bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polymorphisms of STS gene and SULT2A1 gene and neurosteroid levels in Han Chinese boys with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an exploratory investigation
Authors: Wang Liang-Jen , Chan Wen-Ching , Chou Miao-Chun , Chou Wen-Jiun , Lee Min-Jing , Lee Sheng-Yu , Lin Pao-Yen , Yang Yi-Hsin , Yen Cheng-Fang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study examined the relationships among polymorphisms of the STS gene and SULT2A1 gene, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form (DHEA-S), and characteristics of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We used cheek swabs to obtain the genomic DNA of 200 ADHD male probands (mean age: 8.7 years), 192 patients’ mothers and 157 patients’ fathers. Three SNPs in the STS gene (rs6639786, rs2270112, and rs17268988) and one SNP in the SULT2A1 gene (rs182420) were genotyped. Saliva samples were collected from the ADHD patients to analyze DHEA and DHEA-S levels. The behavioral symptoms were evaluated with the Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham, and Version IV Scale for ADHD (SNAP-IV), and the neuropsychological function was assessed using the Conners’ Continuous Performance Tests (CPT). We found the C allele of rs2270112 within the STS gene to be over-transmitted in males with ADHD. Polymorphisms of rs182420 within the SULT2A1 gene were not associated with ADHD. In addition, the C allele carriers of rs2270112 demonstrated significantly higher DHEA-S levels than the G allele carriers. Levels of DHEA were positively correlated with attention as measured by the CPT. These findings support a potential role in the underlying biological pathogenesis of ADHD with regard to STS polymorphisms and neurosteroid levels.
Successful lichen translocation on disturbed gypsum areas: A test with adhesives to promote the recovery of biological soil crusts
Authors: Ballesteros M. , Ayerbe J. , Casares M. , Cañadas E. M. , Lorite J. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe loss of biological soil crusts represents a challenge for the restoration of disturbed environments, specifically in particular substrates hosting unique lichen communities. However, the recovery of lichen species affected by mining is rarely addressed in restoration projects. Here, we evaluate the translocation of Diploschistes diacapsis, a representative species of gypsum lichen communities affected by quarrying. We tested how a selection of adhesives could improve thallus attachment to the substrate and affect lichen vitality (as CO2 exchange and fluorescence) in rainfall-simulation and field experiments. Treatments included: white glue, water, hydroseeding stabiliser, gum arabic, synthetic resin, and a control with no adhesive. Attachment differed only in the field, where white glue and water performed best. Adhesives altered CO2 exchange and fluorescence yield. Notably, wet spoils allowed thalli to bind to the substrate after drying, revealing as the most suitable option for translocation. The satisfactory results applying water on gypsum spoils are encouraging to test this methodology with other lichen species. Implementing these measures in restoration projects would be relatively easy and cost-effective. It would help not only to recover lichen species in the disturbed areas but also to take advantage of an extremely valuable biological material that otherwise would be lost.
Nitrous Oxide Production in a Granule-based Partial Nitritation Reactor: A Model-based Evaluation
Authors: Peng Lai , Sun Jing , Liu Yiwen , Dai Xiaohu , Ni Bing-Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSustainable wastewater treatment has been attracting increasing attentions over the past decades. However, the production of nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent GHG, from the energy-efficient granule-based autotrophic nitrogen removal is largely unknown. This study applied a previously established N2O model, which incorporated two N2O production pathways by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) (AOB denitrification and the hydroxylamine (NH2OH) oxidation). The two-pathway model was used to describe N2O production from a granule-based partial nitritation (PN) reactor and provide insights into the N2O distribution inside granules. The model was evaluated by comparing simulation results with N2O monitoring profiles as well as isotopic measurement data from the PN reactor. The model demonstrated its good predictive ability against N2O dynamics and provided useful information about the shift of N2O production pathways inside granules for the first time. The simulation results indicated that the increase of oxygen concentration and granule size would significantly enhance N2O production. The results further revealed a linear relationship between N2O production and ammonia oxidation rate (AOR) (R2 = 0.99) under the conditions of varying oxygen levels and granule diameters, suggesting that bulk oxygen and granule size may exert an indirect effect on N2O production by causing a change in AOR.
