bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the separate and interactive associations of trauma and depression on brain structure: implications for cognition and aging
Authors: Karstens Aimee J. , Ajilore Olusola , Rubin Leah H. , Yang Shaolin , Zhang Aifeng , Leow Alex , Kumar Anand , Lamar Melissa 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveTrauma and depression are associated with brain structural alterations; their combined effects on these outcomes are unclear. We previously reported a negative effect of trauma, independent of depression, on verbal learning and memory; less is known about underlying structural associates. We investigated separate and interactive associations of trauma and depression on brain structure.MethodsAdults aged 30–89 (N = 203) evaluated for depression (D+) and trauma history (T+) using structured clinical interviews were divided into 53 D+T+, 42 D+T−, 50 D−T+, and 58 D−T−. Multivariable linear regressions examined the separate and interactive associations of depression and trauma with prefrontal and temporal lobe cortical thickness composites and hippocampal volumes adjusting for age, sex, predicted verbal IQ, comorbid anxiety, and vascular risk. Significant results informed analyses of tract‐based structural connectomic measures of efficiency and centrality.ResultsTrauma, independent of depression, was associated with greater left prefrontal cortex (PFC) thickness, in particular the medial orbitofrontal cortex and pars orbitalis. A trauma × depression interaction was observed for the right PFC in age‐stratified analyses: Older D + T+ had reduced PFC thickness compared with older D − T+ individuals. Regardless of age, trauma was associated with more left medial orbitofrontal cortex efficiency and less pars orbitalis centrality. In the T+ group, left pars orbitalis cortical thickness and centrality negatively correlated with verbal learning.ConclusionsTrauma, independent of depression, associated with altered PFC characteristics, morphologically and in terms of structural network communication and influence. Additionally, findings suggest that there may be a combined effect of trauma and depression in older adults. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tailoring of physicochemical properties of nanocarriers for effective anti‐cancer applications
Authors: Chakraborty Swaroop , Dhakshinamurthy Geethanjali S. , Misra Superb K. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractNanotechnology has emerged strongly as a viable option to overcome the challenge of early diagnosis and effective drug delivery, for cancer treatment. Emerging research articles have expounded the advantages of using a specific type of nanomaterial‐based system called as “nanocarriers,” for anti‐cancer therapy. The nanocarrier system is used as a transport unit for targeted drug delivery of the therapeutic drug moiety. In order for the nanocarriers to be effective for anticancer therapy, their physicochemical parameter needs to be tuned so that bio‐functionalisation can be achieved to (1) allow drugs being attached to the substrate and for their controlled release, (2) ensure the stability of the nanocarrier up to the point of delivery, and (3) clearance of the nanocarrier after the delivery. It is therefore envisaged that tailoring of the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers can greatly influence their reactivity and interaction in the biological milieu, and this is becoming an important parameter for increasing the efficacy of cancer therapy. This review emphasizes the importance of physicochemical properties of nanocarriers, and how they influence its usage as chemotherapeutic drug carriers. The goal of this review is to present a correlation between the physicochemical properties of the nanocarriers and its intended action, and how their design based on these properties can enhance their cancer combating abilities while minimizing damage to the healthy tissues. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2906–2928, 2017.
The construction of a panel of serum amino acids for the identification of early chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Li Rui , Dai Jinna , Kang Hui 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSerum creatinine, urea, and cystatin‐c are standardly used for the evaluation of renal function in the clinic. However, some patients have chronic kidney disease but still retain kidney function; a conventional serum index in these patients can be completely normal. Serum amino acid levels can reflect subtle changes in metabolism and are closely related to renal function. Here, we investigated how amino acids change as renal impairment increases.MethodsSubjects were divided into three groups by renal function glomerular filtration rate: healthy controls, patients with chronic kidney disease with normal kidney function, and patients with chronic kidney disease with decreased kidney function group. We identified 11 amino acids of interest using LC‐MS/MS on MRM (+) mode.ResultsStatistical analysis indicated that alanine (ALA), valine (VAL), and tyrosine (TYR) decrease with renal function impairment, whereas phenylalanine (PHE) and citrulline (CIT) increase. We tried to construct a diagnostic model utilizing a combination of amino acids capable of identifying early chronic kidney disease patients. The accuracy, specificity, and sensitivity of the combining predictors were 86.9%, 84.6%, and 90.9%, respectively, which is superior to the reported values for serum creatinine, urea, and cystatin‐c.ConclusionOur data suggest that serum amino acid levels may supply important information for the early detection of chronic kidney disease. We are the first to establish a diagnostic model utilizing serum levels of multiple amino acids for the diagnosis of patients with early‐stage chronic kidney disease.
