bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma adiponectin levels and type 2 diabetes risk: a nested case-control study in a Chinese population and an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Yeli , Meng Rui-Wei , Kunutsor Setor K. , Chowdhury Rajiv , Yuan Jian-Min , Koh Woon-Puay , Pan An 
Published: January 2018

AbstractResults from previous prospective studies assessing the relation between adiponectin and type 2 diabetes (T2D) were not entirely consistent, and evidence in Chinese population is scarce. Moreover, the last meta-analysis did not examine the impact of metabolic variables on the adiponectin-T2D association. Therefore, we prospectively evaluated the adiponectin-T2D association among 571 T2D cases and 571 age-sex-matched controls nested within the Singapore Chinese Health Study (SCHS). Furthermore, we conducted an updated meta-analysis by searching prospective studies on Pubmed till September 2016. In the SCHS, the odds ratio of T2D, comparing the highest versus lowest tertile of adiponectin levels, was 0.30 (95% confidence interval: 0.17, 0.55) in the fully-adjusted model. The relation was stronger among heavier participants (body mass index ≥23 kg/m2) compared to their leaner counterparts (P for interaction = 0.041). In a meta-analysis of 34 prospective studies, the pooled relative risk was 0.53 (95% confidence interval: 0.47, 0.61) comparing the extreme tertiles of adiponectin with moderate heterogeneity (I2 = 48.7%, P = 0.001). The adiponectin-T2D association remained unchanged after adjusting for inflammation and dyslipidemia markers, but substantially attenuated with adjustment for insulin sensitivity and/or glycaemia markers. Overall evidence indicates that higher adiponectin levels are associated with decreased T2D risk in Chinese and other populations.
Phenotypic divergence despite low genetic differentiation in house sparrow populations
Authors: Ben Cohen Shachar , Dor Roi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStudying patterns of phenotypic variation among populations can shed light on the drivers of evolutionary processes. The house sparrow (Passer domesticus) is one of the world’s most ubiquitous bird species, as well as a successful invader. We investigated phenotypic variation in house sparrow populations across a climatic gradient and in relation to a possible scenario of an invasion. We measured variation in morphological, coloration, and behavioral traits (exploratory behavior and neophobia) and compared it to the neutral genetic variation. We found that sparrows were larger and darker in northern latitudes, in accordance with Bergmann’s and Gloger’s biogeographic rules. Morphology and behavior mostly differed between the southernmost populations and the other regions, supporting the possibility of an invasion. Genetic differentiation was low and diversity levels were similar across populations, indicating high gene flow. Nevertheless, the southernmost and northern populations differed genetically to some extent. Furthermore, genetic differentiation (FST) was lower in comparison to phenotypic variation (PST), indicating that the phenotypic variation is shaped by directional selection or by phenotypic plasticity. This study expands our knowledge on evolutionary mechanisms and biological invasions.
Comparative analysis of miRNA expression profiles in transgenic and non-transgenic rice using miRNA-Seq
Authors: Peng Cheng , Chen Xiaoyun , Wang Xiaofu , Xu Xiaoli , Wei Wei , Wang Congmao , Xu Junfeng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSafety assessment for genetically modified organisms (GMOs) is required before their release. To date, miRNAs that play important roles in eukaryotic gene regulation have not been considered in the current assessment system. In this study, we identified 6 independent Bt and EPSPS GM rice lines using PCR and immune strip. We analyzed the expression levels of Cry1Ac and EPSPS using quantitative real-time PCR and western blot. Further, miRNAs from the developing seeds of the 6 GM rice lines and the wild-type line were investigated using deep sequencing and bioinformatic approaches. Although these GM lines have different types of integration sites, copy numbers, and levels of gene expression, 21 differentially expressed miRNAs have been found compared to wild type. There is no correlation between transgenic protein expression level and the quantity of differentially expressed miRNAs. This study provides useful data about the miRNA composition of GM plants, and it might be helpful for future risk assessments of miRNA-based GM plants.
