bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intraskeletal histovariability, allometric growth patterns, and their functional implications in bird-like dinosaurs
Authors: Prondvai Edina , Godefroit Pascal , Adriaens Dominique , Hu Dong-Yu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWith their elongated forelimbs and variable aerial skills, paravian dinosaurs, a clade also comprising modern birds, are in the hotspot of vertebrate evolutionary research. Inferences on the early evolution of flight largely rely on bone and feather morphology, while osteohistological traits are usually studied to explore life-history characteristics. By sampling and comparing multiple homologous fore- and hind limb elements, we integrate for the first time qualitative and quantitative osteohistological approaches to get insight into the intraskeletal growth dynamics and their functional implications in five paravian dinosaur taxa,Anchiornis,Aurornis,Eosinopteryx,Serikornis, andJeholornis. Our qualitative assessment implies a considerable diversity in allometric/isometric growth patterns among these paravians. Quantitative analyses show that neither taxa nor homologous elements have characteristic histology, and that ontogenetic stage, element size and the newly introduced relative element precocity only partially explain the diaphyseal histovariability. Still,Jeholornis, the only avialan studied here, is histologically distinct from all other specimens in the multivariate visualizations raising the hypothesis that its bone tissue characteristics may be related to its superior aerial capabilities compared to the non-avialan paravians. Our results warrant further research on the osteohistological correlates of flight and developmental strategies in birds and bird-like dinosaurs.
Profiling of metabolome and bacterial community dynamics in ensiled Medicago sativa inoculated without or with Lactobacillus plantarum or Lactobacillus buchneri
Authors: Guo X. S. , Ke W. C. , Ding W. R. , Ding L. M. , Xu D. M. , Wang W. W. , Zhang P. , Yang F. Y. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractUsing gas chromatography mass spectrometry and the PacBio single molecule with real-time sequencing technology (SMRT), we analyzed the detailed metabolomic profiles and microbial community dynamics involved in ensiledMedicago sativa(alfalfa) inoculated without or with the homofermenterLactobacillus plantarumor heterofermenterLactobacillus buchneri. Our results revealed that 280 substances and 102 different metabolites were present in ensiled alfalfa. Inoculation ofL. buchneriled to remarkable up-accumulation in concentrations of 4-aminobutyric acid, some free amino acids, and polyols in ensiled alfalfa, whereas considerable down-accumulation in cadaverine and succinic acid were observed inL. plantarum-inoculated silages. Completely different microbial flora and their successions during ensiling were observed in the control and two types of inoculant-treated silages. Inoculation of theL. plantarumorL. buchnerialters the microbial composition dynamics of the ensiled forage in very different manners. Our study demonstrates that metabolomic profiling analysis provides a deep insight in metabolites in silage. Moreover, the PacBio SMRT method revealed the microbial composition and its succession during the ensiling process at the species level. This provides information regarding the microbial processes underlying silage formation and may contribute to target-based regulation methods to achieve high-quality silage production.
A RNA-Sequencing approach for the identification of novel long non-coding RNA biomarkers in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yamada Atsushi , Yu Pingjian , Lin Wei , Okugawa Yoshinaga , Boland C. Richard , Goel Ajay 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in human pathology, however, their role in colorectal carcinogenesis have not been fully elucidated. In the current study, whole-transcriptome analysis was performed in 3 pairs of colorectal cancer (CRC) and matched normal mucosa (NM) by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq). Followed by confirmation using the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset, we identified 27 up-regulated and 22 down-regulated lncRNAs in CRC. Up-regulation of four lncRNAs, hereby named colorectal cancer associated lncRNA (CRCAL)-1 [AC021218.2], CRCAL-2 [LINC00858], CRCAL-3 [RP11-138J23.1] and CRCAL-4 [RP11-435O5.2], was further validated by real-time RT-PCR in 139 colorectal neoplasms and matched NM tissues. Knockdown of CRCAL-3 and CRCAL-4 in colon cancer cells reduced cell viability and colony formation ability, and induced cell cycle arrest. TCGA dataset supported the associations of CRCAL-3 and CRCAL-4 with cell cycle and revealed a co-expression network comprising dysregulated lncRNAs associated with protein-coding genes. In conclusion, RNA-seq identified numbers of novel lncRNAs dysregulated in CRC. In vitro experiments and GO term enrichment analysis indicated the functional relevance of CRCAL-3 and CRCAL-4 in association with cell cycle. Our data highlight the capability of RNA-seq to discover novel lncRNAs involved in human carcinogenesis, which may serve as alternative biomarkers and/or molecular treatment targets.