Reassessment of the Access Testosterone chemiluminescence assay and comparison with LC‐MS method
Authors: Dittadi Ruggero , Matteucci Mara , Meneghetti Elisa , Ndreu Rudina 
Published: June 2017

Aim of the studyTo reassess the imprecision and Limit of Quantitation, to evaluate the cross‐reaction with dehydroepiandrosterone‐sulfate (DHEAS), the accuracy toward liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS) and the reference interval of the Access Testosterone method, performed by DxI immunoassay platform (Beckman Coulter).Material and MethodsImprecision was evaluated testing six pool samples assayed in 20 different run using two reagents lots. The cross‐reaction with DHEAS was studied both by a displacement curve and by spiking DHEAS standard in two serum samples with known amount of testosterone. The comparison with LC‐MS was evaluated by Passing‐Bablock analysis in 21 routine serum samples and 19 control samples from an External Quality Assurance (EQA) scheme. The reference interval was verified by an indirect estimation on 2445 male and 2838 female outpatients.ResultsThe imprecision study showed a coefficient of variation (CV) between 2.7% and 34.7% for serum pools from 16.3 and 0.27 nmol/L. The value of Limit of Quantitation at 20% CV was 0.53 nmol/L. The DHEAS showed a cross‐reaction of 0.0074%. A comparison with LC‐MS showed a trend toward a slight underestimation of immunoassay vs LC‐MS (Passing‐Bablock equations: DxI=−0.24+0.906 LCMS in serum samples and DxI=−0.299+0.981 LCMS in EQA samples). The verification of reference interval showed a 2.5th‐97.5th percentile distribution of 6.6‐24.3 nmol/L for male over 14 years and <0.5‐2.78 nmol/L for female subjects, in accord with the reference intervals reported by the manufacturer.ConclusionsThe Access Testosterone method could be considered an adequately reliable tool for the testosterone measurement.
SCPP Genes and Their Relatives in Gar: Rapid Expansion of Mineralization Genes in Osteichthyans
Authors: Kawasaki Kazuhiko , Mikami Masato , Nakatomi Mitsushiro , Braasch Ingo , Batzel Peter , H. Postlethwait John , Sato Akie , Sasagawa Ichiro , Ishiyama Mikio 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTGar is an actinopterygian that has bone, dentin, enameloid, and ganoin (enamel) in teeth and/or scales. Mineralization of these tissues involves genes encoding various secretory calcium‐binding phosphoproteins (SCPPs) in osteichthyans, but no SCPP genes have been identified in chondrichthyans to date. In the gar genome, we identified 38 SCPP genes, seven of which encode “acidic‐residue‐rich” proteins and 31 encode “Pro/Gln (P/Q) rich” proteins. These gar SCPP genes constitute the largest known repertoire, including many newly identified P/Q‐rich genes expressed in teeth and/or scales. Among gar SCPP genes, six acidic and three P/Q‐rich genes were identified as orthologs of sarcopterygian genes. The sarcopterygian orthologs of most of these acidic genes are involved in bone and/or dentin formation, and sarcopterygian orthologs of all three P/Q‐rich genes participate in enamel formation. The finding of these genes in gar suggests that an elaborate SCPP gene‐based genetic system for tissue mineralization was already present in stem osteichthyans. While SCPP genes have been thought to originate from ancient SPARCL1, SPARCL1L1 appears to be more closely related to these genes, because it established a structure similar to acidic SCPP genes probably in stem gnathostomes, perhaps at about the same time with the origin of tissue mineralization. Assuming enamel evolved in stem osteichthyans, all P/Q‐rich SCPP genes likely arose within the osteichthyan lineage. Furthermore, the absence of acidic SCPP genes in chondrichthyans might be explained by the secondary loss of earliest acidic genes. It appears that many SCPP genes expanded rapidly in stem osteichthyans and in basal actinopterygians.