Present-day heat flow model of Mars
Authors: Parro Laura M. , Jiménez-Díaz Alberto , Mansilla Federico , Ruiz Javier 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUntil the acquisition of in-situ measurements, the study of the present-day heat flow of Mars must rely on indirect methods, mainly based on the relation between the thermal state of the lithosphere and its mechanical strength, or on theoretical models of internal evolution. Here, we present a first-order global model for the present-day surface heat flow for Mars, based on the radiogenic heat production of the crust and mantle, on scaling of heat flow variations arising from crustal thickness and topography variations, and on the heat flow derived from the effective elastic thickness of the lithosphere beneath the North Polar Region. Our preferred model finds heat flows varying between 14 and 25 mW m−2, with an average value of 19 mW m−2. Similar results (although about ten percent higher) are obtained if we use heat flow based on the lithospheric strength of the South Polar Region. Moreover, expressing our results in terms of the Urey ratio (the ratio between total internal heat production and total heat loss through the surface), we estimate values close to 0.7–0.75, which indicates a moderate contribution of secular cooling to the heat flow of Mars (consistent with the low heat flow values deduced from lithosphere strength), unless heat-producing elements abundances for Mars are subchondritic.
Association between red cell distribution width and mortality in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
Authors: Hsieh Yao-Peng , Tsai Shr-Mei , Chang Chia-Chu , Kor Chew-Teng , Lin Chi-Chen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlthough red cell distribution width (RDW) has emerged as a biomarker of clinical prognostic value across a variety of clinical settings in the last two decades, limited evidence is available for its role in end-stage renal disease. We enrolled 313 incident patients undergoing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) in this retrospective observational study from 2006 to 2015. In the fully adjusted model of Cox regression analysis, the adjusted hazard ratios for the high RDW group versus the low RDW group were 2.58 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.31–5.09, p = 0.006) and 3.48 (95% CI = 1.44–8.34, p = 0.006) for all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related mortality, respectively. Based on area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis, RDW (AUC = 0.699) had a stronger predictive value for all-cause and CVD-related mortality than other biological markers including hemoglobin (AUC = 0.51), ferritin (AUC = 0.584), iron saturation (AUC = 0.535), albumin (AUC = 0.683) and white blood cell count (AUC = 0.588). Given that RDW is a readily available hematological parameter without the need for additional cost, we suggest that it can be used as a valuable index to stratify the risk of mortality beyond a diagnosis of anemia.
Impact of Cell Composition and Geometry on Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Engineered Cardiac Tissue
Authors: Nakane Takeichiro , Masumoto Hidetoshi , Tinney Joseph P. , Yuan Fangping , Kowalski William J. , Ye Fei , LeBlanc Amanda J. , Sakata Ryuzo , Yamashita Jun K. , Keller Bradley B. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe current study describes a scalable, porous large-format engineered cardiac tissue (LF-ECT) composed of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived multiple lineage cardiac cells with varied 3D geometries and cell densities developed towards the goal of scale-up for large animal pre-clinical studies. We explored multiple 15 × 15 mm ECT geometries using molds with rectangular internal staggered posts (mesh, ME), without posts (plain sheet, PS), or long parallel posts (multiple linear bundles, ML) and a gel matrix containing hiPSC-derived cardiomyocytes, endothelial, and vascular mural cells matured in vitro for 14 days. ME-ECTs displayed the lowest dead cell ratio (p < 0.001) and matured into 0.5 mm diameter myofiber bundles with greater 3D cell alignment and higher active stress than PS-ECTs. Increased initial ECT cell number beyond 6 M per construct resulted in reduced cell survival and lower active stress. The 6M-ME-ECTs implanted onto 1 week post-infarct immune tolerant rat hearts engrafted, displayed evidence for host vascular coupling, and recovered myocardial structure and function with reduced scar area. We generated a larger (30 × 30 mm) ME-ECT to confirm scalability. Thus, large-format ECTs generated from hiPSC-derived cardiac cells may be feasible for large animal preclinical cardiac regeneration paradigms.
