bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Carbon, Oxygen, Strontium, and Lead Isotopes in Modern Human Teeth for Forensic Investigations: A Critical Overview Based on Data from Bulgaria
Authors: Kamenov George D. , Curtis Jason H. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIsotopic data obtained from human remains can provide information about an individual's origin, migration, and diet. We evaluate the usefulness of carbon, oxygen, strontium, and lead isotopes for forensic investigations by comparing data from Bulgarian teeth with data from other regions. Geo‐referencing based on oxygen or strontium isotopes can be misleading due to overlap with other countries in Europe and other continents. Carbon and lead isotopes, in combination with oxygen and strontium isotopes, provide the most useful information for identification of local vs foreigner status. In particular, high‐precision Pb isotopes show a distinct “Bulgarian” range; however, it is possible that individuals from other countries in Eastern Europe and/or central to western Asia could have overlapping isotopic values. Additional high‐precision multi‐isotope data from modern humans from different regions in the world are required to transition from speculative to more quantitative estimation of a geographical place of origin for unidentified human remains.
Characteristics of Bone Injuries Resulting from Knife Wounds Incised with Different Forces
Authors: Humphrey Caitlin , Kumaratilake Jaliya , Henneberg Maciej 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe aim of this research was to experimentally determine the characteristics of incised bone wounds, which are commonly found in defense injuries. A specially constructed pivoting arm device was used to inflict wounds with controlled forces and direction. Five knives were selected to inflict the wounds on porcine forelimbs. Eight incised wounds were made per knife per force. A larger knife and a greater force caused longer and wider bone wounds. Comparisons of individual knives at the two forces produced varying results in the bone wounds. A correlation was seen between the force and the length (r = 0.69), width (r = 0.63), and depth (r = 0.57) of bone wounds. Serrated‐edge and nonserrated knives can be distinguished from the appearance of the wound. The outcomes may be applicable in forensic investigations to ascertain the forces associated with incised wounds and identify the specific knife used.
Structural Characterization and Antifatigue Effect In Vivo of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) Polysaccharide
Authors: Tang Weimin , Jin Lu , Xie Lianghua , Huang Juqing , Wang Nan , Chu Bingquan , Dai Xulin , Liu Yu , Wang Rui , Zhang Ying 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMaca (Lepidium meyenii Walp) polysaccharides (MP) with purity of 99.2% were obtained to investigate their structural characteristics and antifatigue effect in vivo. The physicochemical properties of MP were analyzed through high‐performance gel filtration chromatography, IR, monosaccharide composition, methylation, GC‐MS, and NMR analyses. The antifatigue effect of MP was evaluated by using a mouse weight‐loaded swimming model. MP is an acidic heteropolysaccharide with an average molecular weight (Mw) of 793.5 kDa. It is composed of D‐GalA: D‐Glc: L‐Ara: D‐Man: D‐Gal: L‐Rha = 35.07:29.98:16.98:13.01:4.21:0.75 (mol, %). The findings revealed that MP contained β‐1,3‐Galp(A), β‐1,3‐Glcp, and α‐1, 3‐Manp linked alternatingly to form a backbone (5:4:1). MP (above mid‐dosage 50 mg/kg bw/d) could effectively elongate swimming durations and accelerate average swimming speeds (within the 1st 5 min) of mice (P < 0.05) and improve the serous biochemical parameters of mice. Compared with the control model, high‐dosage (100 mg/kg bw/d) MP treatment could significantly enhance glutathione peroxidase and creatine kinase activities (P < 0.05) and decreased lactate dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.01). High‐dosage MP could significantly reduce the levels of blood urea nitrogen, lactic acid, and malondialdehyde (P < 0.05). MP is an acidic polysaccharide with a high D‐GalA content, which could be responsible for the antifatigue effect of maca.