ATRA Signaling Regulates the Expression of COL9A1 through BMP2‐WNT4‐RUNX1 Pathway in Antler Chondrocytes
Authors: Zhang Hong‐Liang , Guo Bin , Yang Zhan‐Qing , Duan Cui‐Cui , Geng Shuang , Wang Kai , Yu Hai‐Fan , Yue Zhan‐Peng 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough all‐trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is involved in the regulation of cartilage growth and development, its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we showed that ATRA could induce the expression of COL9A1 in antler chondrocytes. Silencing of cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) could impede the ATRA‐induced upregulation of COL9A1, whereas overexpression of CRABP2 presented the opposite effect. RARα agonist Am80 induced the expression of COL9A1, whereas treatment with RARα antagonist Ro 41‐5253 or RXRα small‐interfering RNA (siRNA) caused an obvious blockage of ATRA on COL9A1. In antler chondrocytes, CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 weakened the sensitivity of ATRA to COL9A1. Simultaneously, Bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) and WNT4 mediated the regulation of ATRA on COL9A1 expression. Knockdown of WNT4 could abrogate the inhibitory effect of BMP2 overexpression on COL9A1. Conversely, constitutive expression of WNT4 reversed the upregulation of COL9A1 elicited by BMP2 siRNA. Together these data indicated that WNT4 might act downstream of BMP2 to mediate the effect of ATRA on COL9A1 expression. Further analysis evidenced that attenuation of runt‐related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) could prevent the stimulation of ATRA on COL9A1 expression, while exogenous rRUNX1 further enhanced this effectiveness. Moreover, RUNX1 might serve as an intermediate to mediate the regulation of BMP2 and WNT4 on COL9A1 expression. Collectively, ATRA signaling might regulate the expression of COL9A1 through BMP2‐WNT4‐RUNX1 pathway.
Cerebellar projections to the ventral lateral geniculate nucleus and the thalamic reticular nucleus in the cat
Authors: Nakamura Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe ventral lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNv) is a retinorecipient part of the ventral thalamus and in cats, it consists of medial (M), medial intermediate (IM), lateral intermediate (IL), lateral (L), and dorsal (D) subdivisions. These subdivisions can be differentiated not only by their cytoarchitecture, but also by their connectivity and putative functions. The LGNv may play a role in visuomotor gating, in that there is evidence of cerebellar afferent projections to the intermediate subdivisions. The cerebellar posterior interpositus (IP) and lateral (LC) nuclei are known to project to IM and IL, but the specifics of these projections are unclear. We hypothesized that the IP and LC project differentially to IM and IL. To evaluate LGNv innervation by the deep cerebellar nuclei, we injected the tract‐tracer wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP) into several different regions of the LGNv and cerebellar nuclei of adult cats in either sex. Small injections into the middle and posterior LGNv retrogradely labeled cells in the ventral part of the IP. However, injections in the anterior regions of the LGNv, with or without diffusion into the thalamic reticular nucleus (Re), retrogradely labeled cells in the ventral part of both the IP and the LC. Confirmatory injections into the IP and LC produced terminal‐like labeling distributed in IM, IL, and Re; injections mostly localized to the LC resulted in labeling mainly in IM and Re. We concluded that the IP projects to IL whereas the LC projects to IM and Re.
Changing patterns of daily precipitation totals at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina, USA
Authors: Burt T. P. , Ford Miniat C. , Laseter S. H. , Swank W. T. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTA pattern of increasing frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall over land has been documented for several temperate regions and is associated with climate change. This study examines the changing patterns of daily precipitation at the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, North Carolina, USA, since 1937 for four rain gauges across a range of elevations. We analyse seasonal total rainfall, number of rain days and the frequency of heavy rainfall. We compare these with several teleconnections, including the Bermuda High Index (BHI), the West BHI, the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation. Our data show a tendency for increased variability, including major periods of drought, with fewer rain days recently, especially in summer. Only autumn tended to have increases in rainfall frequency and magnitude; this is the season when orographic enhancement is at its strongest. The major driver of precipitation at Coweeta is the strength of the Bermuda High. The strength of the NAO is important in summer. The results are relevant to the southeast United States in general, given that the region comes under the influence of similar air masses during the year. The findings are applicable to the wider Appalachian Mountains and to other mountainous regions where there is significant orographic enhancement.
