bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoscopic imaging of thick heterogeneous soft-matter structures in aqueous solution
Authors: Bartsch Tobias F. , Kochanczyk Martin D. , Lissek Emanuel N. , Lange Janina R. , Florin Ernst-Ludwig 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPrecise nanometre-scale imaging of soft structures at room temperature poses a major challenge to any type of microscopy because fast thermal fluctuations lead to significant motion blur if the position of the structure is measured with insufficient bandwidth. Moreover, precise localization is also affected by optical heterogeneities, which lead to deformations in the imaged local geometry, the severity depending on the sample and its thickness. Here we introduce quantitative thermal noise imaging, a three-dimensional scanning probe technique, as a method for imaging soft, optically heterogeneous and porous matter with submicroscopic spatial resolution in aqueous solution. By imaging both individual microtubules and collagen fibrils in a network, we demonstrate that structures can be localized with a precision of ∼10 nm and that their local dynamics can be quantified with 50 kHz bandwidth and subnanometre amplitudes. Furthermore, we show how image distortions caused by optically dense structures can be corrected for.
The evolution of acoustic size exaggeration in terrestrial mammals
Authors: Charlton Benjamin D. , Reby David 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRecent studies have revealed that some mammals possess adaptations that enable them to produce vocal signals with much lower fundamental frequency (F0) and formant frequency spacing (ΔF) than expected for their size. Although these adaptations are assumed to reflect selection pressures for males to lower frequency components and exaggerate body size in reproductive contexts, this hypothesis has not been tested across a broad range of species. Here we show that male terrestrial mammals produce vocal signals with lower ΔF(but notF0) than expected for their size in mating systems with greater sexual size dimorphism. We also reveal that males produce calls with higher than expectedF0 and ΔFin species with increased sperm competition. This investigation confirms that sexual selection favours the use of ΔFas an acoustic size exaggerator and supports the notion of an evolutionary trade-off between pre-copulatory signalling displays and sperm production.
Experience drives innovation of new migration patterns of whooping cranes in response to global change
Authors: Teitelbaum Claire S. , Converse Sarah J. , Fagan William F. , Böhning-Gaese Katrin , O’Hara Robert B. , Lacy Anne E. , Mueller Thomas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAnthropogenic changes in climate and land use are driving changes in migration patterns of birds worldwide. Spatial changes in migration have been related to long-term temperature trends, but the intrinsic mechanisms by which migratory species adapt to environmental change remain largely unexplored. We show that, for a long-lived social species, older birds with more experience are critical for innovating new migration behaviours. Groups containing older, more experienced individuals establish new overwintering sites closer to the breeding grounds, leading to a rapid population-level shift in migration patterns. Furthermore, these new overwintering sites are in areas where changes in climate have increased temperatures and where food availability from agriculture is high, creating favourable conditions for overwintering. Our results reveal that the age structure of populations is critical for the behavioural mechanisms that allow species to adapt to global change, particularly for long-lived animals, where changes in behaviour can occur faster than evolution.