Timing of spermarche and menarche among urban students in Guangzhou, China: trends from 2005 to 2012 and association with Obesity
Authors: Deng Yusheng , Liang Jianping , Zong Yinan , Yu Ping , Xie Runsheng , Guo Yangfeng , Wang Zhen , Deng Nali , Gao Yanhui , Jiang Yi , Yang Yi , Yang Jiewen , Liu Li 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn Guangzhou, China, whether the trend of a decreasing pubertal age has continued in recent years remained unknown, and the association between obesity and early puberty was still controversial. Herein, we conducted a serial cross-sectional study using data from physical fitness surveillance (2005–2012), to determine the recent trends in age at spermarche and menarche among students in Guangzhou, and to investigate whether elevated BMI modified timing of spermarche and menarche. This study included 1,278,258 urban students. In boys, no significant differences were observed in median ages of spermarche (MAS) from 2005 to 2012, with overlapping 95% CIs. Similar results were observed for median ages of menarche (MAM) in girls. The Cox-Stuart trend test showed neither upward nor downward shift in MAS and MAM over time (P = 0.625; 1.000). Each year, both MAS and MAM decreased with increasing BMI. Furthermore, a higher BMI was associated with early age at spermarche and menarche, with ORs of 1.052 (95% CI = 1.045–1.059) and 1.233 (95% CI = 1.220–1.247) in 2012 for boys and girls, respectively. In conclusion, the pubertal timing has been stable in urban students from 2005 to 2012. Furthermore, obesity was associated with early timing of spermarche and menarche.
IL-34 and CSF-1 display an equivalent macrophage differentiation ability but a different polarization potential
Authors: Boulakirba Sonia , Pfeifer Anja , Mhaidly Rana , Obba Sandrine , Goulard Michael , Schmitt Thomas , Chaintreuil Paul , Calleja Anne , Furstoss Nathan , Orange François , Lacas-Gervais Sandra , Boyer Laurent , Marchetti Sandrine , Verhoeyen Els , Luciano Frederic , Robert Guillaume , Auberger Patrick , Jacquel Arnaud 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCSF-1 and IL-34 share the CSF-1 receptor and no differences have been reported in the signaling pathways triggered by both ligands in human monocytes. IL-34 promotes the differentiation and survival of monocytes, macrophages and osteoclasts, as CSF-1 does. However, IL-34 binds other receptors, suggesting that differences exist in the effect of both cytokines. In the present study, we compared the differentiation and polarization abilities of human primary monocytes in response to CSF-1 or IL-34. CSF-1R engagement by one or the other ligands leads to AKT and caspase activation and autophagy induction through expression and activation of AMPK and ULK1. As no differences were detected on monocyte differentiation, we investigated the effect of CSF-1 and IL-34 on macrophage polarization into the M1 or M2 phenotype. We highlighted a striking increase in IL-10 and CCL17 secretion in M1 and M2 macrophages derived from IL-34 stimulated monocytes, respectively, compared to CSF-1 stimulated monocytes. Variations in the secretome induced by CSF-1 or IL-34 may account for their different ability to polarize naïve T cells into Th1 cells. In conclusion, our findings indicate that CSF-1 and IL-34 exhibit the same ability to induce human monocyte differentiation but may have a different ability to polarize macrophages.