Flexible transparent displays based on core/shell upconversion nanophosphor-incorporated polymer waveguides
Authors: Park Bong Je , Hong A-Ra , Park Suntak , Kyung Ki-Uk , Lee Kwangyeol , Seong Jang Ho 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCore/shell (C/S)-structured upconversion nanophosphor (UCNP)-incorporated polymer waveguide-based flexible transparent displays are demonstrated. Bright green- and blue-emitting Li(Gd,Y)F4:Yb,Er and Li(Gd,Y)F4:Yb,Tm UCNPs are synthesized via solution chemical route. Their upconversion luminescence (UCL) intensities are enhanced by the formation of C/S structure with LiYF4 shell. The Li(Gd,Y)F4:Yb,Er/LiYF4 and Li(Gd,Y)F4:Yb,Tm/LiYF4 C/S UCNPs exhibit 3.3 and 2.0 times higher UCL intensities than core counterparts, respectively. In addition, NaGdF4:Yb,Tm/NaGdF4:Eu C/S UCNPs are synthesized and they show red emission via energy transfer and migration of Yb3+ → Tm3+ → Gd3+ → Eu3+. The C/S UCNPs are incorporated into bisphenol A ethoxylate diacrylate which is used as a core material of polymer waveguides. The fabricated stripe-type polymer waveguides are highly flexible and transparent (transmittance > 90% in spectral range of 443–900 nm). The polymer waveguides exhibit bright blue, green, and red luminescence, depending on the incorporated UCNPs into the polymer core, under coupling with a near infrared (NIR) laser. Moreover, patterned polymer waveguide-based display devices are fabricated by reactive ion etching process and they realize bright blue-, green-, and red-colored characters under coupling with an NIR laser.
Polymorphism in the Alternative Donor Site of the Cryptic Exon of LHCGR: Functional Consequences and Associations with Testosterone Level
Authors: Liu Wei , Han Bing , Zhu Wenjiao , Cheng Tong , Fan Mengxia , Wu Jiajun , Yang Ying , Zhu Hui , Si Jiqiang , Lyu Qifeng , Chai Weiran , Zhao Shuangxia , Song Huaidong , Kuang Yanping , Qiao Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSelective splicing is a feature of luteinizing hormone receptor (LHCGR). A cryptic exon (LHCGR-exon 6A) was found to be derived from alternative splicing in intron 6 of the LHCGR gene, which including two transcripts LHCGR-exon 6A-long and LHCGR-exon 6A-short. We addressed the functional consequences of SNP rs68073206, located at the +5 position of an alternative 5′ splice donor site, and observed its association with male infertility in the subjects with azoospermia, oligoasthenozoospermia and normozoospermia. The translation product of splicing variant LHCGR-exon 6A was expressed in the cytoplasm and exhibited no affinity with [125I]-hCG. No dominant negative effect was observed in cells co-expressed with LHCGR-exon 6A and wild-type LHCGR. The long transcript (LHCGR-exon 6A-long) was significantly elevated in the granulosa cells with G/G genotypes, which could be reproduced in vitro by mini-gene construct transfection. Genotyping analysis showed no association between rs68073206 and male infertility. However, this polymorphism was significantly associated with testosterone levels in normozoospermic subjects (n = 210). In conclusion, SNP rs68073206 in the splicing site of the cryptic exon 6A of the LHCGR gene affect the splicing pattern in the gene, which may play a role in the modulation of the LHCGR sensitivity in the gonads.
Adiabatic Generation of N-quNit Singlet States with Cavity QED
Authors: Yang Rong-Can , Ye Li-Xiang , Lin Xiu , Liu Hong-Yu 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present a theoretical scheme to generate N-quNit singlet states with N "Equation missing" 3 via adiabatic passage. In this protocol, the system may be robust against both experimental parameter fluctuations and dissipations along dark states. In addition, during the whole procedure, quantum information is almost fully transferred between atomic ground states. It reduces the influence of dissipations such as atomic spontaneous emissions and cavity decays. Thus, the presented proposal may be feasible based on current technologies.