Effects of Tissue Culture and Mycorrhiza Applications in Organic Farming on Concentrations of Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Capacities in Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) Rhizomes and Leaves
Authors: Min Byungrok R. , Marsh Lurline E. , Brathwaite Keegan , Daramola Adebola O. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTissue culture and mycorrhiza applications can provide disease‐free seedlings and enhanced nutrient absorption, respectively, for organic farming. Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) is rich in phytochemicals and has various health‐protective potentials. This study was aimed at determining effects of tissue culture and mycorrhiza applications alone or in combinations in organic farming on phytochemical contents (total phenolics and flavonoids [TP and TF, respectively], gingerol and shogaol homologues, phenolic acids, and carotenoids) and antioxidant capacities (DPPH [2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl] radical scavenging, oxygen radical absorbance (ORAC), and iron‐chelating capacities [ICC]) in solvent‐extractable (Free) and cell‐wall‐matrix‐bound (Bound) fractions of ginger rhizome and Free fraction of the leaves in comparison with non‐organics. Concentrations of the phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities, except for carotenoids and ICC, were significantly higher in organic ginger rhizomes and leaves than in non‐organics regardless of the fractions and treatments (P < 0.05). Mycorrhiza application in organic farming significantly increased levels of TP, TF, gingerols, and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the combined application of tissue culture and mycorrhiza significantly increased concentrations of TF and gingerols and ORAC in the Free fraction of the rhizome (P < 0.05), suggesting their synergistic effects. Considerable amounts of phenolics were found in the Bound fractions of the rhizomes. Six‐gingerol, ferulic acid, and lutein were predominant ones among gingerols, phenolic acids, and carotenoids, respectively, in ginger rhizomes. The results suggest that organic farming with mycorrhiza and tissue culture applications can increase concentrations of phytochemicals and antioxidant capacities in ginger rhizomes and leaves and therefore improve their health‐protective potentials.
Mind the gap: mechanisms regulating the endothelial barrier
Authors: Radeva M. Y. , Waschke J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe endothelial barrier consists of intercellular contacts localized in the cleft between endothelial cells, which is covered by the glycocalyx in a sievelike manner. Both types of barrier‐forming junctions, i.e. the adherens junction (AJ) serving mechanical anchorage and mechanotransduction and the tight junction (TJ) sealing the intercellular space to limit paracellular permeability, are tethered to the actin cytoskeleton. Under resting conditions, the endothelium thereby builds a selective layer controlling the exchange of fluid and solutes with the surrounding tissue. However, in the situation of an inflammatory response such as in anaphylaxis or sepsis intercellular contacts disintegrate in post‐capillary venules leading to intercellular gap formation. The resulting oedema can cause shock and multi‐organ failure. Therefore, maintenance as well as coordinated opening and closure of interendothelial junctions is tightly regulated. The two principle underlying mechanisms comprise spatiotemporal activity control of the small GTPases Rac1 and RhoA and the balance of the phosphorylation state of AJ proteins. In the resting state, junctional Rac1 and RhoA activity is enhanced by junctional components, actin‐binding proteins, cAMP signalling and extracellular cues such as sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) and angiopoietin‐1 (Ang‐1). In addition, phosphorylation of AJ components is prevented by junction‐associated phosphatases including vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE‐PTP). In contrast, inflammatory mediators inhibiting cAMP/Rac1 signalling cause strong activation of RhoA and induce AJ phosphorylation finally leading to endocytosis and cleavage of VE‐cadherin. This results in dissolution of TJs the outcome of which is endothelial barrier breakdown.
Effects of xylanase supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood parameters, fecal microbiota, fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal‐based diet
Authors: Lan Ruixia , Li Tianshui , Kim Inho 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of xylanase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, growth performance, blood parameters, fecal microflora shedding, fecal score and fecal noxious gas emission of weaning pigs fed corn‐soybean meal based diet. A total of 150 weaning pigs with an average initial body weight (BW) of 7.85 ± 0.93 kg were randomly allocated to three treatments based on BW and sex (10 replicate pens with five pigs, two gilts and three barrows) were used in this 42‐day trial. Dietary treatments were: (1) CON, basal diet; (2) X1, basal diet +0.005% xylanase; (2) X2, basal diet +0.01% xylanase. The xylanase supplementation linearly increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG), and gain : feed ratio (G:F) from days 29 to 42 and the in overall period, dry matter, nitrogen and energy digestibility, and fecal Lactobacilli counts, and linearly decreased (P < 0.05) blood urea nitrogen (BUN) concentration, fecal NH3 and H2S emission. Additionally, at weeks 5 and 6, there was a linear decrease in fecal score with xylanase supplementation. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of xylanase improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, shifted microbiota by increasing fecal Lactobacillus counts, decreased BUN concentration, fecal score, and fecal NH3 and H2S emission in weaning pigs.
