bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integration analysis of MKK and MAPK family members highlights potential MAPK signaling modules in cotton
Authors: Zhang Xueying , Xu Xiaoyang , Yu Yujia , Chen Chuan , Wang Jing , Cai Caiping , Guo Wangzhen 
Published: July 2016

AbstractMitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades play a crucial role in plant growth and development, as well as their biotic and abiotic stress responses. As a nodal point of the MAPK cascade, the MKK gene family has not been systematically studied in cotton. Here, we identified 11 putative MKK genes in the Gossypium raimondii genome. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the MKKs were supported by architectures of conserved protein motifs. Expression patterns of MKKs under hormone treatments or abiotic stresses revealed their diverse functions in stress responses. Based on a yeast two hybrid, a total of 63 interactive pairs of MKKs and MAPKs were identified in cotton. Among these, 40 interactive pairs were newly identified compared to that reported previously in Arabidopsis. Integration analysis of the interaction network and expression patterns of MKK and MAPK family members revealed 13 potential MAPK signaling modules that are involved in the complicated cross-talk between hormones and abiotic stresses. Taken together, our data enhance the understanding of the evolution and function of MAPK cascades in cotton, and lay the foundation for the improvement of various defense responses that use MAPK signaling modules in the future.
Strip-Pattern-Spheres Self-Assembled from Polypeptide-Based Polymer Mixtures: Structure and Defect Features
Authors: Zhu Xingyu , Guan Zhou , Lin Jiaping , Cai Chunhua 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWe found that poly(γ-benzyl-L-glutamate)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) (PBLG-b-PEG) rod-coil block copolymers and polystyrene (PS) homopolymers can cooperatively self-assemble into nano-spheres with striped patterns on their surfaces (strip-pattern-spheres) in aqueous solution. With assistance of dissipative particle dynamics simulation, it is discovered that the PS homopolymers form a spherical template core and the PBLG-b-PEG block copolymers assemble into striped patterns on the spherical surface. The hydrophobic PBLG rods are packed orderly in the strips, while the hydrophilic PEG blocks stabilize the strip-pattern-spheres in solution. Defects such as dislocations and disclinations can be observed in the striped patterns. Self-assembling temperature and sphere radius are found to affect defect densities in the striped patterns. A possible mechanism is proposed to illustrate how PBLG-b-PEG and PS cooperatively self-assemble into hierarchical spheres with striped patterns on surfaces.
Wound healing profiles of hyperopic-small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE)
Authors: Liu Yu-Chi , Ang Heng Pei , Teo Ericia Pei Wen , Lwin Nyein Chan , Yam Gary Hin Fai , Mehta Jodhbir S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRefractive surgical treatment of hyperopia still remains a challenge for refractive surgeons. A new nomogram of small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) procedure has recently been developed for the treatment of hyperopia. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the wound healing and inflammatory responses of this new nomogram (hyperopic-SMILE), and compared them to those of hyperopic-laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), using a rabbit model. A total of 26 rabbits were used, and slit lamp biomicroscopy, autorefractor/keratometer, intraocular pressure measurement, anterior segment optical coherence tomography, corneal topography, and in vivo confocal microscopy examinations were performed during the study period of 4 weeks. The corneas were then harvested and subject to immunofluorescence of markers for inflammation (CD11b), wound healing (fibronectin) and keratocyte response (HSP47). The lenticule ultrastructual changes were also analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Out results showed that hyperopic-SMILE effectively steepened the cornea. Compared to hyperopic-LASIK, hyperopic-SMILE had less postoperative wound healing response and stromal interface reaction, especially in higher refractive correction. However, compared to myopic-SMILE, hyperopic-SMILE resulted in more central deranged collagen fibrils. These results provide more perspective into this new treatment option for hyperopia, and evidence for future laser nomogram modification.
A possible link between loading, inflammation and healing: Immune cell populations during tendon healing in the rat
Authors: Blomgran Parmis , Blomgran Robert , Ernerudh Jan , Aspenberg Per 
Published: July 2016