Molecular marker assisted breeding and genome composition analysis of Zhengmai 7698, an elite winter wheat cultivar
Authors: Li Chun-xin , Xu Wei-gang , Guo Rui , Zhang Jian-zhou , Qi Xue-li , Hu Lin , Zhao Ming-zhong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractZhengmai 7698 is an elite winter wheat variety widely cultivated in the Southern regions of the Yellow-Huai River Valley of China. Here, we report the molecular markers used for breeding Zhengmai 7698 and the genome composition of this cultivar revealed using genome-wide SNPs. A total of 26 DNA markers derived from the genes controlling gluten protein quality, grain hardness, flour color, disease resistance, or pre-harvesting sprouting resistance were used during breeding. Consequently, Zhengmai 7698 had strong gluten, high grain hardness index, white flour color, and high levels of resistance to powdery mildew, stripe rust infections, and pre-harvesting sprouting. Using genome complexity reduction, 28,996 high-quality SNPs distributed on 21 wheat chromosomes were identified among Zhengmai 7698 and its three parental lines (4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16). Zhengmai 7698 shared 12,776, 14,411 and 16,085 SNPs with 4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16, respectively. Thus, the contributions of 4B269, Zhengmai 9405 and Zhoumai 16 to the genome of Zhengmai 7698 were comparable. Interestingly, Zhengmai 7698 had 307 unique SNPs that are absent in all three parents. We suggest that molecular markers facilitate selection of a wheat cultivar with multiple elite traits. Analysis of genome composition with SNPs may provide useful clues for further dissecting the genetic basis of improved wheat performance.
Continuous-wave Y-band planar BWO with wide tunable bandwidth
Authors: Xi Hongzhu , Wang Jianguo , He Zhaochang , Zhu Gang , Wang Yue , Wang Hao , Chen Zaigao , Li Rong , Liu Luwei 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA high performance continuous-wave (CW) backward wave oscillator (BWO) with planar slow wave structure (SWS) and sheet electron beam in Y-band is presented in this paper. The mode selection is discussed by studying the dispersion curve of SWSs, distributions of the electric field, and particle-in-cell simulation results, showing that the designed BWO operates in the fundamental mode TM11. The planar SWSs are fabricated by using the UV-LIGA technology with the processing error less than 0.003 mm. The electron gun can provide the 2.5 mm × 0.14 mm sheet electron beam with maximum current density of 57 A/cm2 at the CW mode. Experimental results show that the developed BWO can operate in the fundamental mode TM11 and generate the state-of-art output power of 182 mW at the frequency of 0.3426 THz with a large frequency tuning range from 0.318 THz to 0.359 THz.
Tanshinone IIA sulfonate protects against cigarette smoke-induced COPD and down-regulation of CFTR in mice
Authors: Li Defu , Wang Jian , Sun Dejun , Gong Xuefang , Jiang Hua , Shu Jiaze , Wang Ziyi , Long Zhen , Chen Yiguan , Zhang Zili , Yuan Liang , Guan Ruijuan , Liang Xue , Li Ziying , Yao Hongwei , Zhong Nanshan , Lu Wenju 
Published: January 2018

AbstractChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic lung disease characterized by abnormal inflammation, persistent and progressive lung function decline. The anti-inflammatory actions of tanshinone IIA, which is the most important active component from Chinese herbal medicine Danshen, have been well studied. However, it remains unknown whether sodium tanshinone IIA sulfonate (STS) protects against the development of COPD. Here we found that STS inhalation (5 mg/kg, 30 min per session, twice a day) significantly attenuated lung function decline, airspace enlargement, mucus production, bronchial collagen deposition, inflammatory responses and oxidative stress caused by cigarette smoke (CS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposures in mice. Moreover, treatment with STS (10 μg/ml) reduced CS extract (CSE)-induced IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells. The anti-inflammatory actions of STS were associated with inhibition of ERK1/2 and NF-κB activations. Interestingly, STS inhibited CS-induced reduction of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) in mouse lungs and in 16HBE cells. Treatment with a specific CFTR inhibitor CFTR-Inh172 augmented CSE-induced ERK1/2 and NF-κB-dependent inflammatory responses, but abolished the inhibitory action of STS on IL-6 and IL-8 secretion in 16HBE cells. These results demonstrate that CS-induced COPD and down-regulation of CFTR are prevented by STS.
The PPI network analysis of mRNA expression profile of uterus from primary dysmenorrheal rats
Authors: Fan Pei , Lin Qiao-Hui , Guo Ying , Zhao Lan-Ling , Ning He , Liu Meng-Ying , Wei Dong-Qing 
Published: January 2018

AbstractTo elucidate the mechanisms of molecular regulations underlying primary dysmenorrhea (PD), we used our previously published mRNA expression profile of uterus from PD syndrome rats to construct protein-protein interactions (PPI) network via STRING Interactome. Consequently, 34 subnetworks, including a “continent” (Subnetwork 1) and 33 “islands” (Subnetwork 2–34) were generated. The nodes, with relative expression ratios, were visualized in the PPI networks and their connections were identified. Through path and module exploring in the network, the bridges were found from pathways of cellular response to calcium ion, SMAD protein signal transduction, regulation of transcription from RNA polymerase II promoter in response to stress and muscle stretch that were significantly enriched by the up-regulated mRNAs, to the cascades of cAMP metabolic processes and positive regulation of cyclase activities by the down-regulated ones. This link is mainly dependent on Fos/Jun - Vip connection. Our data, for the first time, report the PPI network analysis of differentially expressed mRNAs in the uterus of PD syndrome rats, to give insight into screening drugs and find new therapeutic strategies to relieve PD.