Health status instruments for patients with COPD in pulmonary rehabilitation: defining a minimal clinically important difference
Authors: Alma Harma , de Jong Corina , Jelusic Danijel , Wittmann Michael , Schuler Michael , Blok Bertine Flokstra-de , Kocks Janwillem , Schultz Konrad , Molen Thys van der 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe minimal clinically important difference (MCID) defines to what extent change on a health status instrument is clinically relevant, which aids scientists and physicians in measuring therapy effects. This is the first study that aimed to establish the MCID of the Clinical chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) Questionnaire (CCQ), the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in the same pulmonary rehabilitation population using multiple approaches. In total, 451 COPD patients participated in a 3-week Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) programme (58 years, 65% male, 43 pack-years, GOLD stage II/III/IV 50/39/11%). Techniques used to assess the MCID were anchor-based approaches, including patient-referencing, criterion-referencing and questionnaire-referencing, and the distribution-based methods standard error of measurement (SEM), 1.96SEM and half standard deviation (0.5s.d.). Patient- and criterion-referencing led to MCID estimates of 0.56 and 0.62 (CCQ); 3.12 and 2.96 (CAT); and 8.40 and 9.28 (SGRQ). Questionnaire-referencing suggested MCID ranges of 0.28–0.61 (CCQ), 1.46–3.08 (CAT) and 6.86–9.47 (SGRQ). The SEM, 1.96SEM and 0.5s.d. were 0.29, 0.56 and 0.46 (CCQ); 3.28, 6.43 and 2.80 (CAT); 5.20, 10.19 and 6.06 (SGRQ). Pooled estimates were 0.52 (CCQ), 3.29 (CAT) and 7.91 (SGRQ) for improvement. MCID estimates differed depending on the method used. Pooled estimates suggest clinically relevant improvements needing to exceed 0.40 on the CCQ, 3.00 on the CAT and 7.00 on the SGRQ for moderate to very severe COPD patients. The MCIDs of the CAT and SGRQ in the literature might be too low, leading to overestimation of treatment effects for patients with COPD.
Toxic effects of the neem oil (Azadirachta indica) formulation on the stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Zanuncio José Cola , Mourão Sheila Abreu , Martínez Luis Carlos , Wilcken Carlos Frederico , Ramalho Francisco S. , Plata-Rueda Angelica , Soares Marcus Alvarenga , Serrão José Eduardo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis research investigated the effects of neem oil on mortality, survival and malformations of the non-target stink bug predator, Podisus nigrispinus. Neurotoxic and growth inhibitor insecticides were used to compare the lethal and sublethal effects from neem oil on this predator. Six concentrations of neem oil were topically applied onto nymphs and adults of this predator. The mortality rates of third, fourth, and fifth instar nymphs increased with increasing neem oil concentrations, suggesting low toxicity to P. nigrispinus nymphs. Mortality of adults was low, but with sublethal effects of neem products on this predator. The developmental rate of P. nigrispinus decreased with increasing neem oil concentrations. Longevity of fourth instar nymphs varied from 3.74 to 3.05 d, fifth instar from 5.94 to 4.07 d and adult from 16.5 and 15.7 d with 0.5 and 50% neem doses. Podisus nigrispinus presented malformations and increase with neem oil concentrations. The main malformations occur in wings, scutellum and legs of this predator. The neem oil at high and sub lethal doses cause mortality, inhibits growth and survival and results in anomalies on wings and legs of the non-traget predator P. nigrispinus indicating that its use associated with biological control should be carefully evaluated.
Genotypes of cancer stem cells characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and proliferation related functions
Authors: Hsu Chueh-Lin , Chung Feng-Hsiang , Chen Chih-Hao , Hsu Tzu-Ting , Liu Szu-Mam , Chung Dao-Sheng , Hsu Ya-Fen , Chen Chien-Lung , Ma Nianhan , Lee Hoong-Chien 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCancer stem cells (CSCs), or cancer cells with stem cell-like properties, generally exhibit drug resistance and have highly potent cancer inducing capabilities. Genome-wide expression data collected at public repositories over the last few years provide excellent material for studies that can lead to insights concerning the molecular and functional characteristics of CSCs. Here, we conducted functional genomic studies of CSC based on fourteen PCA-screened high quality public CSC whole genome gene expression datasets and, as control, four high quality non-stem-like cancer cell and non-cancerous stem cell datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. A total of 6,002 molecular signatures were taken from the Molecular Signatures Database and used to characterize the datasets, which, under two-way hierarchical clustering, formed three genotypes. Type 1, consisting of mainly glia CSCs, had significantly enhanced proliferation, and significantly suppressed epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), related functions. Type 2, mainly breast CSCs, had significantly enhanced EMT, but not proliferation, related functions. Type 3, composed of ovarian, prostate, and colon CSCs, had significantly suppressed proliferation related functions and mixed expressions on EMT related functions.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and hepatotoxicity in type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Longhao , Chen Qiyan , Li Ling , Kwong Joey S. W. , Jia Pengli , Zhao Pujing , Wang Wen , Zhou Xu , Zhang Mingming , Sun Xin 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAlpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) was reported to be associated with several rare adverse hepatic events, but with inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the risk of hepatotoxicity associated with the use of AGIs in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Fourteen studies (n = 2881) were eligible, all of which were RCTs. Meta-analysis of data regarding elevation of more than 3-fold the upper limit of normal (ULN) of AST and ALT showed statistically significant differences between AGIs treatment versus control (OR 6.86, 95% CI 2.50 to 18.80; OR 6.48, 95% CI 2.40 to 17.49). Subgroup analyses of elevation of more than 1.8-fold ULN of AST and ALT by dose of AGIs showed differential effects on AST and ALT (AST: OR 0.38 vs 7.31, interaction P = 0.003; ALT: OR 0.32 vs 4.55, interaction p = 0.02). Meta-analysis showed that AGIs might increase the risk of hepatotoxicity, and higher dose appeared to be associated with higher risk of hepatotoxicity. However, the evidence is limited with surrogate measures (i.e. ALT and AST), and no clinically important adverse events were observed.