AbstractLoading influences tendon healing and so does inflammation. We hypothesized that the two are connected. 48 rats underwent Achilles tendon transection. Half of the rats received Botox injections into calf muscles to reduce mechanical loading. Cells from the regenerating tissue were analyzed by flow cytometry. In the loaded group, the regenerating tissue contained 83% leukocytes (CD45+) day 1 and 23% day 10. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio (CCR7/CD206) peaked at day 3, while T helper (CD3+CD4+) and Treg cells (CD25+ Foxp3+) increased over time. With Botox, markers associated with down-regulation of inflammation were more common day 5 (CD163, CD206, CD25, Foxp3) and M1 or M2 macrophages and Treg cells were virtually absent day 10, while still present with full loading. The primary variable, CCR7/CD206 ratio day 5, was higher with full loading (p = 0.001) and the Treg cell fraction was lower (p < 0.001). Free cage activity loading is known to increase size and strength of the tendon in this model compared to Botox. Loading now appeared to delay the switch to an M2 type of inflammation with more Treg cells. It seems a prolonged M1 phase due to loading might make the tendon regenerate bigger.
Tyrosine Hydroxylase is crucial for maintaining pupal tanning and immunity in Anopheles sinensis
Authors: Qiao Liang , Du Minghui , Liang Xin , Hao Youjin , He Xiu , Si Fengling , Mei Ting , Chen Bin 
Published: July 2016

AbstractTyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the initial enzyme in the melanin pathway, catalyzes tyrosine conversion into Dopa. Although expression and regulation of TH have been shown to affect cuticle pigmentation in insects, no direct functional studies to date have focused on the specific physiological processes involving the enzyme during mosquito development. In the current study, silencing of AsTH during the time period of continuous high expression in Anopheles sinensis pupae led to significant impairment of cuticle tanning and thickness, imposing a severe obstacle to eclosion in adults. Meanwhile, deficiency of melanin in interference individuals led to suppression of melanization, compared to control individuals. Consequently, the ability to defend exogenous microorganisms declined sharply. Accompanying down-regulation of the basal expression of five antimicrobial peptide genes resulted in further significant weakening of immunity. TH homologs as well as the composition of upstream transcription factor binding sites at the pupal stage are highly conserved in the Anopheles genus, implying that the TH-mediated functions are crucial in Anopheles. The collective evidence strongly suggests that TH is essential for Anopheles pupae tanning and immunity and provides a reference for further studies to validate the utility of the key genes involved in the melanization pathway in controlling mosquito development.
Adding Stiffness to the Foot Modulates Soleus Force-Velocity Behaviour during Human Walking
Authors: Takahashi Kota Z. , Gross Michael T. , van Werkhoven Herman , Piazza Stephen J. , Sawicki Gregory S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractPrevious studies of human locomotion indicate that foot and ankle structures can interact in complex ways. The structure of the foot defines the input and output lever arms that influences the force-generating capacity of the ankle plantar flexors during push-off. At the same time, deformation of the foot may dissipate some of the mechanical energy generated by the plantar flexors during push-off. We investigated this foot-ankle interplay during walking by adding stiffness to the foot through shoes and insoles and characterized the resulting changes in in vivo soleus muscle-tendon mechanics using ultrasonography. Added stiffness decreased energy dissipation at the foot (p < 0.001) and increased the gear ratio (i.e., ratio of ground reaction force and plantar flexor muscle lever arms) (p < 0.001). Added foot stiffness also altered soleus muscle behaviour, leading to greater peak force (p < 0.001) and reduced fascicle shortening speed (p < 0.001). Despite this shift in force-velocity behaviour, the whole-body metabolic cost during walking increased with added foot stiffness (p < 0.001). This increased metabolic cost is likely due to the added force demand on the plantar flexors, as walking on a more rigid foot/shoe surface compromises the plantar flexors’ mechanical advantage.
Tumourigenicity and Immunogenicity of Induced Neural Stem Cell Grafts Versus Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Grafts in Syngeneic Mouse Brain
Authors: Gao Mou , Yao Hui , Dong Qin , Zhang Hongtian , Yang Zhijun , Yang Yang , Zhu Jianwei , Xu Minhui , Xu Ruxiang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAlong with the development of stem cell-based therapies for central nervous system (CNS) disease, the safety of stem cell grafts in the CNS, such as induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and induced neural stem cells (iNSCs), should be of primary concern. To provide scientific basis for evaluating the safety of these stem cells, we determined their tumourigenicity and immunogenicity in syngeneic mouse brain. Both iPSCs and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were able to form tumours in the mouse brain, leading to tissue destruction along with immune cell infiltration. In contrast, no evidence of tumour formation, brain injury or immune rejection was observed with iNSCs, neural stem cells (NSCs) or mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). With the help of gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis, we detected significantly elevated levels of chemokines in the brain tissue and serum of mice that developed tumours after ESC or iPSC transplantation. Moreover, we also investigated the interactions between chemokines and NF-κB signalling and found that NF-κB activation was positively correlated with the constantly rising levels of chemokines, and vice versa. In short, iNSC grafts, which lacked any resulting tumourigenicity or immunogenicity, are safer than iPSC grafts.
Abundance and sinking of particulate black carbon in the western Arctic and Subarctic Oceans
Authors: Fang Ziming , Yang Weifeng , Chen Min , Zheng Minfang , Hu Wangjiang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe abundance and sinking of particulate black carbon (PBC) were examined for the first time in the western Arctic and Subarctic Oceans. In the central Arctic Ocean, high PBC concentrations with a mean of 0.021 ± 0.016 μmol L−1 were observed in the marginal ice zone (MIZ). A number of parameters, including temperature, salinity and 234Th/238U ratios, indicated that both the rapid release of atmospherically deposited PBC on sea ice and a slow sinking rate were responsible for the comparable PBC concentrations between the MIZ and mid-latitudinal Pacific Ocean (ML). On the Chukchi and Bering Shelves (CBS), PBC concentrations were also comparable to those obtained in the ML. Further, significant deficits of 234Th revealed the rapid sinking of PBC on the CBS. These results implied additional source terms for PBC in addition to atmospheric deposition and fluvial discharge on the western Arctic shelves. Based on 234Th/238U disequilibria, the net sinking rate of PBC out of the surface water was −0.8 ± 2.5 μmol m−3 d−1 (mean ± s.d.) in the MIZ. In contrast, on the shelves, the average sinking rate of PBC was 6.1 ± 4.6 μmol m−3 d−1. Thus, the western Arctic Shelf was probably an effective location for burying PBC.
Hybridized plasmon modes and near-field enhancement of metallic nanoparticle-dimer on a mirror
Authors: Huang Yu , Ma Lingwei , Hou Mengjing , Li Jianghao , Xie Zheng , Zhang Zhengjun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFor the attractive plasmonic structure consisting of metal nanoparticles (NPs) on a mirror, the coexistence of near-field NP-NP and NP-mirror couplings is numerically studied at normal incidence. By mapping their 3D surface charge distributions directly, we have demonstrated two different kinds of mirror-induced bonding dipole plasmon modes and confirmed the bonding hybridizations of the mirror and the NP-dimer which may offer a much stronger near-field enhancement than that of the isolated NP dimers over a broad wavelength range. Further, it is revealed that the huge near-field enhancement of these two modes exhibit different dependence on the NP-NP and NP-mirror hot spots, while both of their near-field resonance wavelengths can be tuned to the blue exponentially by increasing the NP-NP gaps or the NP-mirror separation. Our results here benifit significantly the fundamental understanding and practical applications of metallic NPs on a mirror in plasmonics.
Deadly intentions: naïve introduced foxes show rapid attraction to odour cues of an unfamiliar native prey
Authors: Bytheway Jenna P. , Price Catherine J. , Banks Peter B. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIntroduced predators have caused declines and extinctions of native species worldwide, seemingly able to find and hunt new, unfamiliar prey from the time of their introduction. Yet, just as native species are often naïve to introduced predators, in theory, introduced predators should initially be naïve in their response to novel native prey. Here we examine the response of free-living introduced red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) to their first encounter with the odour cues of a novel native prey, the long-nosed bandicoot (Perameles nasuta). Despite no experience with bandicoots at the study site, foxes were significantly more interested in bandicoot odour compared to untreated controls and to a co-evolved prey, the black rat (Rattus rattus). So what gives introduced predators a novelty advantage over native prey? Such neophilia towards novel potential food sources carries little costs, however naïve native prey often lack analogous neophobic responses towards novel predators, possibly because predator avoidance is so costly. We propose that this nexus between the costs and benefits of responding to novel information is different for alien predators and native prey, giving alien predators a novelty advantage over native prey. This may explain why some introduced predators have rapid and devastating impacts on native fauna.
G-1 exerts neuroprotective effects through G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 following spinal cord injury in mice
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Meng Jia , Wang Xin-shang , Kang Wen-bo , Tian Zhen , Zhang Kun , Liu Gang , Zhao Jian-ning 
Published: July 2016