Genistein promotes ionizing radiation-induced cell death by reducing cytoplasmic Bcl-xL levels in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhimin , Jin Feng , Lian Xiaojuan , Li Mengxia , Wang Ge , Lan Baohua , He Hao , Liu Guo-Dong , Wu Yan , Sun Guiyin , Xu Cheng-Xiong , Yang Zhen-Zhou 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGenistein (GEN) has been previously reported to enhance the radiosensitivity of cancer cells; however, the detailed mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report that GEN treatment inhibits the cytoplasmic distribution of Bcl-xL and increases nuclear Bcl-xL in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Interestingly, our in vitro data show that ionizing radiation IR treatment significantly increases IR-induced DNA damage and apoptosis in a low cytoplasmic Bcl-xL NSCLC cell line compared to that of high cytoplasmic Bcl-xL cell lines. In addition, clinical data also show that the level of cytoplasmic Bcl-xL was negatively associated with radiosensitivity in NSCLC. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GEN treatment enhanced the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells partially due to increases in Beclin-1-mediated autophagy by promoting the dissociation of Bcl-xL and Beclin-1. Taken together, these findings suggest that GEN can significantly enhance radiosensitivity by increasing apoptosis and autophagy due to inhibition of cytoplasmic Bcl-xL distribution and the interaction of Bcl-xL and Beclin-1 in NSCLC cells, respectively.
Genome-wide comparative analysis of papain-like cysteine protease family genes in castor bean and physic nut
Authors: Zou Zhi , Huang Qixing , Xie Guishui , Yang Lifu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPapain-like cysteine proteases (PLCPs) are a class of proteolytic enzymes involved in many plant processes. Compared with the extensive research in Arabidopsis thaliana, little is known in castor bean (Ricinus communis) and physic nut (Jatropha curcas), two Euphorbiaceous plants without any recent whole-genome duplication. In this study, a total of 26 or 23 PLCP genes were identified from the genomes of castor bean and physic nut respectively, which can be divided into nine subfamilies based on the phylogenetic analysis: RD21, CEP, XCP, XBCP3, THI, SAG12, RD19, ALP and CTB. Although most of them harbor orthologs in Arabidopsis, several members in subfamilies RD21, CEP, XBCP3 and SAG12 form new groups or subgroups as observed in other species, suggesting specific gene loss occurred in Arabidopsis. Recent gene duplicates were also identified in these two species, but they are limited to the SAG12 subfamily and were all derived from local duplication. Expression profiling revealed diverse patterns of different family members over various tissues. Furthermore, the evolution characteristics of PLCP genes were also compared and discussed. Our findings provide a useful reference to characterize PLCP genes and investigate the family evolution in Euphorbiaceae and species beyond.
In vivo monitoring of hair cycle stages via bioluminescence imaging of hair follicle NG2 cells
Authors: Tamura Yasuhisa , Takata Kumi , Eguchi Asami , Kataoka Yosky 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHair growth occurs periodically in a cycle that consists of three different phases: growth, regression, and resting. The length of each phase is regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors throughout life, and influenced by physiological and pathological conditions. Elongation of the resting phase and shortening of the growth phase occur during physiological ageing and in baldness, respectively. In vivo discrimination of each phase of the hair cycle can be used to research for regeneration of hair follicles as well as to evaluate the efficacy of hair regrowth treatments in the same individual. Here we show that NG2+ epithelial cells in the hair follicles encompass bulge stem cells, and that the number of hair follicle NG2 cells underwent dramatic changes during the hair cycle. Transgenic rats with expression of firefly luciferase gene in NG2 cells were generated to monitor the hair cycle in vivo. Hair follicle NG2 cells were clearly visualized via bioluminescence imaging to study each phase of the hair cycle in the rats, from infancy to old age.
