bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic profiles signify cell fate plasticity in unipotent spermatogonial stem and progenitor cells
Authors: Liu Ying , Giannopoulou Eugenia G. , Wen Duancheng , Falciatori Ilaria , Elemento Olivier , Allis C. David , Rafii Shahin , Seandel Marco 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSpermatogonial stem and progenitor cells (SSCs) generate adult male gametes. During in vitro expansion, these unipotent murine cells spontaneously convert to multipotent adult spermatogonial-derived stem cells (MASCs). Here we investigate this conversion process through integrative transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses. We find in SSCs that promoters essential to maintenance and differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are enriched with histone H3-lysine4 and -lysine 27 trimethylations. These bivalent modifications are maintained at most somatic promoters after conversion, bestowing MASCs an ESC-like promoter chromatin. At enhancers, the core pluripotency circuitry is activated partially in SSCs and completely in MASCs, concomitant with loss of germ cell-specific gene expression and initiation of embryonic-like programs. Furthermore, SSCs in vitro maintain the epigenomic characteristics of germ cells in vivo. Our observations suggest that SSCs encode innate plasticity through the epigenome and that both conversion of promoter chromatin states and activation of cell type-specific enhancers are prominent features of reprogramming.
A single active catalytic site is sufficient to promote transport in P-glycoprotein
Authors: Bársony Orsolya , Szalóki Gábor , Türk Dóra , Tarapcsák Szabolcs , Gutay-Tóth Zsuzsanna , Bacsó Zsolt , Holb Imre J. , Székvölgyi Lóránt , Szabó Gábor , Csanády László , Szakács Gergely , Goda Katalin 
Published: April 2016

AbstractP-glycoprotein (Pgp) is an ABC transporter responsible for the ATP-dependent efflux of chemotherapeutic compounds from multidrug resistant cancer cells. Better understanding of the molecular mechanism of Pgp-mediated transport could promote rational drug design to circumvent multidrug resistance. By measuring drug binding affinity and reactivity to a conformation-sensitive antibody we show here that nucleotide binding drives Pgp from a high to a low substrate-affinity state and this switch coincides with the flip from the inward- to the outward-facing conformation. Furthermore, the outward-facing conformation survives ATP hydrolysis: the post-hydrolytic complex is stabilized by vanadate and the slow recovery from this state requires two functional catalytic sites. The catalytically inactive double Walker A mutant is stabilized in a high substrate affinity inward-open conformation, but mutants with one intact catalytic center preserve their ability to hydrolyze ATP and to promote drug transport, suggesting that the two catalytic sites are randomly recruited for ATP hydrolysis.
3D printed cellular solid outperforms traditional stochastic foam in long-term mechanical response
Authors: Maiti A. , Small W. , Lewicki J. P. , Weisgraber T. H. , Duoss E. B. , Chinn S. C. , Pearson M. A. , Spadaccini C. M. , Maxwell R. S. , Wilson T. S. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract3D printing of polymeric foams by direct-ink-write is a recent technological breakthrough that enables the creation of versatile compressible solids with programmable microstructure, customizable shapes, and tunable mechanical response including negative elastic modulus. However, in many applications the success of these 3D printed materials as a viable replacement for traditional stochastic foams critically depends on their mechanical performance and micro-architectural stability while deployed under long-term mechanical strain. To predict the long-term performance of the two types of foams we employed multi-year-long accelerated aging studies under compressive strain followed by a time-temperature-superposition analysis using a minimum-arc-length-based algorithm. The resulting master curves predict superior long-term performance of the 3D printed foam in terms of two different metrics, i.e., compression set and load retention. To gain deeper understanding, we imaged the microstructure of both foams using X-ray computed tomography, and performed finite-element analysis of the mechanical response within these microstructures. This indicates a wider stress variation in the stochastic foam with points of more extreme local stress as compared to the 3D printed material, which might explain the latter’s improved long-term stability and mechanical performance.
Size and Fiber Density Controlled Synthesis of Fibrous Nanosilica Spheres (KCC-1)
Authors: Bayal Nisha , Singh Baljeet , Singh Rustam , Polshettiwar Vivek 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe report a facile protocol for the synthesis of fibrous nano-silica (KCC-1) with controllable size and fiber density. In this work, we have shown that the particle size, fiber density, surface area and pore volume of KCC-1 can be effectively controlled and tuned by changing various reaction parameters, such as the concentrations of urea, CTAB, 1-pentanol, reaction time, temperature, solvent ratio and even outside stirring time. For the first time, we were able to control the particle size ranging from as small as 170 nm to as large as 1120 nm. We were also able to control the fiber density from low to medium to very dense, which consequently allowed the tuning of the pore volume. We were able to achieve a pore volume of 2.18 cm3/g, which is the highest reported for such a fibrous material. Notably we were even able to increase the surface area up to 1244 m2/g, nearly double the previously reported surface area of KCC-1. Thus, one can now synthesize KCC-1 with various degrees of size, surface area, pore volume and fiber density.
Resting electrical network activity in traps of the aquatic carnivorous plants of the genera Aldrovanda and Utricularia
Authors: Masi Elisa , Ciszak Marzena , Colzi Ilaria , Adamec Lubomir , Mancuso Stefano 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this study the MEA (multielectrode array) system was used to record electrical responses of intact and halved traps and other trap-free tissues of two aquatic carnivorous plants, Aldrovanda vesiculosa and Utricularia reflexa. They exhibit rapid trap movements and their traps contain numerous glands. Spontaneous generation of spikes with quite uniform shape, propagating across the recording area, has been observed for all types of sample. In the analysis of the electrical network, higher richer synchronous activity was observed relative to other plant species and organs previously described in the literature: indeed, the time intervals between the synchronized clusters (the inter-spike intervals) create organized patterns and the propagation times vary non-linearly with the distance due to this synchronization. Interestingly, more complex electrical activity was found in traps than in trap-free organs, supporting the hypothesis that the nature of the electrical activity may reflect the anatomical and functional complexity of different organs. Finally, the electrical activity of functionally different traps of Aldrovanda (snapping traps) and Utricularia (suction traps) was compared and some differences in the features of signal propagation were found. According to these results, a possible use of the MEA system for the study of different trap closure mechanisms is proposed.
Microfluidics for simultaneous quantification of platelet adhesion and blood viscosity
Authors: Yeom Eunseop , Park Jun Hong , Kang Yang Jun , Lee Sang Joon 
Published: April 2016