Metformin attenuates angiotensin II‐induced TGFβ1 expression by targeting hepatocyte nuclear factor‐4‐α
Authors: Chen Ruifei , Feng Yenan , Wu Jimin , Song Yao , Li Hao , Shen Qiang , Li Dan , Zhang Jianshu , Lu Zhizhen , Xiao Han , Zhang Youyi 
Published: February 2017

Background and PurposeMetformin, a small molecule, antihyperglycaemic agent, is a well‐known activator of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protects against cardiac fibrosis. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. TGFβ1 is a key cytokine mediating cardiac fibrosis. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin on TGFβ1 production induced by angiotensin II (AngII) and the underlying mechanisms.Experimental ApproachWild‐type and AMPKα2−/− C57BL/6 mice were injected s.c. with metformin or saline and infused with AngII (3 mg·kg−1·day−1) for 7 days. Adult mouse cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated for in vitro experiments.Key ResultsIn CFs, metformin inhibited AngII‐induced TGFβ1 expression via AMPK activation. Analysis using bioinformatics predicted a potential hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF4α)‐binding site in the promoter region of the Tgfb1 gene. Overexpressing HNF4α increased TGFβ1 expression in CFs. HNF4α siRNA attenuated AngII‐induced TGFβ1 production and cardiac fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. Metformin inhibited the AngII‐induced increases in HNF4α protein expression and binding to the Tgfb1 promoter in CFs. In vivo, metformin blocked the AngII‐induced increase in cardiac HNF4α protein levels in wild‐type mice but not in AMPKα2−/− mice. Consequently, metformin inhibited AngII‐induced TGFβ1 production and cardiac fibrosis in wild‐type mice but not in AMPKα2−/− mice.Conclusions and ImplicationsHNF4α mediates AngII‐induced TGFβ1 transcription and cardiac fibrosis. Metformin inhibits AngII‐induced HNF4α expression via AMPK activation, thus decreasing TGFβ1 transcription and cardiac fibrosis. These findings reveal a novel antifibrotic mechanism of action of metformin and identify HNF4α as a new potential therapeutic target for cardiac fibrosis.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc
The geometry of gender: hyper‐diversification of sexual systems in Urtica L. (Urticaceae)
Authors: Grosse‐Veldmann Bernadette , Weigend Maximilian 
Published: February 2017

AbstractUrtica L. (Urticaceae) is generally reported as a genus of monoecious and dioecious taxa. However, the gender information found in the literature does not at all reflect the actual diversity of gender patterns in Urtica. Dioecy appears to be truly absent from Urtica, but otherwise there has been a major diversification in the geometry of gender and no comparable patterns exist in other plant groups. Thus, we here define technical terms for all unique architectural types of monoecy found in Urtica and closely related genera and reconstruct the ancestral gender states in a Bayesian framework. Our studies are based on a near‐comprehensive sampling, including 61 of the 63 Urtica species recognized. We report polygamy, two types of gynodioecy and five different architectural types of monoecy. A total of 15 switches appear to have taken place within the genus. Although gender characteristics have diversified strongly, they are relatively conserved within clades. Monoecy is the predominant sexual system within Urtica and specifically basiandrous monoecy (i.e. basal inflorescence branches of each individual male only, apical branches female) is the most widespread type, reported for 11 different clades. In particular, it characterizes the basally branching pilulifera‐clade and the sister genus Zhengyia, and may thus represent the plesiomorphic condition for Urtica. Gender distribution and gross morphology appear to evolve largely independently from each other and gender distribution is largely independent of growth habit. However, polygamous taxa are most common amongst rhizomatous perennials (one‐third of the taxa).
