bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An interactive web-based intervention on nutritional status, physical activity and health-related quality of life in patient with metabolic syndrome: a randomized-controlled trial (The Red Ruby Study)
Authors: Jahangiry L , Montazeri A , Najafi M , Yaseri M , Farhangi M A 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Background/Objectives:
Physical inactivity and unhealthy nutritional behaviors are recognized as the key factors in the cause and management of metabolic syndrome (MetS). The effectiveness of interactive web-based interventions on dietary intakes, physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among people with MetS is currently unknown.

Methods:
The two-arm randomized-controlled trial was conducted for patients with MetS from June through December 2012 in Tehran, Iran. Participants (n=160) were recruited through online registration on the study website. After free clinical assessments of eligible participants for MetS, they were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups (n=80). All participants received general information about cardiovascular diseases and MetS risk factors via the website. The intervention group logged in to interactive part including My Healthy Heart Profile, received tailored calorie-restricted diet and used all parts of the interactive prevention program. Anthropometric measures, glycemic status, lipid profile, physical activity and food intake were evaluated at the beginning and after 6-month follow-up. HRQOL was assessed at beginning, 3- and 6-month follow-up.

Results:
There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups on age, gender, education and MetS factors. In comparison with control group, the intervention group showed significant changes in moderate physical activity 260.3±473.6 vs 101.6±213.1 MET-min/week, walking 505.2±505.3 vs 321±884 MET-min per week, cholesterol intake −88.4±158.7 vs −8.3±6 mg per day, total calories −430.2±957.5 vs −392.9±34.7 kcal per day and sodium 1336.9±2467 vs 1342±3200.4 mmol per day. With regard to HRQOL, the intervention group showed greater improvement in general health and vitality (P<0.05 for all).

Conclusion:
These results indicate the positive impact of a lifestyle intervention by a web-based program on physical activity, dietary intake and several dimension of QoL. The use of web-based approaches is a great interest to manage patients at high cardiovascular risk, especially where the prevalence of obesity, MetS and diabetes is increasing.
Regulation of cancer epigenomes with a histone-binding synthetic transcription factor
Authors: Nyer David B. , Daer Rene M. , Vargas Daniel , Hom Caroline , Haynes Karmella A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractChromatin proteins have expanded the mammalian synthetic biology toolbox by enabling control of active and silenced states at endogenous genes. Others have reported synthetic proteins that bind DNA and regulate genes by altering chromatin marks, such as histone modifications. Previously, we reported the first synthetic transcriptional activator, the “Polycomb-based transcription factor” (PcTF) that reads histone modifications through a protein–protein interaction between the polycomb chromodomain motif and trimethylated lysine 27 of histone H3 (H3K27me3). Here, we describe the genome-wide behavior of the polycomb-based transcription factor fusion protein. Transcriptome and chromatin profiling revealed several polycomb-based transcription factor-sensitive promoter regions marked by distal H3K27me3 and proximal fusion protein binding. These results illuminate a mechanism in which polycomb-based transcription factor interactions bridge epigenomic marks with the transcription initiation complex at target genes. In three cancer-derived human cell lines tested here, some target genes encode developmental regulators and tumor suppressors. Thus, the polycomb-based transcription factor represents a powerful new fusion protein-based method for cancer research and treatment where silencing marks are translated into direct gene activation.
Deformation mechanisms to ameliorate the mechanical properties of novel TRIP/TWIP Co-Cr-Mo-(Cu) ultrafine eutectic alloys
Authors: Kim J. T. , Hong S. H. , Park H. J. , Kim Y. S. , Suh J. Y. , Lee J. K. , Park J. M. , Maity T. , Eckert J. , Kim K. B. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn the present study, the microstructural evolution and the modulation of the mechanical properties have been investigated for a Co-Cr-Mo (CCM) ternary eutectic alloy by addition of a small amount of copper (0.5 and 1 at.%). The microstructural observations reveal a distinct dissimilarity in the eutectic structure such as a broken lamellar structure and a well-aligned lamellar structure and an increasing volume fraction of Co lamellae as increasing amount of copper addition. This microstructural evolution leads to improved plasticity from 1% to 10% without the typical tradeoff between the overall strength and compressive plasticity. Moreover, investigation of the fractured samples indicates that the CCMCu alloy exhibits higher plastic deformability and combinatorial mechanisms for improved plastic behavior. The improved plasticity of CCMCu alloys originates from several deformation mechanisms; i) slip, ii) deformation twinning, iii) strain-induced transformation and iv) shear banding. These results reveal that the mechanical properties of eutectic alloys in the Co-Cr-Mo system can be ameliorated by micro-alloying such as Cu addition.