Spinal cord injury (SCI) always occurs accidently and leads to motor dysfunction because of biochemical and pathological events. Estrogen has been shown to be neuroprotective against SCI through estrogen receptors (ERs), but the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of a newly found membrane ER, G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPR30 or GPER1), and discussed the feasibility of a GPR30 agonist as an estrogen replacement. Forty adult female C57BL/6J mice (10–12 weeks old) were divided randomly into vehicle, G-1, E2, G-1 + G-15 and E2 + G-15 groups. All mice were subjected to SCI using a crushing injury approach. The specific GPR30 agonist, G-1, mimicked the effects of E2 treatment by preventing SCI-induced apoptotic cell death and enhancing motor functional recovery after injury. GPR30 activation regulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and MAPK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling pathways, increased GPR30 and anti-apoptosis proteins Bcl-2 and brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), but decreased the pro-apoptosis factor Bax and cleaved caspase-3. However, the neuroprotective effects of G-1 and E2 were blocked by the specific GPR30 antagonist, G-15. Thus, GPR30 rather than classic ERs is required to induce estrogenic neuroprotective effects. Given that estrogen replacement therapy may cause unexpected side effects, especially on the reproductive system, GPR30 agonists may represent a potential therapeutic approach for treating SCI.
Assessing the Reliability and Use of the Expository Scoring Scheme as a Measure of Developmental Change in Monolingual English and Bilingual French/English Children
Authors: Kay-Raining Bird Elizabeth , Joshi Nila , Cleave Patricia L. 
Published: July 2016

Purpose
The Expository Scoring Scheme (ESS) is designed to analyze the macrostructure of descriptions of a favorite game or sport. This pilot study examined inter- and intrarater reliability of the ESS and use of the scale to capture developmental change in elementary school children.

Method
Twenty-four children in 2 language groups (monolingual English and bilingual French/English) and 2 age groups (7–8 years, 11–12 years) participated (6 in each subgroup). Participants orally explained how to play their favorite game or sport in English. Expository discourse samples were rated for 10 macrostructure components using the ESS. Ratings were summed for a total score.

Results
Inter- and intrarater reliability was high for the total ESS score and for some but not all ESS components. In addition, the total score and ratings for many ESS components increased with age. Few differences were found in use of macrostructure components across language groups.