TNF-α -308 G > A (rs1800629) Polymorphism is Associated with Celiac Disease: A Meta-analysis of 11 Case-Control Studies
Authors: Khan Saif , Mandal Raju K. , Jawed Arshad , Dar Sajad A. , Wahid Mohd , Panda Aditya K. , Areeshi Mohammed Y. , Ahmed Khan Md. Ekhlaque , Haque Shafiul 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCeliac disease (CD) remains one of the most significant autoimmune diseases worldwide. The pathogenesis of CD is not clearly understood and is probably attributed to genomic variations and host genetic make-up. Case-control and cohort studies of the association between the TNF-α -308 G > A (rs1800629) polymorphism and CD susceptibility have yielded inconsistent results. In this study, PubMed, EMBASE, and Google Scholar web-databases were searched for pertinent reports showing association of TNF-α -308 G > A gene with CD risk. A total of eleven reports involving 1774 controls and 1147 CD cases were included. Significant associations in four genetic models, viz. variant allele (A vs. G: p = 0.001; OR = 2.051, 95% CI = 1.452–2.895), variant homozygous (AA vs. GG: p = 0.001; OR = 6.626, 95% CI = 3.569–12.300), recessive (AA vs. GG + AG: p = 0.001; OR = 4.766, 95% CI = 3.177–7.152) and dominant (AA + AG vs. GG: p = 0.008; OR = 1.910, 95% CI = 1.181–3.088) were found in comparison with wild type homozygous GG genotype. However, heterozygous genetic model did not show any association. Sensitivity analysis revealed stable and statistically robust results. Our results suggest that TNF-α -308 G > A gene polymorphism significantly contributes to CD susceptibility.
The expression and function of human CD300 receptors on blood circulating mononuclear cells are distinct in neonates and adults
Authors: Zenarruzabeitia Olatz , Vitallé Joana , García-Obregón Susana , Astigarraga Itziar , Eguizabal Cristina , Santos Silvia , Simhadri Venkateswara R. , Borrego Francisco 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNeonates are more susceptible to infections than adults. This susceptibility is thought to reflect neonates’ qualitative and quantitative defects in the adaptive and innate immune responses. Differential expression of cell surface receptors may result in altered thresholds of neonatal immune cell activation. We determined whether the expression and function of the lipid-binding CD300 family of receptors are different on neonatal immune cells compared to adult immune cells. A multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to determine the expression of CD300 receptors on adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells and neonatal cord blood mononuclear cells. The expression of the CD300a inhibitory receptor was significantly reduced on cells from the newborn adaptive immune system, and neonatal antigen presenting cells exhibited a different CD300 receptors expression pattern. We also found differential LPS-mediated regulation of CD300 receptors expression on adult monocytes compared to cord blood monocytes, and that CD300c and CD300e-mediated activation was quantitatively different in neonatal monocytes. This is the first complete study examining the expression of CD300 receptors on human neonatal immune cells compared with adult immune cells. Significant differences in the expression and function of CD300 receptors may help to explain the peculiarities and distinctness of the neonatal immune responses.