10-fs-level synchronization of photocathode laser with RF-oscillator for ultrafast electron and X-ray sources
Authors: Yang Heewon , Han Byungheon , Shin Junho , Hou Dong , Chung Hayun , Baek In Hyung , Jeong Young Uk , Kim Jungwon 
Published: January 2017

AbstractUltrafast electron-based coherent radiation sources, such as free-electron lasers (FELs), ultrafast electron diffraction (UED) and Thomson-scattering sources, are becoming more important sources in today’s ultrafast science. Photocathode laser is an indispensable common subsystem in these sources that generates ultrafast electron pulses. To fully exploit the potentials of these sources, especially for pump-probe experiments, it is important to achieve high-precision synchronization between the photocathode laser and radio-frequency (RF) sources that manipulate electron pulses. So far, most of precision laser-RF synchronization has been achieved by using specially designed low-noise Er-fibre lasers at telecommunication wavelength. Here we show a modular method that achieves long-term (>1 day) stable 10-fs-level synchronization between a commercial 79.33-MHz Ti:sapphire laser oscillator and an S-band (2.856-GHz) RF oscillator. This is an important first step toward a photocathode laser-based femtosecond RF timing and synchronization system that is suitable for various small- to mid-scale ultrafast X-ray and electron sources.
Orientation toward humans predicts cognitive performance in orang-utans
Authors: Damerius Laura A. , Forss Sofia I. F. , Kosonen Zaida K. , Willems Erik P. , Burkart Judith M. , Call Josep , Galdikas Birute M. F. , Liebal Katja , Haun Daniel B. M. , van Schaik Carel P. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNon-human animals sometimes show marked intraspecific variation in their cognitive abilities that may reflect variation in external inputs and experience during the developmental period. We examined variation in exploration and cognitive performance on a problem-solving task in a large sample of captive orang-utans (Pongo abelii & P. pygmaeus, N = 103) that had experienced different rearing and housing conditions during ontogeny, including human exposure. In addition to measuring exploration and cognitive performance, we also conducted a set of assays of the subjects’ psychological orientation, including reactions towards an unfamiliar human, summarized in the human orientation index (HOI), and towards novel food and objects. Using generalized linear mixed models we found that the HOI, rather than rearing background, best predicted both exploration and problem-solving success. Our results suggest a cascade of processes: human orientation was accompanied by a change in motivation towards problem-solving, expressed in reduced neophobia and increased exploration variety, which led to greater experience, and thus eventually to higher performance in the task. We propose that different experiences with humans caused individuals to vary in curiosity and understanding of the physical problem-solving task. We discuss the implications of these findings for comparative studies of cognitive ability.
Quantifying influences of physiographic factors on temperate dryland vegetation, Northwest China
Authors: Du Ziqiang , Zhang Xiaoyu , Xu Xiaoming , Zhang Hong , Wu Zhitao , Pang Jing 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVariability in satellite measurements of terrestrial greenness in drylands is widely observed in land surface processes and global change studies. Yet the underlying causes differ and are not fully understood. Here, we used the GeogDetector model, a new spatial statistical approach, to examine the individual and combined influences of physiographic factors on dryland vegetation greenness changes, and to identify the most suitable characteristics of each principal factor for stimulating vegetation growth. Our results indicated that dryland greenness was predominantly affected by precipitation, soil type, vegetation type, and temperature, either separately or in concert. The interaction between pairs of physiographic factors enhanced the influence of any single factor and displayed significantly non-linear influences on vegetation greenness. Our results also implied that vegetation greenness could be promoted by adopting favorable ranges or types of major physiographical factors, thus beneficial for ecological conservation and restoration that aimed at mitigating environmental degradation.
Design of a 15N Molecular Unit to Achieve Long Retention of Hyperpolarized Spin State
Authors: Nonaka Hiroshi , Hirano Masashi , Imakura Yuki , Takakusagi Yoichi , Ichikawa Kazuhiro , Sando Shinsuke 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNuclear hyperpolarization is a phenomenon that can be used to improve the sensitivity of magnetic resonance molecular sensors. However, such sensors typically suffer from short hyperpolarization lifetime. Herein we report that [15N, D14]trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) has a remarkably long spin–lattice relaxation time (1128 s, 14.1 T, 30 °C, D2O) on its 15N nuclei and achieves a long retention of the hyperpolarized state. [15N, D14]TMPA-based hyperpolarized sensor for carboxylesterase allowed the highly sensitive analysis of enzymatic reaction by 15N NMR for over 40 min in phophate-buffered saline (H2O, pH 7.4, 37 °C).