Decreased Amount of Supporting Alveolar Bone at Single-Rooted Premolars Is Under Estimated by 2D Examinations
Authors: Hong Hsiang-Hsi , Chang Chung-Chieh , Hong Adrienne , Liu Heng-Liang , Wang Yen-Li , Chang Shih-Hao , Yen Tzung-Hai 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to relate the proportions of bone-supported root length of a 2D view into the amount of a 3D bone-attached root surface area (BA-RSA) by using a dental laser scanner examination. White-light 3D scanning technology was used to probe 36 maxillary and 35 mandibular single-rooted premolars. The bone-supported height (BSH) and BA-RSA at designated levels (95–25%) were compared using statistical t tests. The 100% BSH and BA-RSA of the maxillary/mandibular premolars were 12.6 ± 1.60 mm/13.45 ± 1.47 mm (p < 0.05) and 220.78 ± 35.31 mm2/199.51 ± 26.33 mm2 (p < 0.01), respectively. Approximately 79–80%, 59–60%, and 35–36% premolars 2D BSH remained in comparison to 75%, 50%, and 25% 3D BA-RSA preservation, respectively. However, corresponding to a 75%, 50%, and 25% 2D BSH reserve, premolars retained 67–68%, 39–41%, and 15–17% 3D BA-RSA, respectively. When taking 1.0 mm connective tissue attachment into account, 60% 3D BA-RSA and 50% 2D BSH loss were noted at the 5.1–5.4 mm clinical attachment level. Assigning a periodontal prognosis and determining the severity of periodontitis for premolars with alveolar bone loss based on 3D’s or 2D’s measurement is inconsistent.
A G-quadruplex structure at the 5′ end of the H19 coding region regulates H19 transcription
Authors: Fukuhara Mitsuko , Ma Yue , Nagasawa Kazuo , Toyoshima Fumiko 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe H19 gene, one of the best known imprinted genes, encodes a long non-coding RNA that regulates cell proliferation and differentiation. H19 RNA is widely expressed in embryonic tissues, but its expression is restricted in only a few tissues after birth. However, regulation of H19 gene expression remains poorly understood outside the context of genomic imprinting. Here we identified evolutionarily conserved guanine (G)-rich repeated motifs at the 5′ end of the H19 coding region that are consistent with theoretically deduced G-quadruplex sequences. Circular dichroism spectroscopy and electrophoretic mobility shift assays with G-quadruplex-specific ligands revealed that the G-rich motif, located immediately downstream of the transcription start site (TSS), forms a G-quadruplex structure in vitro. By using a series of mutant forms of H19 harboring deletion or G-to-A substitutions, we found that the H19-G-quadruplex regulates H19 gene expression. We further showed that transcription factors Sp1 and E2F1 were associated with the H19-G-quadruplex to either suppress or promote the H19 transcription, respectively. Moreover, H19 expression during differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells appears to be regulated by a genomic H19 G-quadruplex. These results demonstrate that the G-quadruplex structure immediately downstream of the TSS functions as a novel regulatory element for H19 gene expression.
The fate of patients with intermittent claudication in the 21st century revisited – results from the CAVASIC Study
Authors: Rantner Barbara , Kollerits Barbara , Pohlhammer Johannes , Stadler Marietta , Lamina Claudia , Peric Slobodan , Klein-Weigel Peter , Mühlthaler Hannes , Fraedrich Gustav , Kronenberg Florian 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPatients with intermittent claudication carry a high risk for cardiovascular complications. The TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) Group estimated a five-year overall mortality of 30% for these patients, the majority dying from cardiovascular causes. We investigated whether this evaluation is still applicable in nowadays patients. We therefore prospectively followed 255 male patients with intermittent claudication from the CAVASIC Study during 7 years for overall mortality, vascular morbidity and mortality and local PAD outcomes. Overall mortality reached 16.1% (n = 41). Most patients died from cancer (n = 20). Half of patients (n = 22; 8.6%) died within the first five years. Incident cardiovascular events were observed among 70 patients (27.5%), 54 (21.2%) during the first five years. Vascular mortality was low with 5.1% (n = 13) for the entire and 3.1% for the first five years of follow-up. Prevalent coronary artery disease did not increase the risk to die from all or vascular causes. PAD symptoms remained stable or improved in the majority of patients (67%). In summary, compared to TASC, the proportion of cardiovascular events did not markedly decrease over the last two decades. Vascular mortality, however, was low among our population. This indicates that nowadays patients more often survive cardiovascular events and a major number dies from cancer.