Differentiation potential of Pluripotent Stem Cells correlates to the level of CHD7
Authors: Yamamoto Takako , Takenaka Chiemi , Yoda Yusuke , Oshima Yasuhiro , Kagawa Kenichi , Miyajima Hiroshi , Sasaki Tetsuji , Kawamata Shin 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEmbryonic Stem Cells (ESC) possesses two distinct features; self-renewal and the potential to differentiate. Here we show the differentiation potential and growth rate of ESC correlates positively with the expression level of the gene encoding chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7). When ESCs are maintained in feeder-free conditions and single cell seeding, ESC KhES-1 having 4520 copies or more of CHD7 in 5 ng total RNA show differentiation potential, but this is lost when the CHD7 copy number is reduced in KhES-1 to less than 696 by alternative culture conditions. Introduction of siCHD7 reduced differentiation potential and growth rate of KhES-1. Interestingly, KhES-1 underwent spontaneous differentiation when mCHD7 was introduced and we could not obtain CHD7-overexpressing ESC in culture. These data suggest that CHD7 drives differentiation, and there is a lower limit for CHD7 to initiate differentiation and an upper limit for CHD7 if maintained in undifferentiated state, and such upper limit varies depending on culture condition. As CHD7 drives cell growth, ESC with the highest permissible CHD7 level in the given culture become dominant in a couple of passages. Thus, we can select differentiation resistance-free cell clones by optimizing the culture system using CHD7 as an index.
Wide Band Low Noise Love Wave Magnetic Field Sensor System
Authors: Kittmann Anne , Durdaut Phillip , Zabel Sebastian , Reermann Jens , Schmalz Julius , Spetzler Benjamin , Meyners Dirk , Sun Nian X. , McCord Jeffrey , Gerken Martina , Schmidt Gerhard , Höft Michael , Knöchel Reinhard , Faupel Franz , Quandt Eckhard 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe present a comprehensive study of a magnetic sensor system that benefits from a new technique to substantially increase the magnetoelastic coupling of surface acoustic waves (SAW). The device uses shear horizontal acoustic surface waves that are guided by a fused silica layer with an amorphous magnetostrictive FeCoSiB thin film on top. The velocity of these so-called Love waves follows the magnetoelastically-induced changes of the shear modulus according to the magnetic field present. The SAW sensor is operated in a delay line configuration at approximately 150 MHz and translates the magnetic field to a time delay and a related phase shift. The fundamentals of this sensor concept are motivated by magnetic and mechanical simulations. They are experimentally verified using customized low-noise readout electronics. With an extremely low magnetic noise level of ≈100 pT/$$\sqrt{{\rm{Hz}}}$$

Hz

, a bandwidth of 50 kHz and a dynamic range of 120 dB, this magnetic field sensor system shows outstanding characteristics. A range of additional measures to further increase the sensitivity are investigated with simulations.
The critical role of phase difference in theta oscillation between bilateral parietal cortices for visuospatial working memory
Authors: Tseng Philip , Iu Kai-Chi , Juan Chi-Hung 
Published: January 2018

AbstractVisual working memory (VWM) refers to people’s ability to maintain and manipulate visual information on line. Its capacity varies between individuals, and neuroimaging studies have suggested a link between one’s VWM capacity and theta power in the parietal cortex. However, it is unclear how the parietal cortices communicate with each other in order to support VWM processing. In two experiments we employed transcranial alternate current stimulation (tACS) to use frequency-specific (6 Hz) alternating current to modulate theta oscillation between the left and right parietal cortex with either in-phase (0° difference, Exp 1), anti-phase (180° difference, Exp 2), or sham sinusoidal current stimulation. In Experiment 1, in-phase theta tACS induced an improved VWM performance, but only in low-performers, whereas high-performers suffered a marginally-significant VWM impairment. In Experiment 2, anti-phase theta tACS did not help the low-performers, but significantly impaired high-performers’ VWM capacity. These results not only provide causal evidence for theta oscillation in VWM processing, they also highlight the intricate interaction between tACS and individual differences—where the same protocol that enhances low-performers’ VWM can backfire for the high-performers. We propose that signal complexity via coherent timing and phase synchronization within the bilateral parietal network is crucial for successful VWM functioning.