Microstructure and performance of rare earth element-strengthened plasma-facing tungsten material
Authors: Luo Laima , Shi Jing , Lin Jinshan , Zan Xiang , Zhu Xiaoyong , Xu Qiu , Wu Yucheng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPure W and W-(2%, 5%, 10%) Lu alloys were manufactured via mechanical alloying for 20 h and a spark plasma sintering process at 1,873 K for 2 min. The effects of Lu doping on the microstructure and performance of W were investigated using various techniques. For irradiation performance analysis, thermal desorption spectroscopy (TDS) measurements were performed from room temperature to 1,000 K via infrared irradiation with a heating rate of 1 K/s after implantations of He+ and D+ ions. TDS measurements were conducted to investigate D retention behavior. Microhardness was dramatically enhanced, and the density initially increased and then decreased with Lu content. The D retention performance followed the same trend as the density. Second-phase particles identified as Lu2O3 particles were completely distributed over the W grain boundaries and generated an effective grain refinement. Transgranular and intergranular fracture modes were observed on the fracture surface of the sintered W-Lu samples, indicating some improvement of strength and toughness. The amount and distribution of Lu substantially affected the properties of W. Among the investigated alloy compositions, W-5%Lu exhibited the best overall performance.
Exactly solvable spin chain models corresponding to BDI class of topological superconductors
Authors: Jafari S. A. , Shahbazi Farhad 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe present an exactly solvable extension of the quantum XY chain with longer range multi-spin interactions. Topological phase transitions of the model are classified in terms of the number of Majorana zero modes, nM which are in turn related to an integer winding number, nW. The present class of exactly solvable models belong to the BDI class in the Altland-Zirnbauer classification of topological superconductors. We show that time reversal symmetry of the spin variables translates into a sliding particle-hole (PH) transformation in the language of Jordan-Wigner fermions – a PH transformation followed by a π shift in the wave vector which we call it the πPH. Presence of πPH symmetry restricts the nW (nM) of time-reversal symmetric extensions of XY to odd (even) integers. The πPH operator may serve in further detailed classification of topological superconductors in higher dimensions as well.
Stygofauna enhance prokaryotic transport in groundwater ecosystems
Authors: Smith Renee J. , Paterson James S. , Launer Elise , Tobe Shanan S. , Morello Eliesa , Leijs Remko , Marri Shashikanth , Mitchell James G. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMore than 97% of the world’s freshwater reserves are found in aquifers, making groundwater one of the most important resources on the planet. Prokaryotic communities in groundwater underpin the turnover of energy and matter while also maintaining groundwater purity. Thus, knowledge of microbial transport in the subsurface is crucial for maintaining groundwater health. Here, we describe for the first time the importance of stygofauna as vectors for prokaryotes. The “hitch-hiking” prokaryotes associated with stygofauna may be up to 5 orders of magnitude higher in abundance and transported up to 34× faster than bulk groundwater flow. We also demonstrate that prokaryotic diversity associated with stygofauna may be higher than that of the surrounding groundwater. Stygofauna are a newly recognized prokaryotic niche in groundwater ecosystems that have the potential to transport remediating, water purifying and pathogenic prokaryotes. Therefore, stygofauna may influence ecosystem dynamics and health at a microbial level, and at a larger scale could be a new source of prokaryotic diversity in groundwater ecosystems.
miR-762 promotes porcine immature Sertoli cell growth via the ring finger protein 4 (RNF4) gene
Authors: Ma Changping , Song Huibin , Yu Lei , Guan Kaifeng , Hu Pandi , Li Yang , Xia Xuanyan , Li Jialian , Jiang Siwen , Li Fenge 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA growing number of reports have revealed that microRNAs (miRNAs) play critical roles in spermatogenesis. Our previous study showed that miR-762 is differentially expressed in immature and mature testes of Large White boars. Our present data shows that miR-762 directly binds the 3′ untranslated region (3′UTR) of ring finger protein 4 (RNF4) and down-regulates RNF4 expression. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the RNF4 3′UTR that is significantly associated with porcine sperm quality traits leads to a change in the miR-762 binding ability. Moreover, miR-762 promotes the proliferation of and inhibits apoptosis in porcine immature Sertoli cells, partly by accelerating DNA damage repair and by reducing androgen receptor (AR) expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that miR-762 may play a role in pig spermatogenesis by regulating immature Sertoli cell growth.