Protection of Human Colon Cells from Shiga Toxin by Plant-based Recombinant Secretory IgA
Authors: Nakanishi Katsuhiro , Morikane Shota , Ichikawa Shiori , Kurohane Kohta , Niwa Yasuo , Akimoto Yoshihiro , Matsubara Sachie , Kawakami Hayato , Kobayashi Hirokazu , Imai Yasuyuki 
Published: April 2017

AbstractShiga toxin is a major virulence factor of food-poisoning caused byEscherichia colisuch as O157:H7. Secretory immunoglobulin (Ig) A (SIgA) is supposed to prevent infection of the mucosal surface and is a candidate agent for oral immunotherapy. We previously established a recombinant monoclonal antibody (mAb) consisting of variable regions from a mouse IgG mAb specific for the binding subunit of Shiga toxin 1 (Stx1) and the Fc region of mouse IgA. Here we produced a secretory form of the recombinant IgA (S-hyIgA) with transgenicArabidopsis thalianaplant. All the S-hyIgA cDNAs (heavy, light, J chainandsecretory component) were expressed under the control of a bidirectional promoter of a chlorophylla/b-binding protein ofA. thalianawithout using a viral promoter. The plant-based S-hyIgA exhibited antigen binding, and was modified with plant-specificN-linked sugar chains. The Ig heavy chain and secretory components were observed in an intracellular protein body-like structure of the transgenic leaves on immuno-electron microscopy. An extract of the transgenic leaves neutralized the cytotoxicity of Stx1 toward butyrate-treated Caco-2 cells, a human colon carcinoma cell line. These results will contribute to the development of edible therapeutic antibodies such as those for the treatment of mucosal infection.
Comparing multifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) and multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEP) in retinal diseases
Authors: Sabeti Faran , James Andrew C. , Carle Corinne F. , Essex Rohan W. , Bell Andrew , Maddess Ted 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMultifocal pupillographic objective perimetry (mfPOP) shows regions of slight hypersensitivity away from retinal regions damaged by diabetes or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This study examines if such results also appear in multifocal visual evoked potentials (mfVEPs) recorded on the same day in the same patients. The pupil control system receives input from the extra-striate cortex, so we also examined evidence for such input. We recruited subjects with early type 2 diabetes (T2D) with no retinopathy, and patients with unilateral exudative AMD. Population average responses of the diabetes patients, and the normal fellow eyes of AMD patients, showed multiple regions of significant hypersensitivity (p < 0.05) on both mfPOP and mfVEPs. For mfVEPs the occipital electrodes showed fewer hypersensitive regions than the surrounding electrodes. More advanced AMD showed regions of suppression becoming centrally concentrated in the exudative AMD areas. Thus, mfVEP electrodes biased towards extra-striate cortical responses (surround electrodes) appeared to show similar hypersensitive visual field locations to mfPOP in early stage diabetic and AMD damage. Our findings suggest that hypersensitive regions may be a potential biomarker for future development of AMD or non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and may be more informative than visual acuity which remains largely undisturbed during early disease.
Riboflavin deficiency induces a significant change in proteomic profiles in HepG2 cells
Authors: Xin Zhonghao , Pu Lingling , Gao Weina , Wang Yawen , Wei Jingyu , Shi Tala , Yao Zhanxin , Guo Changjiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRiboflavin deficiency is widespread in many regions over the world, especially in underdeveloped countries. In this study, we investigated the effects of riboflavin deficiency on protein expression profiles in HepG2 cells in order to provide molecular information for the abnormalities induced by riboflavin deficiency. HepG2 cells were cultured in media containing different concentrations of riboflavin. Changes of cell viability and apoptosis were assessed. A comparative proteomic analysis was performed using a label-free shotgun method with LC–MS/MS to investigate the global changes of proteomic profiles in response to riboflavin deficiency. Immunoblotting test was used to validate the results of proteomic approach. The cell viability and apoptosis tests showed that riboflavin was vital in maintaining the cytoactivity of HepG2 cells. The label-free proteomic analysis revealed that a total of 37 proteins showing differential expression (±2 fold, p < 0.05) were identified after riboflavin deficiency. Bioinformatics analysis indicated that the riboflavin deficiency caused an up-regulation of Parkinson’s disease pathway, steroid catabolism, endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptotic process, while the fatty acid metabolism, tricarboxylic citrate cycle, oxidative phosphorylation and iron metabolism were down-regulated. These findings provide a molecular basis for the elucidation of the effects caused by riboflavin deficiency.