bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced RF Behavior Multi-Layer Thermal Insulation
Authors: Mazzinghi A. , Sabbadini M. , Freni A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper shows that it is possible to exploit the modulated metasurface concept to control the unwanted coupling between antennas that are installed on the same satellite. The metasurface is combined with a Multi-Layer thermal Insulation blanket to reduce its specular reflection by spreading the energy incoherently in the surrounding space. In the design, sub-wavelength radiating elements printed on thin substrate have been used to make the metasurface response azimuthally independent, and to keep the weight of blanket down. The comparison between simulations and measurements confirms the validity of the idea.
Discovering viral genomes in human metagenomic data by predicting unknown protein families
Authors: Barrientos-Somarribas Mauricio , Messina David N. , Pou Christian , Lysholm Fredrik , Bjerkner Annelie , Allander Tobias , Andersson Björn , Sonnhammer Erik L. L. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMassive amounts of metagenomics data are currently being produced, and in all such projects a sizeable fraction of the resulting data shows no or little homology to known sequences. It is likely that this fraction contains novel viruses, but identification is challenging since they frequently lack homology to known viruses. To overcome this problem, we developed a strategy to detect ORFan protein families in shotgun metagenomics data, using similarity-based clustering and a set of filters to extract bona fide protein families. We applied this method to 17 virus-enriched libraries originating from human nasopharyngeal aspirates, serum, feces, and cerebrospinal fluid samples. This resulted in 32 predicted putative novel gene families. Some families showed detectable homology to sequences in metagenomics datasets and protein databases after reannotation. Notably, one predicted family matches an ORF from the highly variable Torque Teno virus (TTV). Furthermore, follow-up from a predicted ORFan resulted in the complete reconstruction of a novel circular genome. Its organisation suggests that it most likely corresponds to a novel bacteriophage in the microviridae family, hence it was named bacteriophage HFM.
Nitrogen implantation with a scanning electron microscope
Authors: Becker S. , Raatz N. , Jankuhn St. , John R. , Meijer J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEstablished techniques for ion implantation rely on technically advanced and costly machines like particle accelerators that only few research groups possess. We report here about a new and surprisingly simple ion implantation method that is based upon a widespread laboratory instrument: The scanning electron microscope. We show that it can be utilized to ionize atoms and molecules from the restgas by collisions with electrons of the beam and subsequently accelerate and implant them into an insulating sample by the effect of a potential building up at the sample surface. Our method is demonstrated by the implantation of nitrogen ions into diamond and their subsequent conversion to nitrogen vacancy centres which can be easily measured by fluorescence confocal microscopy. To provide evidence that the observed centres are truly generated in the way we describe, we supplied a 98% isotopically enriched 15N gas to the chamber, whose natural abundance is very low. By employing the method of optically detected magnetic resonance, we were thus able to verify that the investigated centres are actually created from the 15N isotopes. We also show that this method is compatible with lithography techniques using e-beam resist, as demonstrated by the implantation of lines using PMMA.
Promoting Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-driven Biomineralization and Periodontal Regeneration in Rats with Maxillary-Molar Defects using Injectable BMP-6 Hydrogel
Authors: Chien Ke-Hung , Chang Yuh-Lih , Wang Mong-Lien , Chuang Jen-Hua , Yang Ya-Chi , Tai Ming-Cheng , Wang Chien-Ying , Liu Yung-Yang , Li Hsin-Yang , Chen Jiang-Torng , Kao Shou-Yen , Chen Hen-Li , Lo Wen-Liang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPeriodontal disease may cause considerable destruction of alveolar bone, periodontal ligaments (PDLs) and cementum and even lead to progressive oral dysfunction. Periodontal tissue regeneration is the ultimate goal of periodontal disease treatment to reconstruct both structures and functions. However, the regenerative efficiency is low, possibly due to the lack of a proper periodontal microenvironment. In this study, we applied an injectable and thermosensitive chitosan/gelatin/glycerol phosphate hydrogel to provide a 3D environment for transplanted stem cells and to enhance stem cell delivery and engraftment. The iPSCs-BMP-6-hydrogel complex promoted osteogenesis and the differentiation of new connective tissue and PDL formation. In animal models of maxillary-molar defects, the iPSCs-BMP-6-hydrogel-treated group showed significant mineralization with increased bone volume, trabecular number and trabecular thickness. Synergistic effects of iPSCs and BMP-6 increased both bone and cementum formation. IPSCs-BMP-6-hydrogel-treated animals showed new bone synthesis (increased ALP- and TRAP-positive cells), new PDL regeneration (shown through Masson’s trichrome staining and a qualification assay), and reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines. These findings suggest that hydrogel-encapsulated iPSCs combined with BMP-6 provide a new strategy to enhance periodontal regeneration. This combination not only promoted stem cell-derived graft engraftment but also minimized the progress of inflammation, which resulted in highly possible periodontal regeneration.