n‐butylidenephthalide treatment prolongs life span and attenuates motor neuron loss in SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Zhou Qin‐Ming , Zhang Jing‐Jing , Li Song , Chen Sheng , Le Wei‐Dong 
Published: February 2017

SummaryAimsTo evaluate the therapeutic effects of n‐butylidenephthalide (BP) in SOD1G93A mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and explore the possible mechanisms.MethodsThe SOD1G93A mice were treated by oral administration of BP (q.d., 400 mg/kg d) starting from 60 days of age and continuing until death. The rotarod test was performed to assess the disease onset. The expression levels of apoptosis‐related proteins, inflammatory molecules, and autophagy‐associated proteins were determined. The number of apoptotic motor neurons and the extent of microglial and astroglial activation were also assessed in the lumbar spinal cords of BP‐treated mice. Grip strength test, hematoxylin‐eosin staining, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen staining, and malondialdehyde assay were conducted to evaluate the muscle function and pathology.ResultsAlthough BP treatment did not delay the disease onset, it prolonged the life span and thereafter extended the disease duration in SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS. BP treatment also reduced the motor neuron loss through inhibiting apoptosis. We further demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of BP might be resulted from the inhibition of inflammatory, oxidative stress, and autophagy.ConclusionOur study suggests that BP may be a promising candidate for the treatment of ALS.
How does social essentialism affect the development of inter‐group relations?
Authors: Rhodes Marjorie , Leslie Sarah‐Jane , Saunders Katya , Dunham Yarrow , Cimpian Andrei 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPsychological essentialism is a pervasive conceptual bias to view categories as reflecting something deep, stable, and informative about their members. Scholars from diverse disciplines have long theorized that psychological essentialism has negative ramifications for inter‐group relations, yet little previous empirical work has experimentally tested the social implications of essentialist beliefs. Three studies (N = 127, ages 4.5–6) found that experimentally inducing essentialist beliefs about a novel social category led children to share fewer resources with category members, but did not lead to the out‐group dislike that defines social prejudice. These findings indicate that essentialism negatively influences some key components of inter‐group relations, but does not lead directly to the development of prejudice.
What explains the correlation between growth in vocabulary and grammar? New evidence from latent change score analyses of simultaneous bilingual development
Authors: Hoff Erika , Quinn Jamie M. , Giguere David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractA close relationship between children's vocabulary size and the grammatical complexity of their speech is well attested but not well understood. The present study used latent change score modeling to examine the dynamic relationships between vocabulary and grammar growth within and across languages in longitudinal data from 90 simultaneous Spanish–English bilingual children who were assessed at 6‐month intervals between 30 and 48 months. Slopes of vocabulary and grammar growth were strongly correlated within each language and showed moderate or nonsignificant relationships across languages. There was no evidence that vocabulary level predicted subsequent grammar growth or that the level of grammatical development predicted subsequent vocabulary growth. We propose that a common influence of properties of input on vocabulary and grammatical development is the source of their correlated but uncoupled growth. An unanticipated across‐language finding was a negative relationship between level of English skill and subsequent Spanish growth. We propose that the cultural context of Spanish–English bilingualism in the US is the reason that strong English skills jeopardize Spanish language growth, while Spanish skills do not affect English growth. A video abstract of this article can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/qEHSQ0yRre0
Comparison of the shock absorption capacities of different mouthguards
Authors: Bochnig Melina Simonetta , Oh Min‐Jung , Nagel Theresa , Ziegler Fred , Jost‐Brinkmann Paul‐Georg 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackground/AimsIn this in vitro study, the protective qualities of different mouthguard types were examined during small hard object collisions. The aim was to investigate inconclusive aspects of hard inserts, nylon nets, and air spaces as reinforcements in the anterior region and the protection qualities of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA).Materials and MethodsFive different mouthguards with a labial thickness between 2 mm and 11 mm made of materials of varying stiffness were investigated. As a negative control, the same experiments were performed without a mouthguard. Different combinations of EVA and labial inserts ((polyethylene terephthalate glycol‐modified [PETG]), nylon mesh, air space) were tested. Using a stainless steel pendulum device, blows of different energy (0.07‐2.85 joules) were applied to the center of the crown of a pivoted tooth in a custom‐built jaw model. A laser Doppler vibrometer measured the tooth deflection, while an acceleration sensor attached to the pendulum measured the braking accelerations.ResultsTooth deflection was reduced up to 99.7% compared to no mouthguard, and the braking acceleration was reduced up to 72.2% by increasing the mouthguards' labial thickness in combination with labial inserts of different stiffness and a built‐in air space between the front teeth and the mouthguard. The mouthguards made of soft materials (EVA with nylon mesh) showed slightly better protection qualities than the more rigid mouthguards of similar thickness (PETG; P<.05). However, with increasing impact energy, their protective capacities decreased to a greater extent than the stiffer mouthguards.ConclusionsThe combination of increased labial thickness and labial inserts of varying stiffness and eventually an air space offers the best protection capacities for hard, small object collisions.
