bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of resting fluctuations in the brain: metastability and its dynamical cortical core
Authors: Deco Gustavo , Kringelbach Morten L. , Jirsa Viktor K. , Ritter Petra 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn the human brain, spontaneous activity during resting state consists of rapid transitions between functional network states over time but the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We use connectome based computational brain network modeling to reveal fundamental principles of how the human brain generates large-scale activity observable by noninvasive neuroimaging. We used structural and functional neuroimaging data to construct whole- brain models. With this novel approach, we reveal that the human brain during resting state operates at maximum metastability, i.e. in a state of maximum network switching. In addition, we investigate cortical heterogeneity across areas. Optimization of the spectral characteristics of each local brain region revealed the dynamical cortical core of the human brain, which is driving the activity of the rest of the whole brain. Brain network modelling goes beyond correlational neuroimaging analysis and reveals non-trivial network mechanisms underlying non-invasive observations. Our novel findings significantly pertain to the important role of computational connectomics in understanding principles of brain function.
Spectral comb of highly chirped pulses generated via cascaded FWM of two frequency-shifted dissipative solitons
Authors: Podivilov Evgeniy V. , Kharenko Denis S. , Bednyakova Anastasia E. , Fedoruk Mikhail P. , Babin Sergey A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDissipative solitons generated in normal-dispersion mode-locked lasers are stable localized coherent structures with a mostly linear frequency modulation (chirp). The soliton energy in fiber lasers is limited by the Raman effect, but implementation of the intracavity feedback at the Stokes-shifted wavelength enables synchronous generation of a coherent Raman dissipative soliton. Here we demonstrate a new approach for generating chirped pulses at new wavelengths by mixing in a highly-nonlinear fiber of these two frequency-shifted dissipative solitons, as well as cascaded generation of their clones forming in the spectral domain a comb of highly chirped pulses. We observed up to eight equidistant components in the interval of more than 300 nm, which demonstrate compressibility from ~10 ps to ~300 fs. This approach, being different from traditional frequency combs, can inspire new developments in fundamental science and applications such as few-cycle/arbitrary-waveform pulse synthesis, comb spectroscopy, coherent communications and bio-imaging.
Indoxyl sulfate (IS)-mediated immune dysfunction provokes endothelial damage in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
Authors: Kim Hee Young , Yoo Tae-Hyun , Hwang Yuri , Lee Ga Hye , Kim Bonah , Jang Jiyeon , Yu Hee Tae , Kim Min Chang , Cho Joo-Youn , Lee Chan Joo , Kim Hyeon Chang , Park Sungha , Lee Won-Woo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractProgressive renal failure causes uremia-related immune dysfunction, which features a chronic inflammatory milieu. Given the central role of end-stage renal disease (ESRD)-related immune dysfunction in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), much attention has been focused on how uremic toxins affect cellular immunity and the mechanisms underlying pathogenesis of atherosclerosis in ESRD patients. Here, we investigated the characteristics of monocytes and CD4+ T cells in ESRD patients and the immune responses induced by indoxyl sulfate (IS), a key uremic toxin, in order to explore the pathogenic effects of these cells on vascular endothelial cells. In ESRD patients, monocytes respond to IS through the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and consequently produce increased levels of TNF-α. Upon stimulation with TNF-α, human vascular endothelial cells produce copious amounts of CX3CL1, a chemokine ligand of CX3CR1 that is highly expressed on CD4+CD28−T cells, the predominantly expanded cell type in ESRD patients. A migration assay showed that CD4+CD28− T cells were preferentially recruited by CX3CL1. Moreover, activated CD4+CD28− T cells exhibited cytotoxic capability allowing for the induction of apoptosis in HUVECs. Our findings suggest that in ESRD, IS-mediated immune dysfunction may cause vascular endothelial cell damage and thus, this toxin plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of CVD.