Dietary soybean meal affects intestinal homoeostasis by altering the microbiota, morphology and inflammatory cytokine gene expression in northern snakehead
Authors: Miao Shuyan , Zhao Chenze , Zhu Jinyu , Hu Juntao , Dong Xiaojing , Sun Longsheng 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA 63-day feeding trial was conducted in northern snakehead to observe the effects of a dietary soybean meal substitution on the microbiota community, morphology and inflammatory cytokine gene expression in the intestine. Four isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing increasing levels of soybean meal were used to replace 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% of the defatted fishmeal (diets are referred to G1, G2, G3 and G4, respectively). Different dietary soybean meal substitutions significantly affected the intestinal microbiota composition. At the phylum level, Firmicutes abundance was the lowest in the G4 group, in contrast with Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes. At the genus level, significantly lower abundance ofLactococcus,Geobacillus,Pseudomonas,Streptococcus,BacillusandAcinetobacter,but higher abundance ofCetobacterium,Planctomyces,Shewanella,Thermomonas,RubrivivaxandCarnobacteriumwas observed in fish fed the G4 diet. With increased dietary soybean meal, the thickness of the muscularis, the height of the fold and the height of the microvillus in the distal intestine decreased, but the relative expression of IL-1β, IL-10 and IL-17F was significantly up-regulated. In conclusion, more emphasis should be placed on the functionality of intestinal microbiota and the pathogenesis of mucosal inflammation to assess the effects of diet and fish intestinal health through intestinal microbiota profiling.
MHC class I expression in intestinal cells is reduced by rotavirus infection and increased in bystander cells lacking rotavirus antigen
Authors: Holloway Gavan , Fleming Fiona E. , Coulson Barbara S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDetection of viral infection by host cells leads to secretion of type I interferon, which induces antiviral gene expression. The class I major histocompatibility complex (MHCI) is required for viral antigen presentation and subsequent infected cell killing by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. STAT1 activation by interferon can induce NLRC5 expression, promoting MHCI expression. Rotavirus, an important pathogen, blocks interferon signalling through inhibition of STAT1 nuclear translocation. We assessed MHCI expression in HT-29 intestinal epithelial cells following rotavirus infection. MHCI levels were upregulated in a partially type I interferon-dependent manner in bystander cells lacking rotavirus antigen, but not in infected cells. MHCI and NLRC5 mRNA expression also was elevated in bystander, but not infected, cells, suggesting a transcriptional block in infected cells. STAT1 was activated in bystander and infected cells, but showed nuclear localisation in bystander cells only. Overall, the lack of MHCI upregulation in rotavirus-infected cells may be at least partially due to rotavirus blockade of interferon-induced STAT1 nuclear translocation. The reduced MHCI protein levels in infected cells support the existence of an additional, non-transcriptional mechanism that reduces MHCI expression. It is possible that rotavirus also may suppress MHCI expression in vivo, which might limit T cell-mediated killing of rotavirus-infected enterocytes.
Correlative Factors of the Deterioration of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Small for Gestational Age Newborns
Authors: Luo Lijuan , Dong Wenbin , Zhang Lingping , Zhai Xuesong , Li Qingping , Lei Xiaoping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSmall for gestational age (SGA) infants have an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), but SGA has been found to not be a risk factor for the deterioration of NEC in previous literature. Few studies have focused on correlative factors of the progression of NEC in SGA newborns. The present retrospective observational study was performed in 64 SGA infants with Bell’s stage II NEC. The dependent variable was Bell’s stage II NEC that progressed to stage III after diagnosis. A stepwise forward multivariate logistic regression model was used to select potential correlative factors for the progression of NEC in SGA newborns. The results showed that elevation of CRP after NEC diagnosis (aOR 39.21, 95% CI 6.62–249.2) has an increased risk for deteriorating Bell’s stage II NEC. In contrast, NEC in infants with congenital heart disease had a decreased risk of deterioration (aOR 0.11, 95% CI 0.01–0.92). Our findings indicated that serial CRP measurements post NEC diagnosis may be useful in predicting the deterioration of NEC.