Neuregulin 1-ErbB module in C-bouton synapses on somatic motor neurons: molecular compartmentation and response to peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Casanovas Anna , Salvany Sara , Lahoz Víctor , Tarabal Olga , Piedrafita Lídia , Sabater Raimundo , Hernández Sara , Calderó Jordi , Esquerda Josep E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe electric activity of lower motor neurons (MNs) appears to play a role in determining cell-vulnerability in MN diseases. MN excitability is modulated by cholinergic inputs through C-type synaptic boutons, which display an endoplasmic reticulum-related subsurface cistern (SSC) adjacent to the postsynaptic membrane. Besides cholinergic molecules, a constellation of proteins involved in different signal-transduction pathways are clustered at C-type synaptic sites (M2 muscarinic receptors, Kv2.1 potassium channels, Ca2+ activated K+ [SK] channels, and sigma-1 receptors [S1R]), but their collective functional significance so far remains unknown. We have previously suggested that neuregulin-1 (NRG1)/ErbBs-based retrograde signalling occurs at this synapse. To better understand signalling through C-boutons, we performed an analysis of the distribution of C-bouton-associated signalling proteins. We show that within SSC, S1R, Kv2.1 and NRG1 are clustered in highly specific, non-overlapping, microdomains, whereas ErbB2 and ErbB4 are present in the adjacent presynaptic compartment. This organization may define highly ordered and spatially restricted sites for different signal-transduction pathways. SSC associated proteins are disrupted in axotomised MNs together with the activation of microglia, which display a positive chemotactism to C-bouton sites. This indicates that C-bouton associated molecules are also involved in neuroinflammatory signalling in diseased MNs, emerging as new potential therapeutic targets.
Effects of oxygen vacancies on the structural and optical properties of β-Ga2O3
Authors: Dong Linpeng , Jia Renxu , Xin Bin , Peng Bo , Zhang Yuming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe structural, electronic, and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 with oxygen vacancies are studied by employing first-principles calculations based on density function theory. Based on the defects formation energies, we conclude the oxygen vacancies are most stable in their fully charge states. The electronic structures and optical properties of β-Ga2O3 are calculated by Generalized Gradient Approximation + U formalisms with the Hubbard U parameters set 7.0 eV and 8.5 eV for Ga and O ions, respectively. The calculated bandgap is 4.92 eV, which is consistent with the experimental value. The static real dielectric constants of the defective structures are increased compared with the intrinsic one, which is attributed to the level caused by the Ga-4s states in the bandgap. Extra peaks are introduced in the absorption spectra, which are related to Ga-4s and O-2p states. Experimentally, β-Ga2O3 films are deposited under different O2 volume percentage with ratio-frequency magnetron sputtering method. The measured results indicate that oxygen vacancies can induce extra emission peaks in the photoluminescence spectrum, the location of these peaks are close to the calculated results. Extra O2 can increase the formation energies of oxygen vacancies and thus reduce oxygen vacancies in β-Ga2O3.
Free flight odor tracking in Drosophila: Effect of wing chemosensors, sex and pheromonal gene regulation
Authors: Houot Benjamin , Gigot Vincent , Robichon Alain , Ferveur Jean-François 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe evolution of powered flight in insects had major consequences for global biodiversity and involved the acquisition of adaptive processes allowing individuals to disperse to new ecological niches. Flies use both vision and olfactory input from their antennae to guide their flight; chemosensors on fly wings have been described, but their function remains mysterious. We studied Drosophila flight in a wind tunnel. By genetically manipulating wing chemosensors, we show that these structures play an essential role in flight performance with a sex-specific effect. Pheromonal systems are also involved in Drosophila flight guidance: transgenic expression of the pheromone production and detection gene, desat1, produced low, rapid flight that was absent in control flies. Our study suggests that the sex-specific modulation of free-flight odor tracking depends on gene expression in various fly tissues including wings and pheromonal-related tissues.
C. elegans-on-a-chip for in situ and in vivo Ag nanoparticles’ uptake and toxicity assay
Authors: Kim Jin Ho , Lee Seung Hwan , Cha Yun Jeong , Hong Sung Jin , Chung Sang Kug , Park Tai Hyun , Choi Shin Sik 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNanomaterials are extensively used in consumer products and medical applications, but little is known about their environmental and biological toxicities. Moreover, the toxicity analysis requires sophisticated instruments and labor-intensive experiments. Here we report a microfluidic chip incorporated with the nematodeCaenorhabditis elegansthat rapidly displays the changes in body growth and gene expression specifically responsive to the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs).C. eleganswere cultured in microfluidic chambers in the presence or absence of AgNPs and were consequently transferred to wedge-shaped channels, which immobilized the animals, allowing the evaluation of parameters such as length, moving distance, and fluorescence from the reporter gene. The AgNPs reduced the length ofC. elegansbody, which was easily identified in the channel of chip. In addition, the decrease of body width enabled the worm to advance the longer distance compared to the animal without nanoparticles in a wedge-shaped channel. The transgenic marker DNA,mtl-2::gfpwas highly expressed upon the uptake of AgNPs, resulting in green fluorescence emission. The comparative investigation using gold nanoparticles and heavy-metal ions indicated that these parameters are specific to AgNPs. These results demonstrate thatC. elegans-on-a-chip has a great potential as a rapid and specific nanoparticle detection or nanotoxicity assessment system.