AbstractPlatelet functions, including adhesion, activation and aggregation have an influence on thrombosis and the progression of atherosclerosis. In the present study, a new microfluidic-based method is proposed to estimate platelet adhesion and blood viscosity simultaneously. Blood sample flows into an H-shaped microfluidic device with a peristaltic pump. Since platelet aggregation may be initiated by the compression of rotors inside the peristaltic pump, platelet aggregates may adhere to the H-shaped channel. Through correlation mapping, which visualizes decorrelation of the streaming blood flow, the area of adhered platelets (APlatelet) can be estimated without labeling platelets. The platelet function is estimated by determining the representative index IA·T based on APlatelet and contact time. Blood viscosity is measured by monitoring the flow conditions in the one side channel of the H-shaped device. Based on the relation between interfacial width (W) and pressure ratio of sample flows to the reference, blood sample viscosity (μ) can be estimated by measuring W. Biophysical parameters (IA·T, μ) are compared for normal and diabetic rats using an ex vivo extracorporeal model. This microfluidic-based method can be used for evaluating variations in the platelet adhesion and blood viscosity of animal models with cardiovascular diseases under ex vivo conditions.
Field-driven Domain Wall Motion in Ferromagnetic Nanowires with Bulk Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya Interaction
Authors: Zhuo Fengjun , Sun Z. Z. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractField-driven domain wall (DW) motion in ferromagnetic nanowires with easy- and hard-axis anisotropies was studied theoretically and numerically in the presence of the bulk Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction (DMI) based on the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. We propose a new trial function and offer an exact solution for DW motion along a uniaxial nanowire driven by an external magnetic field. A new strategy was suggested to speed up DW motion in a uniaxial magnetic nanowire with large DMI parameters. In the presence of hard-axis anisotropy, we find that the breakdown field and velocity of DW motion was strongly affected by the strength and sign of the DMI parameter under external fields. This work may be useful for future magnetic information storage devices based on DW motion.
Quantitative Measure of Receptor Agonist and Modulator Equi-Response and Equi-Occupancy Selectivity
Authors: Zhang Rumin , Kavana Michael 
Published: April 2016