Responses of soil hydrolytic enzymes, ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea to nitrogen applications in a temperate grassland in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Tang Yuqian , Shi Yao , He Nianpeng , Wen Xuefa , Yu Qiang , Zheng Chunyu , Sun Xiaomin , Qiu Weiwen 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe used a seven-year urea gradient applied field experiment to investigate the effects of nitrogen (N) applications on soil N hydrolytic enzyme activity and ammonia-oxidizing microbial abundance in a typical steppe ecosystem in Inner Mongolia. The results showed that N additions inhibited the soil N-related hydrolytic enzyme activities, especially in 392 kg N ha−1 yr−1 treatment. As N additions increased, the amoA gene copy ratios of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) to ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) decreased from 1.13 to 0.65. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the AOA gene copies were negatively related with NH4+-N content. However, the AOB gene copies were positively correlated with NO3−-N content. Moderate N application rates (56–224 kg N ha−1 yr−1) accompanied by P additions are beneficial to maintaining the abundance of AOB, as opposed to the inhibition of highest N application rate (392 kg N ha−1 yr−1) on the abundance of AOB. This study suggests that the abundance of AOB and AOA would not decrease unless N applications exceed 224 kg N ha−1 yr−1 in temperate grasslands in Inner Mongolia.
Food-induced changes of lipids in rat neuronal tissue visualized by ToF-SIMS imaging
Authors: Dowlatshahi Pour Masoumeh , Jennische Eva , Lange Stefan , Ewing Andrew G. , Malmberg Per 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTime of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was used to image the lipid localization in brain tissue sections from rats fed specially processed cereals (SPC). An IonTof 5 instrument equipped with a Bi cluster ion gun was used to analyze the tissue sections. Data from 15 brain samples from control and cereal-fed rats were recorded and exported to principal components analysis (PCA). The data clearly show changes of certain lipids in the brain following cereal feeding. PCA score plots show a good separation in lipid distribution between the control and the SPC-fed group. The loadings plot reveal that the groups separated mainly due to changes in cholesterol, vitamin E and c18:2, c16:0 fatty acid distribution as well as some short chain monocarboxylic fatty acid compositions. These insights relate to the working mechanism of SPC as a dietary supplement. SPC is thought to activate antisecretory factor (AF), an endogenous protein with regulatory function for inflammation and fluid secretion. These data provide insights into lipid content in brain following SPC feeding and suggest a relation to activating AF.
Evidence for the mechanosensor function of filamin in tissue development
Authors: Huelsmann Sven , Rintanen Nina , Sethi Ritika , Brown Nicholas H. , Ylänne Jari 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCells integrate mechanical properties of their surroundings to form multicellular, three-dimensional tissues of appropriate size and spatial organisation. Actin cytoskeleton-linked proteins such as talin, vinculin and filamin function as mechanosensors in cells, but it has yet to be tested whether the mechanosensitivity is important for their function in intact tissues. Here we tested, how filamin mechanosensing contributes to oogenesis in Drosophila. Mutations that require more or less force to open the mechanosensor region demonstrate that filamin mechanosensitivity is important for the maturation of actin-rich ring canals that are essential for Drosophila egg development. The open mutant was more tightly bound to the ring canal structure while the closed mutant dissociated more frequently. Thus, our results show that an appropriate level of mechanical sensitivity is required for filamins’ function and dynamics during Drosophila egg growth and support the structure-based model in which the opening and closing of the mechanosensor region regulates filamin binding to cellular components.