectal doses are associated with increased toxicity. A rectal displacement device (RDD) reduces rectal dose in prostate stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). This study investigates any dosimetric difference between two methods of rectal displacement (Rectafix and SpaceOAR) for prostate SBRT.MethodsRectal dosimetry of 45 men who received SBRT within the PROMETHEUS trial was retrospectively examined, across two radiation therapy centres using the two RDD's. Men received a total dose (TD) of 19 or 20 Gy in two fractions followed by 46 Gy in 23 fractions. Centre 1 contributed 16 Rectafix and 10 SpaceOAR patients. Centre 2 contributed 19 Rectafix patients. Rectal dose volume histogram (DVH) data were recorded as a TD percentage at the following volume intervals; V1%, V2%, V5%, V10% and then 10% increments to V80%. As only one centre employed both RDD's, three sequential rectal dosimetry comparisons were performed; (1) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR; (2) centre 1 Rectafix versus centre 2 Rectafix and (3) centre 1+ centre 2 Rectafix versus centre 1 SpaceOAR.ResultsIn comparison (1) Rectafix demonstrated lower mean doses at 9 out of 11 measured intervals (P = 0.0012). Comparison (2) demonstrated a moderate difference with centre 2 plans producing slightly lower rectal doses (P = 0.013). Comparison (3) further demonstrated that Rectafix returned lower mean doses than SpaceOAR (P < 0.001). Although all dose levels were in favour of Rectafix, in absolute terms differences were small (2.6–9.0%).ConclusionsIn well‐selected prostate SBRT patients, Rectafix and SpaceOAR RDD's provide approximately equivalent rectal sparing.