Microbial habitability of Europa sustained by radioactive sources
Authors: Altair Thiago , de Avellar Marcio G. B. , Rodrigues Fabio , Galante Douglas 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in the icy moons of the Solar System due to their potential habitability and as targets for future exploratory missions, which include astrobiological goals. Several studies have reported new results describing the details of these moons’ geological settings; however, there is still a lack of information regarding the deep subsurface environment of the moons. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the microbial habitability of Europa constrained by terrestrial analogue environments and sustained by radioactive energy provided by natural unstable isotopes. The geological scenarios are based on known deep environments on Earth, and the bacterial ecosystem is based on a sulfate-reducing bacterial ecosystem found 2.8 km below the surface in a basin in South Africa. The results show the possibility of maintaining the modeled ecosystem based on the proposed scenarios and provides directions for future models and exploration missions for a more complete evaluation of the habitability of Europa and of icy moons in general.
Anomalous Hall-like effect probe of antiferromagnetic domain wall
Authors: Lang Lili , Qiu Xuepeng , Zhou Shiming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOf crucial importance to antiferromagnetic (AF) spintronic devices, AF domain wall (AFDW), created in exchange biased Y3Fe5O12/Ni0.50Co0.50O (NiCoO)/Pt, is characterized by anomalous Hall-like effect through magnetic proximity effect and spin Hall magnetoresistance at NiCoO/Pt interface. The AFDW thickness, in the order of nanometers, has been for the first time proved in experiments to increase with increasing temperature. AF spins within AFDW show the same chirality in decent and ascent branches of ferromagnetic magnetization reversal process. Moreover, the uncompensated magnetic moment at the NiCoO/Pt interface is of perpendicular magnetization anisotropy and changes linearly in magnitude with temperature due to the reduced coordination of the magnetic atoms on the AF surface. This work will help to clarify the mechanism of the spin current propagation in AF materials and fully understand the physics behind exchange bias.
Role and mechanism of AT1-AA in the pathogenesis of HELLP syndrome
Authors: Bu Shurui , Wang Yuxian , Sun Shuqing , Zheng Yanqian , Jin Zhu , Zhi Jianming 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHELLP syndrome remains a leading cause of maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity worldwide, which symptoms include hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count. The objective of this study was to determine whether HELLP is associated with AT1-AA. The positive rate and titer of AT1-AA in plasma from pregnant women were determined, and the correlation of AT1-AA titer with the grade of HELLP was analyzed. A HELLP rat model established by intravenous injection of AT1-AA. Our experimental results show the AT1-AA titer and positive rate were significantly higher in HELLP group, and AT1-AA titer were positively correlated with the level of TNF-α and ET-1 in plasma and the grade of HELLP syndrome. The results of animal experiments showed that the typical features of HELLP in the pregnant rats after AT1-AA injection. The levels of TNF-α and ET-1 in plasma and liver tissue were significantly increased in AT1-AA-treated rats compared with control rats. The HELLP syndrome induced by AT1-AA was attenuated markedly after administration of losartan. These data support the hypothesis that one the potential pathway that AT1-AA induce damage to capillary endothelial cells and liver during pregnancy is through activation of TNF-α and ET-1.
Multifunctional Device based on phosphor-piezoelectric PZT: lighting, speaking, and mechanical energy harvesting
Authors: Lee Sunghoon , Kang Taewook , Lee Wunho , Afandi Mohammad M. , Ryu Jongho , Kim Jongsu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe demonstrated the tri-functional device based on all powder-processing methods by using ZnS powder as phosphor layer and piezoelectric material as dielectric layer. The fabricated device generated the electroluminescent (EL) light from phosphor and the sound from piezoelectric sheet under a supply of external electric power, and additionally harvested the reverse-piezoelectric energy to be converted into EL light. Under sinusoidal applied voltage, EL luminances were exponentially increased with a maximum luminous efficiency of 1.3 lm/W at 40 V and 1,000 Hz, and sound pressure levels (SPLs) were linearly increased. The EL luminances were linearly dependent on applied frequency while the SPLs showed the parabolic increase behavior below 1,000 Hz and then the flat response. The temperature dependence on EL luminances and SPLs was demonstrated; the former was drastically increased and the latter was slightly decreased with the increase of temperature. Finally, as an energy harvesting application, the piezoelectric-induced electroluminescence effect was demonstrated by applying only mechanical pressure to the device without any external electric power.