A novel network regularized matrix decomposition method to detect mutated cancer genes in tumour samples with inter-patient heterogeneity
Authors: Xi Jianing , Li Ao , Wang Minghui 
Published: May 2017

AbstractInter-patient heterogeneity is a major challenge for mutated cancer genes detection which is crucial to advance cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. To detect mutated cancer genes in heterogeneous tumour samples, a prominent strategy is to determine whether the genes are recurrently mutated in their interaction network context. However, recent studies show that some cancer genes in different perturbed pathways are mutated in different subsets of samples. Subsequently, these genes may not display significant mutational recurrence and thus remain undiscovered even in consideration of network information. We develop a novel method called mCGfinder to efficiently detect mutated cancer genes in tumour samples with inter-patient heterogeneity. Based on matrix decomposition framework incorporated with gene interaction network information, mCGfinder can successfully measure the significance of mutational recurrence of genes in a subset of samples. When applying mCGfinder on TCGA somatic mutation datasets of five types of cancers, we find that the genes detected by mCGfinder are significantly enriched for known cancer genes, and yield substantially smaller p-values than other existing methods. All the results demonstrate that mCGfinder is an efficient method in detecting mutated cancer genes.
An atypical phosphodiesterase capable of degrading haloalkyl phosphate diesters from Sphingobium sp. strain TCM1
Authors: Abe Katsumasa , Mukai Naoko , Morooka Yuka , Makino Takeshi , Oshima Kenji , Takahashi Shouji , Kera Yoshio 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSphingobium sp. strain TCM1 can degrade tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) to inorganic phosphate and 2-chloroethanol. A phosphotriesterase (PTE), phosphodiesterase (PDE) and phosphomonoesterase (PME) are believed to be involved in the degradation of TCEP. The PTE and PME that respectively catalyze the first and third steps of TCEP degradation in TCM1 have been identified. However, no information has been reported on a PDE catalyzing the second step. In this study, we identified, purified, and characterized a PDE capable of hydrolyzing haloalkyl phosphate diesters. The final preparation of the enzyme had a specific activity of 29 µmol min−1 mg−1 with bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BpNPP) as the substrate. It also possessed low PME activity with p-nitrophenyl phosphate (pNPP) as substrate. The catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) with BpNPP was significantly higher than that with pNPP, indicating that the enzyme prefers the organophosphorus diester to the monoester. The enzyme degraded bis(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate, bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate and bis(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, suggesting that it is involved in the metabolism of haloalkyl organophosphorus triesters. The primary structure of the PDE from TCM1 is distinct from those of typical PDE family members and the enzyme belongs to the polymerase and histidinol phosphatase superfamily.
Pre-RC Protein MCM7 depletion promotes mitotic exit by Inhibiting CDK1 activity
Authors: Zheng Dianpeng , Ye Sichao , Wang Xiuyun , Zhang Yongjun , Yan Daoyu , Cai Xiangsheng , Gao Weihong , Shan Hongbo , Gao Yang , Chen Juanjuan , Hu Zhiming , Li Hongwei , Li Jinlong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMCM7, a subunit of mini-chromosome maintenance proteins (MCM) complex, plays an important role in initiating DNA replication during the G1 phase and extending DNA strands during the S phase. Here, we demonstrated that MCM7 is not only sustained but maintains association with chromatin during M phase. Remarkably, MCM7 siRNA can accelerate mitotic exit. MCM7 depletion leads to CDK1 inactivation and promotes subsequent cohesin/RAD21 cleavage, which eventually leads to sister chromatin segregation. Moreover, MCM7 is co-localized with tubulin in the mitotic cells and MCM7 depletion results in aberrant mitosis. Our results indicate that MCM7 may exert certain functions on spindle formation to prevent cytokinesis during early mitosis by regulating CDK1 activity.