AbstractG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important class of drug targets. Quantitative analysis by global curve fitting of properly designed dose-dependent GPCR agonism and allosterism data permits the determination of all affinity and efficacy parameters based on a general operational model. We report here a quantitative and panoramic measure of receptor agonist and modulator equi-response and equi-occupancy selectivity calculated from these parameters. The selectivity values help to differentiate not only one agonist or modulator from another, but on-target from off-target receptor or functional pathway as well. Furthermore, in conjunction with target site free drug concentrations and endogenous agonist tones, the allosterism parameters and selectivity values may be used to predict in vivo efficacy and safety margins.
Association between occupational exposures to pesticides with heterogeneous chemical structures and farmer health in China
Authors: Huang Xusheng , Zhang Chao , Hu Ruifa , Li Yifan , Yin Yanhong , Chen Zhaohui , Cai Jinyang , Cui Fang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis study analyzed the associations of farmers’ exposure to organophosphates (OPs), organosulfurs (OSs), organonitrogens (ONs) and pyrethroids (PYRs) with parameters of the blood complete counts (CBC), a blood chemistry panel (BCP) and the conventional nerve conduction studies among 224 farmers in China in 2012. Two health examinations and a series of follow-up field surveys were conducted. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations. The results show considerable associations between multiple groups of pesticides and several CBC parameters, but it was not enough to provide evidence of hematological disorders. The short- and medium-term OPs exposures were mainly associated with liver damage and peripheral nerve impairment, respectively, while OSs exposure might induce liver damage and renal dysfunction. The neurotoxicity of ONs was second only to OPs in addition to its potential liver damage and the induced alterations in glucose. In comparison, the estimated results show that PYRs would be the least toxic in terms of the low-dose application. In conclusion, occupational exposures to pesticides with heterogeneous chemical structures are associated with farmer health in different patterns, and the association between a specific group of pesticides and farmer health also differs between the short- and medium-term exposures.
Angiogenesis genotyping and clinical outcome during regorafenib treatment in metastatic colorectal cancer patients
Authors: Giampieri Riccardo , Salvatore Lisa , Del Prete Michela , Prochilo Tiziana , D’Anzeo Marco , Loretelli Cristian , Loupakis Fotios , Aprile Giuseppe , Maccaroni Elena , Andrikou Kalliopi , Bianconi Maristella , Bittoni Alessandro , Faloppi Luca , Demurtas Laura , Montironi Rodolfo , Scarpelli Marina , Falcone Alfredo , Zaniboni Alberto , Scartozzi Mario , Cascinu Stefano 
Published: April 2016

AbstractRegorafenib monotherapy is a potential option for metastatic colorectal cancer patients. However, the lack of predictive factors and the severe toxicities related to treatment have made its use in clinical practice challenging. Polymorphisms of VEGF and its receptor (VEGFR) genes might regulate angiogenesis and thus potentially influence outcome during anti-angiogenesis treatment such as regorafenib. Aim of our study was to evaluate the role of VEGF and VEGFR genotyping in determining clinical outcome for colorectal cancer patients receiving regorafenib. We retrospectively collected clinical data and samples (tumour or blood) of 138 metastatic colorectal cancer patients treated with regorafenib. We analysed the correlation of different VEGF-A, VEGF-C and VEGFR-1,2,3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with patients’ progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results from angiogenesis genotyping showed that only VEGF-A rs2010963 maintained an independent correlation with PFS and OS. Among clinical factors only ECOG PS was independently correlated with OS, whereas no correlation with PFS was evident. Grouping together those results allowed further patients stratification into 3 prognostic groups: favourable, intermediate and unfavourable. VEGF-A rs2010963 genotyping may represent an important tool for a more accurate selection of optimal candidates for regorafenib therapy.
Self‐powered autonomous underwater vehicles: results from a gyroscopic energy scavenging prototype
Authors: Townsend Nicholas C 
Published: April 2016

This study describes and presents preliminary experimental results from a novel prototype energy scavenging system installed in a model 2 m cylindrical autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV). The system, which is based on control moment gyroscope principles, utilises the gyroscopic response of a gimballed flywheel mounted within an AUV body to generate energy from the wave induced rotational motions of the vehicle. This method, using the reaction of a spinning wheel under an input torque to provide an output torque of greater magnitude, orthogonal to the input torque axis and the spin axis provides a means to harvest energy in‐situ, without external appendages and additional hydrodynamic drag. The system promises to extend AUV mission durations indefinitely and reduce support vessel time currently required for periodical recharging and redeployment. A description of the system operation, design and experimental results from a series of regular wave tests conducted at zero speed in a towing tank are presented in this study. The results show that the system can harvest energy, with the greatest power generation around resonance, tailing off as the frequency increases and typically non‐linear in nature. The system could potentially be applied to any rotationally excited platform e.g. autonomous surface vessels, buoys or boats
Programmable RNA-binding protein composed of repeats of a single modular unit
Authors: Adamala Katarzyna P. , Martin-Alarcon Daniel A. , Boyden Edward S. 
Published: April 2016