Structure and elasticity of bush and brush-like models of the endothelial glycocalyx
Authors: Kabedev Aleksei , Lobaskin Vladimir 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe endothelial glycocalyx (EG), a sugar-rich layer that lines the luminal surface of blood vessels, is an important constituent of the vascular system. Although the chemical composition of the EG is fairly well known, there is no consensus regarding its ultrastructure. While previous experiments probed the properties of the layer at the continuum level, they did not provide sufficient insight into its molecular organisation. In this work, we investigate the EG mechanics using two simple brush and bush-like simulation models, and use these models to describe its molecular structure and elastic response to indentation. We analyse the relationship between the mechanical properties of the EG layer and several molecular parameters, including the filament bending rigidity, grafting density, and the type of ultrastructure . We show that variations in the glycan density determine the elasticity of the EG for small deformations, and that the normal stress may be effectively dampened by the EG layer, preventing the stress from being transferred to the cell membrane. Furthermore, our bush-like model allows us to evaluate the forces and energies required to overcome the mechanical resistance of the EG.
Characterization of the Cry1Ah resistance in Asian corn Borer and its cross-resistance to other Bacillus thuringiensis toxins
Authors: Shabbir Muhammad Zeeshan , Quan Yudong , Wang Zhenying , Bravo Alejandra , Soberón Mario , He Kanglai 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTransgenic crops producing insecticidal proteins are effective to manage lepidopteran pests. Development of insect-resistance is the major threat to Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) crops such as Cry1Ah-Maize. Laboratory selection with Bt-Cry1Ah toxin incorporated in artificial diet, during 48 generations of Asian corn borer (ACB) Ostrinia furnacalis produced 200-fold resistance. This resistant colony ACB-AhR readily consumed and survived on Cry1Ah-expressing Bt-maize. Cross-resistance analysis showed high cross-resistance to Cry1F (464-fold), moderate cross-resistance to Cry1Ab (28.38-fold), Cry1Ac (22.11-fold) and no cross-resistance to Cry1Ie toxin. This ACB-AhR cross-resistant phenotype is different from ACB-Cry1Fa resistant population that showed no cross resistance to Cry1Ah, suggesting that different mechanisms of resistance were selected in these two populations. Bioassays of reciprocal F1 crosses-progeny suggested autosomal inheritance of Cry1Ah resistance with no maternal effects. The dominance of resistance increased as concentration decreased. In Cry1Ah-maize tissues the progeny of reciprocal F1 crosses behaved as functionally recessive. Progenies analysis from backcrosses (F1 × resistant strain) suggested polygenic contribution to Cry1Ah- resistance in ACB-AhR. The use of multiple toxins is an imperative factor for delaying evolution of resistance to Cry1Ah-corn in ACB. However, the fact that ACB-AhR showed cross resistance to Cry1Fa indicates that selection of toxins for pyramided plants should be carefully done.
The Water-Alkane Interface at Various NaCl Salt Concentrations: A Molecular Dynamics Study of the Readily Available Force Fields
Authors: Underwood Thomas R. , Greenwell H. Chris 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study, classical molecular dynamic simulations have been used to examine the molecular properties of the water-alkane interface at various NaCl salt concentrations (up to 3.0 mol/kg). A variety of different force field combinations have been compared against experimental surface/interfacial tension values for the water-vapour, decane-vapour and water-decane interfaces. Six different force fields for water (SPC, SPC/E, TIP3P, TIP3Pcharmm, TIP4P & TIP4P2005), and three further force fields for alkane (TraPPE-UA, CGenFF & OPLS) have been compared to experimental data. CGenFF, OPLS-AA and TraPPE-UA all accurately reproduce the interfacial properties of decane. The TIP4P2005 (four-point) water model is shown to be the most accurate water model for predicting the interfacial properties of water. The SPC/E water model is the best three-point parameterisation of water for this purpose. The CGenFF and TraPPE parameterisations of oil accurately reproduce the interfacial tension with water using either the TIP4P2005 or SPC/E water model. The salinity dependence on surface/interfacial tension is accurately captured using the Smith & Dang parameterisation of NaCl. We observe that the Smith & Dang model slightly overestimates the surface/interfacial tensions at higher salinities (>1.5 mol/kg). This is ascribed to an overestimation of the ion exclusion at the interface.