Effects of hydraulic retention time on adsorption behaviours of EPS in an A/O-MBR: biofouling study with QCM-D
Authors: Wang Xudong , Cheng Botao , Ji Cunrui , Zhou Miao , Wang Lei 
Published: May 2017

AbstractExtra-cellular polymeric substances (EPS) are a major cause of membrane fouling in membrane bioreactors (MBRs). In this study, an anoxic–oxic membrane bioreactor (A/O-MBR) was run continuously for 98 days. The runs were divided into three stages according to hydraulic retention time (HRT) (11.8, 12.5 and 14.3 h, respectively). EPS were extracted from the reactor under the different HRTs. A quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D) and Fourier transform infrared (FT–IR) were used to study the adherence layer structures and the adsorption behaviours of EPS on the membrane surface. The results indicated that the removal rate of TN was more susceptible to HRT than NH3-N. The observations in the QCM-D suggested that at the lowest HRT (11.8 h), the structure of the adsorption layer is loose and soft and the fluidity was better than for HRTs of 12.5 or 14.3 h. It is likely one of the major reasons for the rapidly blocking of the membrane pores. Furthermore, the higher EPS adherence as analyzed in the QCM-D and EPS concentration could induce a higher osmotic pressure effect, leading to a rapid membrane-fouling rate.
Decision and coordination of low-carbon supply chain considering technological spillover and environmental awareness
Authors: Xu Lang , Wang Chuanxu , Li Hui 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe focus on the impacts of technological spillovers and environmental awareness in a two-echelon supply chain with one-single supplier and one-single manufacturer to reduce carbon emission. In this supply chain, carbon abatement investment becomes one of key factors of cutting costs and improving profits, which is reducing production costs in the components and products—the investment from players in supply chain. On the basis of optimality theory, the centralized and decentralized models are respectively established to investigate the optimal decisions and profits. Further, setting the players’ profits of the decentralized scenario as the disagreement points, we propose a bargaining-coordination contract through revenue-cost sharing to enhance the performance. Finally, by theoretical comparison and numerical analysis, the results show that: (i) The optimal profits of players and supply chain improve as technological spillovers and environmental awareness increase, and the profits of them in the bargaining-coordination contract are higher than that in the decentralized scenario; (ii) Technological spillovers between the players amplify the impact of “free-ride” behavior, in which the supplier always incentives the manufacturer to improve carbon emission intensity, but the cooperation will achieves and the profits will improve only when technological spillovers and environmental awareness are great; (iii) The contract can effectively achieve coordinated supply chain, and improve carbon abatement investment.
Recombinant human plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) to prevent bacterial growth and to treat sepsis
Authors: Deckert Valérie , Lemaire Stéphanie , Ripoll Pierre-Jean , de Barros Jean-Paul Pais , Labbé Jérôme , Borgne Caroline Chabert-Le , Turquois Véronique , Maquart Guillaume , Larose Delphine , Desroche Nicolas , Ménétrier Franck , Le Guern Naig , Lebrun Lorène J. , Desrumaux Catherine , Gautier Thomas , Grober Jacques , Thomas Charles , Masson David , Houdebine Louis-Marie , Lagrost Laurent 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAlthough plasma phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) has been mainly studied in the context of atherosclerosis, it shares homology with proteins involved in innate immunity. Here, we produced active recombinant human PLTP (rhPLTP) in the milk of new lines of transgenic rabbits. We successfully used rhPLTP as an exogenous therapeutic protein to treat endotoxemia and sepsis. In mouse models with injections of purified lipopolysaccharides or with polymicrobial infection, we demonstrated that rhPLTP prevented bacterial growth and detoxified LPS. In further support of the antimicrobial effect of PLTP, PLTP-knocked out mice were found to be less able than wild-type mice to fight against sepsis. To our knowledge, the production of rhPLTP to counter infection and to reduce endotoxemia and its harmful consequences is reported here for the first time. This paves the way for a novel strategy to satisfy long-felt, but unmet needs to prevent and treat sepsis.