Effects of plant species richness on 13C assimilate partitioning in artificial grasslands of different established ages
Authors: Xu Longhua , Yao Buqing , Wang Wenying , Wang Fangping , Zhou Huakun , Shi Jianjun , Zhao Xinquan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractArtificial grasslands play a role in carbon storage on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. The artificial grasslands exhibit decreased proportions of graminate and increased species richness with age. However, the effect of the graminate proportions and species richness on ecosystem C stocks in artificial grasslands have not been elucidated. We conducted anin situ13C pulse-labeling experiment in August 2012 using artificial grasslands that had been established for two years (2Y), five years (5Y), and twelve years (12Y). Each region was plowed fallow from severely degraded alpine meadow in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The 12Y grassland had moderate proportions of graminate and the highest species richness. This region showed more recovered13C in soil and a longer mean residence time, which suggests species richness controls the ecosystem C stock. The loss rate of leaf-assimilated C of the graminate-dominant plant speciesElymus nutansin artificial grasslands of different ages was lowest in the 12Y grassland, which also had the highest species richness. Thus the lower loss rate of leaf-assimilated C can be partially responsible for the larger ecosystem carbon stocks in the 12Y grassland. This finding is a novel mechanism for the effects of species richness on the increase in ecosystem functioning.
Gut Microbiota Mediates Protection Against Enteropathy Induced by Indomethacin
Authors: Xiao Xue , Nakatsu Geicho , Jin Ye , Wong Sunny , Yu Jun , Lau James Y. W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause significant small bowel injuries. The role of gut microbiota in this NSAID-induced enteropathy is poorly understood. We studied the dynamic changes in gut microbiota following indomethacin administration in mice, and investigated the effects of these adaptive changes on subsequent NSAID-induced enteropathy. The changes in gut microbiota were studied using 16S rRNA sequencing, and the effects of such changes were investigated using antibiotics and a faecal transplantation model. After indomethacin treatment, significant adaptive changes in gut microbiota were observed, including increased abundance of Firmicutes and decreased abundance in that of Bacteroidetes. Depletion of gut microbiota with antibiotics led to a higher mortality (P = 0.0021) in mice compared to controls. Mice pre-transplanted with adaptively changed microbiota showed less small bowel injury and lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines when exposed to indomethacin. In summary, this study identifies adaptive changes in the gut microbiota upon indomethacin administration, which can in turn ameliorate further NSAID-induced injury. The heightened mortality with antibiotic depletion of the adaptively changed microbiota suggests its important role in protecting against such injury. This study provides insight for future efforts to target the microbiota as a therapeutic strategy.
Adeno-associated virus serotype rh.10 displays strong muscle tropism following intraperitoneal delivery
Authors: Ai Jianzhong , Li Jia , Gessler Dominic J. , Su Qin , Wei Qiang , Li Hong , Gao Guangping 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRecombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) is an attractive tool for basic science and translational medicine including gene therapy, due to the versatility in its cell and organ transduction. Previous work indicates that rAAV transduction patterns are highly dependent on route of administration. Based on this relationship, we hypothesized that intraperitoneal (IP) administration of rAAV produces unique patterns of tissue tropism. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the transduction efficiency of 12 rAAV serotypes carrying an enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene in a panel of 12 organs after IP injection. Our data suggest that IP administration emphasizes transduction patterns that are different from previously reported intravascular delivery methods. Using this approach, rAAV efficiently transduces the liver, pancreas, skeletal muscle, heart and diaphragm without causing significant histopathological changes. Of note, rAAVrh.10 showed excellent muscle transduction following IP administration, highlighting its potential as a new muscle-targeting vector.
Dopamine-functionalized mesoporous onion-like silica as a new matrix for immobilization of lipase Candida sp. 99-125
Authors: Gao Junkai , Jiang Yanjun , Lu Jinshu , Han Zhi , Deng Jiajia , Chen Yan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDopmine functionalized mesoporous onion-like silica (DPMS) was synthesized via a biomimetic coating, and lipase Candida sp. 99-125 (LCS) was immobilized in DPMS (LCS@DPMS) by physical adsorption in this study. The DPMS was characterized by SEM, TEM, BET and FT-IR, and it was shown that the DPMS had clear multishell structures with large surface area of 419 m2/g. The activity, pH stability, thermal stability, storage stability, and reusability of the LCS@DPMS were investigated in detail. The stabilities of LCS@DPMS were improved significantly compared to the free lipase and LCS@MS (LCS immobilized in unfunctionalized mesoporous onion-like silica by physical adsorption). All the results indicated that the DPMS had high efficiency and improved stability for lipase immobilization.