Significance
The ability to monitor and perturb RNAs in living cells would benefit greatly from a protein architecture that targets RNA sequences in a programmable way. We report four protein building blocks, which we call Pumby modules, each of which targets one RNA base and can be concatenated in chains of varying composition and length. The Pumby building blocks will open up many frontiers in the measurement, manipulation, and biotechnological utilization of unmodified RNAs in intact cells and systems.
Harvest‐Induced Size Structure Shifts Alter Nutrient Release by a Population of Omnivorous Fish
Authors: Catalano Matthew J. , Schaus Maynard H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFish body size can have important consequences for physiological factors, such as feeding, respiration, and nutrient excretion. Thus, the size structure of a fish population can greatly impact its role in lake nutrient cycles. We examined how shifts in body size influenced phosphorus cycling by Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum in Lake Dora, Florida, which underwent a size‐selective fish harvest during 2005 and 2006. We combined a size‐structured stock assessment model with excretion prediction coefficients to determine how shifts in population biomass and size distribution affected nutrient cycling. The harvest selectively removed larger Gizzard Shad, reducing the population biomass by 29.4% during the 2 years after removal, and shifted the population toward predominance by smaller size‐classes. However, phosphorus excretion decreased by only 19.7% during this period because smaller fish excreted more P/g of body size. Three years following the harvest, biomass averaged 8.0% below the pre‐harvest average, but phosphorus release returned to near the baseline average in approximately 1 year. Our results indicate that size shifts that accompany many biomanipulation efforts may offset some of the reductions in internal nutrient cycling.Received August 26, 2015; accepted January 11, 2016 Published online April 27, 2016
Coast‐Wide Nursery Contribution of New Recruits to the Population of Atlantic Menhaden
Authors: Anstead Kristen A. , Schaffler Jason J. , Jones Cynthia M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe Atlantic Menhaden Brevoortia tyrannus is a coastal‐spawning, estuarine‐dependent clupeid that has economic and environmental value along the U.S. East Coast. Atlantic Menhaden spawn offshore and rely on circulation patterns in the ocean to deliver larvae to multiple estuarine nursery grounds for juvenile development before recruiting to the adult stock. Historical estimates of the Atlantic Menhaden nursery contribution by each of the major nurseries along the coast indicate that the Chesapeake Bay produces 69% of the recruits to the adult stock; yet, these estimates are over 20 years old and have never been quantitatively validated. We used otolith chemistry for three cohorts of age‐1 Atlantic Menhaden to evaluate nursery contribution and provide updated recruitment rates for each of the nursery grounds for this species. Based on geochemical signatures and a quadratic discriminant function that assigned juveniles to their nursery grounds at nearly 90% accuracy, we classified age‐1 menhaden of unknown nursery origin collected coastwide. We found that for the 2009–2011 year‐classes, the contribution from Chesapeake Bay still dominates the proportion of age‐1 recruits, but this contribution has declined to between 16% and 65% of that earlier estimate. Nursery grounds in New England as well as those found south of Chesapeake Bay have become more significant contributors of age‐1 Atlantic Menhaden than previously expected.Received November 7, 2015; accepted January 26, 2016 Published online April 27, 2016
Abortion and Public Health: Time for Another Look
Authors: McCurdy Stephen A. 
Published: April 2016

Four decades after Roe v. Wade, abortion remains highly contentious, pitting a woman's right to choose against a fetal claim to life. Public health implications are staggering: the US annual total of more than one million induced abortions equals nearly half the number of registered deaths from all causes. Sentiment regarding abortion is roughly evenly split among the general public, yet fundamental debate about abortion is largely absent in the public health community, which is predominantly supportive of its wide availability. Absence of substantive debate on abortion separates the public health community from the public we serve, jeopardizing the trust placed in us. Traditional public health values—support for vulnerable groups and opposition to the politicization of science—together with the principle of reciprocity weigh against abortion. Were aborted lives counted as are other human lives, induced abortion would be acknowledged as the largest single preventable cause of loss of human life. Lay Summary: Four decades after Roe v. Wade, abortion remains highly divisive. Public sentiment regarding abortion is roughly evenly split, yet fundamental debate is largely absent in the public health community, which supports abortion's wide availability. Absence of substantive debate separates the public health community from the public it serves. Traditional public health values—support for vulnerable populations and opposition to politicization of science—and the principle of reciprocity (“the Golden Rule”) weigh against abortion. Were aborted lives counted as are other human lives, induced abortion would be acknowledged as the largest single preventable cause of loss of human life.
The role of MHD in causing impurity peaking in JET hybrid plasmas
Authors: Hender T.C. , Buratti P. , Casson F.J. , Alper B. , Baranov Yu. F. , Baruzzo M. , Challis C.D. , Koechl F. , Lawson K.D. , Marchetto C. , Nave M.F.F. , Pütterich T. , Reyes Cortes S. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
In hybrid plasma operation in JET with its ITER-like wall (JET-ILW) it is found that n  >  1 tearing activity can significantly enhance the rate of on-axis peaking of high-Z impurities, which in turn significantly degrades discharge performance. Core n  =  1 instabilities can be beneficial in removing impurities from the plasma core (e.g. sawteeth or fishbones), but can conversely also degrade core confinement (particularly in combination with simultaneous n  =  3 activity). The nature of magnetohydrodynamic instabilities in JET hybrid discharges, with both its previous carbon wall and subsequent JET-ILW, is surveyed statistically and the character of the instabilities is examined. Possible qualitative models for how the n  >  1 islands can enhance the on-axis impurity transport accumulation processes are presented.