Non-uniform salinity in the root zone alleviates salt damage by increasing sodium, water and nutrient transport genes expression in cotton
Authors: Kong Xiangqiang , Luo Zhen , Dong Hezhong , Li Weijiang , Chen Yizhen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNon-uniform salinity alleviates salt damage through sets of physiological adjustments in Na+ transport in leaf and water and nutrient uptake in the non-saline root side. However, little is known of how non-uniform salinity induces these adjustments. In this study, RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) analysis shown that the expression of sodium transport and photosynthesis related genes in the non-uniform treatment were higher than that in the uniform treatment, which may be the reason for the increased photosynthetic (Pn) rate and decreased Na+ content in leaves of the non-uniform salinity treatment. Most of the water and nutrient transport related genes were up-regulated in the non-saline root side but down-regulated in roots of the high-saline side, which might be the key reason for the increased water and nutrient uptake in the non-saline root side. Furthermore, the expression pattern of most differentially expressed transcription factor and hormone related genes in the non-saline root side was similar to that in the high-saline side. The alleviated salt damage by non-uniform salinity was probably attributed to the increased expression of salt tolerance related genes in the leaf and that of water and nutrient uptake genes in the non-saline root side.
A loose endosperm structure of wheat seed produced under low nitrogen level promotes early germination by accelerating water uptake
Authors: Wen Daxing , Xu Haicheng , Xie Liuyong , He Mingrong , Hou Hongcun , Zhang Chunqing 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWater uptake is the fundamental requirement for the initiation and completion of seed germination that is a vital phase in the life cycle of seed plants. We found that seeds produced under four nitrogen levels showed significantly different germination speed. The objective of this study was to study the mechanism of rapid seed germination and explore which pathways and genes play critical roles in radicle protrusion. Anatomical data revealed that seed protein content affected endosperm structure of seeds. Moreover, scanning electron microscope maps showed that faster germinated seeds had a looser endosperm structure compared with other seeds. Subsequently, high throughout RNA-seq data were used to compare the transcriptomes of imbibed seeds with different germination speed. Gene ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis revealed that cell wall metabolism related genes significantly up-regulated in faster germinated seeds. In these genes, the top four were chitinase that had about fourfold higher expression in faster germinated seeds. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis showed that faster germinated seeds had enhanced expression in glutathione metabolism. By combining these results, we propose a model for nitrogen fertilizer affects germination speed of wheat seed, which provide new insights into seed germination.
Inhibiting STAT3 signaling is involved in the anti-melanoma effects of a herbal formula comprising Sophorae Flos and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos
Authors: Li Ting , Fu Xiuqiong , Tse Anfernee Kai-Wing , Guo Hui , Lee Kin Wah , Liu Bin , Su Tao , Wang Xueyu , Yu Zhiling 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA herbal formula (SL) comprising Sophorae Flos and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos was traditionally used to treat melanoma. Constitutively active signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) has been proposed as a therapeutic target in melanoma. Here we investigated whether an ethanolic extract of SL (SLE) exerted anti-melanoma activities by inhibiting STAT3 signaling. B16F10 allograft model, A375 and B16F10 cells were employed to assess the in vivo and in vitro anti-melanoma activities of SLE. A375 cells stably expressing STAT3C, a constitutively active STAT3 mutant, were used to determine the role of STAT3 signaling in SLE’s anti-melanoma effects. Intragastric administration of SLE (1.2 g/kg) potently inhibited melanoma growth in mice and inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation in the tumors. In cultured cells, SLE dramatically reduced cell viability, induced apoptosis, suppressed migration and invasion, and restrained STAT3 activation and nuclear localization. STAT3C overexpression in A375 cells diminished SLE’s effects on cell viability, apoptosis and invasion. Collectively, SLE exerted potent anti-melanoma effects partially by inhibiting STAT3 signaling. This study provides pharmacological justification for the traditional use of this formula in treating melanoma, and suggests that SLE has the potential to be developed as a modern alternative and/or complimentary agent for melanoma treatment and prevention.