Pieces of eight, pieces of eight: seamen's earnings and the venture economy of early modern seafaring†
Authors: Blakemore Richard J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHistorians have generally argued that between the medieval period and the eighteenth century seafarers transformed from collaborative adventurers with a share in their vessel to the first international wage‐earning proletariat. This interpretation has drawn upon relatively limited statistical analysis of mariners’ wages, and underestimates the variety of seafarers’ remuneration and economic activities besides wages themselves. This article undertakes a more sustained analysis of seventeenth‐century wage data drawn from the papers of the English High Court of Admiralty, and uses the same evidence to examine other forms of income, both customary payments as part of shipping, and small‐scale trade. Seafarers of all ranks carried their own commodities on all shipping routes, offering an opportunity to increase their income considerably. This evidence confirms that the maritime labour market was hierarchical, and that very often seafarers were poor labourers facing economic insecurity of many kinds. However, it refines the previous interpretation by emphasizing the presence of skilled workers even among the lower levels of this labour market, and by introducing a new dimension to mariners’ economic agency: they were not simply wage‐workers, but also independent participants in a venture economy.
Unbalanced synaptic inputs underlying multi‐peaked frequency selectivity in rat auditory cortex
Authors: Zhou Chang , Tao Can , Zhang Guangwei , Yan Sumei , Wang Lijuan , Zhou Yi , Xiong Ying 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBy measuring the frequency selectivity at different intensities in the primary auditory cortex of adult rats, we found that a small group of cortical neurons can exhibit relatively weak but robust selectivity at multiple frequencies that are different from the most preferred frequency. Both in vivo multi‐unit recordings (26/93 recordings) and single‐unit recordings (16/137 neurons) confirmed that the preferred frequencies are periodic and have an averaged bandwidth (BW) of 0.3–0.4 octaves, which leads to multi‐peaked frequency selectivity. Interestingly, the averaged bandwidth of the ripple in the frequency response tuning curve was invariant with the sound intensity. An investigation of the synaptic currents in vivo also revealed similar multi‐peaked frequency selectivity for both excitation and inhibition. While the excitatory and inhibitory inputs were relatively balanced for most frequencies, the ratio between excitation and inhibition at the peak and valley of each ripple was highly unbalanced. Since this multi‐peaked frequency selectivity can be observed at the synaptic, single‐cell, and population levels, our results reveal a potential mechanism underlying the multi‐peaked pattern of frequency selectivity in the primary auditory cortex.
Reading Rousseau's Second Discourse in the Light of the Question: What is the Source of Social Inequality?
Authors: James David 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRousseau has been cast as someone who is primarily interested in developing a normative social and political philosophy based on the idea of a non‐inflamed form of amour‐propre, which consists in a desire for equal, as opposed to superior, social standing. On this basis it has been argued (1) that inflamed amour‐propre is the principal source of social inequality in his Second Discourse and (2) that the normative aspects of this text can be largely isolated from its descriptive ones. I argue against both claims by showing that the desire for independence provides an alternative principal source of social inequality, and that the Second Discourse points the way to a genuine critical theory precisely because it describes in narrative form dynamic, concrete social processes in such a way as to challenge the claims of ideal social and political theory, including attempts to interpret the Second Discourse itself primarily in terms of an independent normative social and political philosophy.