Cerebellar grey matter modifications in lower limb amputees not using prosthesis
Authors: Di Vita Antonella , Boccia Maddalena , Palermo Liana , Nemmi Federico , Traballesi Marco , Brunelli Stefano , De Giorgi Roberto , Galati Gaspare , Guariglia Cecilia 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPlastic brain changes following peripheral deafferentation, in particular those following limb amputations, are well-documented, with significant reduction of grey matter (GM) in the sensory-motor cerebral areas representing the amputated limb. However, few studies have investigated the role played by the use of a prosthesis in these structural brain modifications. Here we hypothesized that using a functional prosthesis that allows individuals to perform actions may reduce grey matter reduction. We investigated the brain structural reorganization following lower limb amputation by using a Voxel Based Morphometry (VBM) analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 8 right-handed individuals with lower limb amputation (LLA) fitted with prostheses (LLAwp), compared to 6 LLA who had never used a prosthesis (LLAnp). 14 age-matched healthy controls were also enrolled (HC). We did not find any significant effect when comparing LLAwp and HC. However we found a decreased GM volume in the bilateral cerebellum in LLAnp compared with HC. These results suggest that prosthesis use prevents GM decrease in the cerebellum after lower limb amputation.
Realizing Mitigation Efficiency of European Commercial Forests by Climate Smart Forestry
Authors: Yousefpour Rasoul , Augustynczik Andrey Lessa Derci , Reyer Christopher P. O. , Lasch-Born Petra , Suckow Felicitas , Hanewinkel Marc 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEuropean temperate and boreal forests sequester up to 12% of Europe’s annual carbon emissions. Forest carbon density can be manipulated through management to maximize its climate mitigation potential, and fast-growing tree species may contribute the most to Climate Smart Forestry (CSF) compared to slow-growing hardwoods. This type of CSF takes into account not only forest resource potentials in sequestering carbon, but also the economic impact of regional forest products and discounts both variables over time. We used the process-based forest model 4 C to simulate European commercial forests’ growth conditions and coupled it with an optimization algorithm to simulate the implementation of CSF for 18 European countries encompassing 68.3 million ha of forest (42.4% of total EU-28 forest area). We found a European CSF policy that could sequester 7.3–11.1 billion tons of carbon, projected to be worth 103 to 141 billion euros in the 21st century. An efficient CSF policy would allocate carbon sequestration to European countries with a lower wood price, lower labor costs, high harvest costs, or a mixture thereof to increase its economic efficiency. This policy prioritized the allocation of mitigation efforts to northern, eastern and central European countries and favored fast growing conifers Picea abies and Pinus sylvestris to broadleaves Fagus sylvatica and Quercus species.
Enhanced electrocaloric analysis and energy-storage performance of lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics for potential solid-state refrigeration applications
Authors: Zhang Tian-Fu , Huang Xian-Xiong , Tang Xin-Gui , Jiang Yan-Ping , Liu Qiu-Xiang , Lu Biao , Lu Sheng-Guo 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe unique properties and great variety of relaxer ferroelectrics make them highly attractive in energy-storage and solid-state refrigeration technologies. In this work, lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics are prepared and studied. The giant electrocaloric effect in lanthanum modified lead titanate ceramics is revealed for the first time. Large refrigeration efficiency (27.4) and high adiabatic temperature change (1.67 K) are achieved by indirect analysis. Direct measurements of electrocaloric effect show that reversible adiabatic temperature change is also about 1.67 K, which exceeds many electrocaloric effect values in current direct measured electrocaloric studies. Both theoretical calculated and direct measured electrocaloric effects are in good agreements in high temperatures. Temperature and electric field related energy storage properties are also analyzed, maximum energy-storage density and energy-storage efficiency are about 0.31 J/cm3 and 91.2%, respectively.
Multiple intracellular signaling pathways orchestrate adipocytic differentiation of human bone marrow stromal stem cells
Authors: Ali Dalia , Abuelreich Sarah , Alkeraishan Nora , Shwish Najla Bin , Hamam Rimi , Kassem Moustapha , Alfayez Musaad , Aldahmash Abdullah , Alajez Nehad M. 