Primary secondary amine as a sorbent material in dispersive solid‐phase extraction clean‐up for the determination of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls in environmental water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection
Authors: Guo Yuanming , Hu Hongmei , Li Tiejun , Xue Lijian , Zhang Xiaoning , Zhong Zhi , Zhang Yurong , Jin Yanjian 
Published: June 2017

A simple, rapid, and novel method has been developed and validated for determination of seven indicator polychlorinated biphenyls in water samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. 1 L of water samples containing 30 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate was first liquid–liquid extracted with an automated Jipad‐6XB vertical oscillator using n‐hexane/dichloromethane (1:1, v/v). The concentrated extract was cleaned up by dispersive solid‐phase extraction with 100 mg of primary secondary amine as sorbent material. The linearity of this method ranged from 1.25 to 100 μg/L, with regression coefficients ranging between 0.9994 and 0.9999. The limits of detection were in the ng/L level, ranging between 0.2 and 0.3 ng/L. The recoveries of seven spiked polychlorinated biphenyls with external calibration method at different concentration levels in tap water, lake water, and sea water were in the ranges of 85–112, 76–116, and 72–108%, respectively, and with relative standard deviations of 3.3–4.5, 3.4–5.6, and 3.1–4.8% (n = 5), respectively. The performance of the proposed method was compared with traditional liquid–liquid extraction and solid‐phase extraction clean‐up methods, and comparable efficiencies were obtained. It is concluded that this method can be successfully applied for the determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in different water samples.
Quantifying Soil Erosion from Hiking Trail in a Protected Natural Area in the Spanish Pyrenees
Authors: Bodoque José María , Ballesteros‐Cánovas Juan Antonio , Rubiales Juan Manuel , Perucha María Ángeles , Nadal‐Romero Estela , Stoffel Markus 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRecreational activities may impose adverse impacts on the environment of natural landscapes and protected areas owing to persistent tourist influx. Here, we use a dendrogeomorphic approach to estimate soil erosion induced by hikers at trails in the Ordesa and Monte Perdido National Park (north‐eastern Spain). For the first time, exposed roots of Pinus uncinata Ramond ex DC and Fagus sylvatica L. were used on the Iberian Peninsula to reconstruct the timing and amount of soil erosion induced by hikers based on dendrogeomorphology. In addition, we propose a new characterization of ground microtopography using a microtopographic profile gauge and validate results of this approach with 3D point clouds derived from terrestrial laser scanning. Determination of the first year of root exposure was based on the analysis of changes in roots, at both the macroscopic and tissue levels. Analysis shows that a distinctive footprint is observable at macroscopic and microscopic scales following initial exposure and thus confirms results of previous work realized with roots of other tree species (e.g. Pinus sylvestris L.). Our results also indicate that a characterization of erosion based on microtopographic profiles can replace terrestrial laser scanning measurements, which are often difficult to obtain in remote areas. Estimates of soil erosion ranged between 3·1 ± 1·5 and 8·9 ± 4·3 mm y−1 (or 52·7 ± 25·5 to 151·3 ± 73·1 t ha−1 y−1). The approach deployed here could help improve management of and access to natural protected areas and thus reduce the potentially negative impacts of recreational activities on these sensitive environments. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modulator‐Free Coherent‐One‐Way Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Roberts G. L. , Lucamarini M. , Dynes J. F. , Savory S. J. , Yuan Z. L. , Shields A. J. 
Published: June 2017

Time‐bin encoding is an attractive method for transmitting photonic qubits over long distances with minimal decoherence. It allows a simple receiver for quantum key distribution (QKD) that extracts a key by measuring time of arrival of photons and detects eavesdropping by measuring interference of pulses in different time bins. In the past, coherent pulses have been generated using a CW laser and an intensity modulator. A greatly simplified transmitter is proposed and demonstrated here that works by directly modulating the laser diode. Coherence between pulses is maintained by a weak seed laser. The modulator‐free source creates time‐bin encoded pulses with a high extinction ratio (29.4 dB) and an interference visibility above 97 %. The resulting QKD transmitter gives estimated secure key rates up to 4.57 Mbit/s, the highest yet reported for coherent‐one‐way QKD, and can be programmed for all protocols using weak coherent pulses.