Impact of wind conditions on thermal loading of PMSG wind turbine power converters
Authors: Smith Christopher J. , Crabtree Christopher J. , Matthews Peter C. 
Published: June 2017

Power converter reliability is critical for permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) wind turbines. Converter failures are linked to power module thermal loading but studies often neglect turbine dynamics, control and the impact of wind speed sampling rate on lifetime estimation. This study addresses this using a 2 MW direct‐drive PMSG wind turbine model with a two‐level converter, and simulating junction temperatures (Tj) using a power module thermal equivalent circuit under various synthetic wind speed conditions. These synthetic wind conditions include constant and square wave profiles representing stable and gusty wind conditions. Responses to square wave wind speeds showed that the lower the gust frequency, the higher ΔTj becomes, demonstrating that low turbulence sites have greater thermal variation in the converter. In contrast, wind speed variations with frequencies >0.25 Hz deliver only small increases in ΔTj. It is concluded that reasonable approximations of Tj profiles can be made with 0.25 Hz wind speed data, but that lower data rate wind measurements miss essential, damaging characteristics.
Landmarks for the Location of the Subthalamic Nucleus Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Normanha Luiza Louza , Leão Jéssica Rodrigues Borges , Silva Ledismar José 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDeep brain stimulation has become an option for advanced Parkinson's disease treatment since the 1990s, but the first reports are from Benabid's team, a French neurosurgeon, in the 1980s. The subthalamic nucleus (STN), more specifically its dorsolateral portion, is the most commonly stimulated brain area. One of the major aspects for a good surgical result is the accurate location of this target. Therefore, the present article aimed to identify landmarks that facilitate and refine the location of the STN using nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI) of the skull. In order to achieve this goal, a search for articles was performed using the PubMed and Science Direct online databases, and articles regarding the use of NMRI to target STN were included. The precise location of the dorsolateral portion of the STN is fundamental to achieve the best possible effect on motor symptoms and to minimize side effects. One of the most used location methods is the NMRI, associated or not with tomography or ventriculography. The location strategies can be classified as direct and indirect. Landmarks are among the indirect strategies, and the most important ones (red nucleus, Sukeroku sign, dent internal capsule sign, supramammillary commissure, mammillothalamic tract, and interpeduncular cistern) are described in the present article. The various landmarks can be combined to locate with more accuracy the dorsolateral portion of the STN and the ideal position of the electrodes to achieve the best possible clinical result.
Irrigation and Debridement for Periprosthetic Hip Infection: Does Timing Play a Role?
Authors: Sayeed Yousuf , Quien Mary , Anoushiravani Afshin , Kim Kelvin , Camus Tristan , Schwarzkopf Ran , Adler Edward 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPeriprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a devastating complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA). The rate of PJIs in total hip arthroplasty (THA) procedures varies from 0.3 to 2.9%. Irrigation and debridement (I&D) with modular implant exchange is often performed to treat PJIs. Early management of infection is cited to offer a higher success rate. The goal of this study was to examine the outcomes of early I&D for THA PJIs. We reviewed 38 patients diagnosed with a PJI between 2009 and 2014 who went on to have I&D with modular implant exchange. Patients were separated into three cohorts based on time from index procedure (≤4, 4–8, and ≥8 weeks), and were subsequently linked to treatment success and failure. Success was defined as the eradication of infection and resolution of presenting symptoms. All patients who required additional procedures due to infection were considered failures. Twenty-eight patients (73.7%) were successfully treated while 10 patients (26.3%) required further surgical interventions for persistent infection. Overall, average time between THA and I&D was 44.4 days. Successful I&Ds on average occurred within 41.9 days of the index procedure; while unsuccessful I&Ds were performed 51.6 days after index THA. Additionally, our study demonstrated that obese patients were more likely to fail debridement, antibiotics, irrigation, and retention of the prosthesis (DAIR) procedures (p = 0.006). While our results demonstrate that the average time to I&D with a modular exchange was shorter for those who had a successful outcome, the difference was not significant (p = 0.37).