Published: January 2018

Bone marrow adipocyte formation plays a role in bone homeostasis and whole body energy metabolism. However, the transcriptional landscape and signaling pathways associated with adipocyte lineage commitment and maturation are not fully delineated. Thus, we performed global gene expression profiling during adipocyte differentiation of human bone marrow stromal (mesenchymal) stem cells (hMSCs) and identified 2,589 up-regulated and 2,583 down-regulated mRNA transcripts. Pathway analysis on the up-regulated gene list untraveled enrichment in multiple signaling pathways including insulin receptor signaling, focal Adhesion, metapathway biotransformation, a number of metabolic pathways e.g. selenium metabolism, Benzo(a)pyrene metabolism, fatty acid, triacylglycerol, ketone body metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and catalytic cycle of mammalian flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMOs). On the other hand, pathway analysis on the down-regulated genes revealed significant enrichment in pathways related to cell cycle regulation. Based on these data, we assessed the effect of pharmacological inhibition of FAK signaling using PF-573228, PF-562271, and InsR/IGF-1R using NVP-AEW541 and GSK-1904529A on adipocyte differentiation. hMSCs exposed to FAK or IGF-1R/InsR inhibitors exhibited fewer adipocyte formation (27–58% inhibition, P&lt;0005). Concordantly, the expression of adipocyte-specific genes AP2, AdipoQ, and CEBPα was significantly reduced. On the other hand, we did not detect significant effects on cell viability as a result of FAK or IGF-1R/InsR inhibition. Our data identified FAK and insulin signaling as important intracellular signaling pathways relevant to bone marrow adipogenesis.
The VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey
Authors: Durkalec A. , Le Fèvre O. , Pollo A. , Zamorani G. , Lemaux B. C. , Garilli B. , Bardelli S. , Hathi N. , Koekemoer A. , Pforr J. , Zucca E. 
Published: January 2018

We present a study of the dependence of galaxy clustering on luminosity and stellar mass in the redshift range 2 < z < 3.5 using 3236 galaxies with robust spectroscopic redshifts from the VIMOS Ultra Deep Survey (VUDS), covering a total area of 0.92 deg2. We measured the two-point real-space correlation function wp(rp) for four volume-limited subsamples selected by stellar mass and four volume-limited subsamples selected by MUV absolute magnitude. We find that the scale-dependent clustering amplitude r0 significantly increases with increasing luminosity and stellar mass. For the least luminous galaxies (MUV < −19.0), we measured a correlation length r0 = 2.87 ± 0.22 h−1 Mpc and slope γ = 1.59 ± 0.07, while for the most luminous (MUV < −20.2) r0 = 5.35 ± 0.50 h−1 Mpc and γ = 1.92 ± 0.25. These measurements correspond to a strong relative bias between these two subsamples of Δb∕b* = 0.43. Fitting a five-parameter halo occupation distribution (HOD) model, we find that the most luminous (MUV < −20.2) and massive (M⋆ > 1010 h−1 M⊙) galaxies occupy the most massive dark matter haloes with ⟨Mh⟩ = 1012.30 h−1 M⊙. Similar to the trends observed at lower redshift, the minimum halo mass Mmin depends on the luminosity and stellar mass of galaxies and grows from Mmin = 109.73 h−1 M⊙ to Mmin = 1011.58 h−1 M⊙ from the faintest to the brightest among our galaxy sample, respectively. We find the difference between these halo masses to be much more pronounced than is observed for local galaxies of similar properties. Moreover, at z ~ 3, we observe that the masses at which a halo hosts, on average, one satellite and one central galaxy is M1 ≈ 4Mmin over all luminosity ranges, which is significantly lower than observed at z ~ 0; this indicates that the halo satellite occupation increases with redshift. The luminosity and stellar mass dependence is also reflected in the measurements of the large-scale galaxy bias, which we model as
bg,HOD (>L) = 1.92 + 25.36(L/L*)7.01. We conclude our study with measurements of the stellar-to-halo mass ratio (SHMR). We observe a significant model-observation discrepancy for low-mass galaxies, suggesting a higher than expected star formation efficiency of these galaxies.
Gastroösophageale Refluxerkrankung und maligne Transformation – für Männer und Frauen ein gleich großes Risiko?
Authors: Pech O. 
Published: January 2018

ZusammenfassungDie gastroösophageale Refluxerkrankung (GERD) hat gerade in der westlichen Welt eine hohe Prävalenz. Patienten mit GERD haben ein etwa 10%-iges Risiko einen Barrett-Ösophagus zu entwickeln, der wiederum ein Risiko für die Entstehung eines ösophagealen Adenokarzinoms darstellt. Männer haben eine höhere Intensität der GERD in Hinblick auf den Grad der Entzündung und den Säurereflux. Aus diesem Grund ist das Risiko einen Barrett-Ösophagus zu entwickeln bei Männern etwa 2–3-fach erhöht und für ein ösophageales Adenokarzinom sogar 3–6-mal höher als bei Frauen.