Characterization of PP/TPV/MMT Ternary Nanocomposites Produced by Injection Molding
Authors: Costantino Maria A. , Rueda Frederico , Pettarin Valeria , Frontini Patricia M. , Pontes Antonio J. , Viana Julio C. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryOne of the most valued and required features of new polymers are a high level of stiffness combined with good toughness. In this way, it seems useful to combine nanoclay reinforcement with rubber toughening to balance end use performance. In this work, the feasibility of producing this kind of nanocomposites by direct injection molding is evaluated. The performance of actual injected pieces of polypropylene (PP) compounded with thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) and organoclay (MMT) is analyzed and compared. Ternary composite presents low warpage and so better final quality. Morphology developed in actual pieces is influenced both by processing and by MMT presence, this morphology giving place to alternative deformation mechanisms and crack arrest. Also, a good impact resistance compared with neat PP is observed. Weld lines are diluted and they do not act as stress concentrators, this being of mechanical and aesthetical interest. The use of PP/TPV/MMT seems to be promising for injected moldings.
Effects of sodium chloride on heat resistance, oxidative susceptibility, motility, biofilm and plaque formation of Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Pumirat Pornpan , Vanaporn Muthita , Boonyuen Usa , Indrawattana Nitaya , Rungruengkitkun Amporn , Chantratita Narisara 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBurkholderia pseudomallei is an environmental saprophyte and the causative agent of melioidosis, a severe infectious disease prevalent in tropical areas, including southeast Asia and northern Australia. In Thailand, the highest incidence of melioidosis is in the northeast region, where saline soil and water are abundant. We hypothesized that B. pseudomallei develops an ability to thrive in saline conditions and gains a selective ecological advantage over other soil‐dwelling microorganisms. However, little is known about how an elevated NaCl concentration affects survival and adaptive changes in this pathogen. In this study, we examined the adaptive changes in six isolates of B. pseudomallei after growth in Luria‐Bertani medium containing different concentrations of NaCl at 37°C for 6 hr. The bacteria were then investigated for resistance to heat at 50°C and killing by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, flagellar production, biofilm formation, and the plaque formation efficiency of B. pseudomallei after culture in saline conditions were observed. In response to exposure to 150 and 300 mmol L−1 NaCl, all B. pseudomallei isolates showed significantly increased thermal tolerance, oxidative resistance, and plaque‐forming efficiency. However, NaCl exposure notably decreased the number of B. pseudomallei flagella. Taken together, these results provide insight into the adaptations of B. pseudomallei that might be crucial for survival and persistence in the host and/or endemic environments with high salinity.
Brachiaria Grasses (Brachiaria spp.) harbor a diverse bacterial community with multiple attributes beneficial to plant growth and development
Authors: Mutai Collins , Njuguna Joyce , Ghimire Sita 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEndophytic and plant‐associated bacteria were isolated from plants and rhizoplane soil of naturally grown Brachiaria grasses at International Livestock Research Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. Eighty‐four bacterial strains were isolated from leaf tissues, root tissues, and rhizoplane soil on nutrient agar and 869 media. All bacterial strains were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic unit using 16S rDNA primers and were characterized for the production of Indole‐3‐acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, and ACC deaminase; phosphate solubilization; siderophore production; antifungal properties; and plant biomass production. The 16S rDNA‐based identification grouped these 84 bacterial strains into 3 phyla, 5 classes, 8 orders, 12 families, 16 genera, and 50 unique taxa. The four most frequently isolated genera were Pseudomonas (23), Pantoea (17), Acinetobacter (9), and Enterobacter (8). The functional characterization of these strains revealed that 41 of 84 strains had a minimum of three plant beneficial properties. Inoculation of maize seedlings with Acinetobacter spp., Microbacterium spp., Pectobacterium spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Enterobacter spp. showed positive effects on seedling biomass production. The ability of Brachiaria grasses to host genetically diverse bacteria, many of them with multiple plant growth‐promoting attributes, might have contributed to high biomass production and adaptation of Brachiaria grasses to drought and low fertility soils.