Conclusions
The ESS captures developmental change in the use of expository macrostructure in spoken discourse samples. It may be beneficial to take into account the lower reliability found for ratings of some ESS components in clinical practice. Due to the small sample size, these results should be considered preliminary and interpreted with caution.
Evaluating Steelhead Kelt Treatments to Increase Iteroparous Spawners in the Yakima River Basin
Authors: Trammell Jeffrey L. J. , Fast David E. , Hatch Douglas R. , Bosch William J. , Branstetter Ryan , Pierce Andrew L. , Blodgett Joseph W. , Frederiksen Chris R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss are iteroparous, distinguishing them from Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. that are semelparous. In this study we evaluated enhancement techniques that exploit this life history strategy to facilitate species restoration and recovery. In the Columbia River basin, where the natural ecosystem has been substantially altered over several decades due to human influence, all steelhead populations are listed as threatened or endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act. One factor believed to be limiting survival of Columbia River kelt (postspawned) steelhead is poor migration success to the ocean past several dams. We evaluated three treatments for kelts captured in the Yakima River basin from 2002 to 2011: (1) transport and release below Bonneville Dam (to provide unimpeded access to the ocean); (2) short-term reconditioning (holding and feeding in an artificial environment to facilitate gonad maturation) with transport; and (3) long-term reconditioning. These treatments were compared with an in-river migration control group to identify differences in the rate at which kelts survived and returned to Prosser Dam for potential repeat spawning (hereafter repeat spawners). The long-term reconditioning treatment exhibited the highest return rate of repeat spawners (range, 11.5–17.6%). The short-term reconditioning treatment with transport downstream from Bonneville Dam had a 3.2% return rate. The transport only treatment exhibited the lowest return rate (0.9%); this was only one-third of the control group's return rate (2.7%). Our results indicate that long-term steelhead kelt reconditioning is more successful than either transportation or in-river migration alternatives at increasing potential repeat spawner abundance and providing recovery benefits in river systems that have experienced substantial losses in natural productivity due to loss of habitat and habitat connectivity.
Received June 23, 2015; accepted February 27, 2016 Published online July 15, 2016
Quercetin 3,7-O-dimethyl ether from Siegesbeckia pubescens suppress the production of inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide-induced macrophages and colon epithelial cells
Authors: Lee Seul-gi , Kim Mihye , Kim Cho Een , Kang Jisu , Yoo Hyunji , Sung Sang Hyun , Lee Mina 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Siegesbeckia pubescens (Compositae) is an annual herb indigenous to Korean mountainous regions. Recent reports have been issued on some compounds derived from S. pubescens for its anti-inflammatory activity or mode of action. The quercetin 3,7-O-dimethyl ether (QDE) isolated from the herbs of S. pubescens suppressed the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein production in mouse macrophages. QDE downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor -α levels in LPS-stimulated macrophages. Also, QDE decreased the expression of LPS-induced iNOS and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) protein and the production of IL-8 in LPS-induced HT-29 cells. Macrophages and colon epithelial cells are important for regulating the colon immune systems, thus QDE may regulate inflammatory colon disease via LPS-induced inflammation in macrophages and colon epithelial cells. QDE, anti-inflammatory constituent of S. pubescens herbs, can be expected to be a potential candidate for therapeutics against inflammatory bowel disease.
Laser cleaning of diagnostic mirrors from tungsten–oxygen tokamak-like contaminants
Authors: Maffini A. , Uccello A. , Dellasega D. , Passoni M. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
This paper presents a laboratory-scale experimental investigation about the laser cleaning of diagnostic first mirrors from tokamak-like contaminants, made of oxidized tungsten compounds with different properties and morphology. The re-deposition of contaminants sputtered from a tokamak first wall onto first mirrors’ surfaces could dramatically decrease their reflectivity in an unacceptable way for the proper functioning of plasma diagnostic systems. The laser cleaning technique has been proposed as a solution to tackle this issue. In this work, pulsed laser deposition was exploited to produce rhodium films functional as first mirrors and to deposit onto them contaminants designed to be realistic in reproducing materials expected to be re-deposited on first mirrors in a tokamak environment. The same laser system was also used to perform laser cleaning experiments, exploiting a sample handling procedure that allows one to clean some cm2 in a few minutes. Cleaning effectiveness was evaluated in terms of specular reflectance recovery and mirror surface integrity. The effect of different laser wavelengths (

λ
=
1064

, 266 nm) on the cleaning process was also addressed, as well as the impact of multiple contamination/cleaning cycles on the process outcome. A satisfactory recovery of pristine mirror reflectance (⩾90%) was obtained in the vis–NIR spectral range, avoiding at the same time mirror damaging. The results here presented show the potential of the laser cleaning technique as an attractive solution for the cleaning of diagnostic first mirrors.
Zika Virus Infection Associated With Severe Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Sharp Tyler M. , Muñoz-Jordán Jorge , Perez-Padilla Janice , Bello-Pagán Melissa I. , Rivera Aidsa , Pastula Daniel M. , Salinas Jorge L. , Martínez Mendez Jose H. , Méndez Mónica , Powers Ann M. , Waterman Stephen , Rivera-García Brenda 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
We report two patients that developed severe thrombocytopenia after Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. The first patient had 1000 platelets/μL and died after multiple hemorrhages. The second patient had 2000 platelets/μL, had melena and ecchymoses, and recovered after receiving intravenous immunoglobulin. ZIKV may be associated with immune-mediated severe thrombocytopenia.