Fast ion transport through ultrathin shells of metal sulfide hollow nanocolloids used for high-performance energy storage
Authors: Chen Zhenhua , Zhao Mengen , Lv Xinyan , Zhou Kang , Jiang Xiaoqian , Ren Xiuli , Mei Xifan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMetal sulfide (MS, nickel sulfide/copper sulfide) hollow spheres with hierarchical, ultrathin shell structures have been constructed by a facile method. The as-formed MS hollow structures are shown to be uniform in sizes with hierarchical ultrathin shells, which could facilitate the transport of electrolyte ions. Electrochemical evaluations of the as-fabricated MS based materials as supercapacitors electrodes having high large surface area (106–124 m2 g−1) and high specific capacitances (up to 1460 F g−1) with good cycling stability (up to 94% retention after 5000 cycles), showing their potential applications in the next-generation high-performance supercapacitors used for energy storage.
Creating flexible motor memories in human walking
Authors: Leech Kristan A. , Roemmich Ryan T. , Bastian Amy J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe human nervous system has the ability to save newly learned movements (i.e. re-learn faster after initial learning) and generalize learning to new conditions. In the context of walking, we rely on savings and generalization of newly learned walking patterns to navigate changing environments and make progressive improvements with gait rehabilitation. Here, we used a split-belt treadmill to study how different perturbation parameters can influence savings and generalization of learning during walking. In Experiment 1, we investigated the effect of split perturbation size on savings of a newly learned walking pattern. We found that larger perturbations led to better savings than smaller perturbations. In Experiment 2, we studied how different features of the initial split perturbation influenced the generalization of learning. Interestingly, we found that practicing the same thing twice did not lead to fastest learning. Instead, initial exposure to larger perturbation ratios led to faster subsequent learning of smaller perturbation ratios as compared to repeated exposures to small perturbations. Collectively, our findings reveal that initial learning conditions can be leveraged to increase savings and shape flexible motor memories during walking.
Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression Differences in Twins Discordant for Disease and Binary Phenotypes
Authors: Tangirala Sivateja , Patel Chirag J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWhile both genes and environment contribute to phenotype, deciphering environmental contributions to phenotype is a challenge. Furthermore, elucidating how different phenotypes may share similar environmental etiologies also is challenging. One way to identify environmental influences is through a discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin study design. Here, we assessed differential gene expression in MZ discordant twin pairs (affected vs. non-affected) for seven phenotypes, including chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, ulcerative colitis, major depressive disorder, intermittent allergic rhinitis, physical activity, and intelligence quotient, comparing the spectrum of genes differentially expressed across seven phenotypes individually. Second, we performed meta-analysis for each gene to identify commonalities and differences in gene expression signatures between the seven phenotypes. In our integrative analyses, we found that there may be a common gene expression signature (with small effect sizes) across the phenotypes; however, differences between phenotypes with respect to differentially expressed genes were more prominently featured. Therefore, defining common environmentally induced pathways in phenotypes remains elusive. We make our work accessible by providing a new database (DiscTwinExprDB:http://apps.chiragjpgroup.org/disctwinexprdb/) for investigators to study non-genotypic influence on gene expression.
Neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein is implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis symptoms
Authors: Kano Osamu , Tanaka Kazunori , Kanno Takuya , Iwasaki Yasuo , Ikeda Joh-E 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe delineation of the molecular pathology underlying amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is being hampered by the lack of suitable biomarkers. We have previously reported that bromocriptine upregulates the endogenous antioxidative factor, neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), sustains motor function and slows disease progression in ALS patients, implying the NAIP’s implication in ALS. Here, we aimed to verify a correlation of NAIP level with disease progression in ALS patients. The amount of NAIP in mononuclear cells (MNC) from peripheral blood from ALS patients (n = 18) and the age matched healthy controls (n = 12) was validated by NAIP-Dot blotting. Notably, the MNC-NAIP level in ALS patients (0.62 ± 0.29 ng) was nearly half of that in the healthy controls (1.34 ± 0.61 ng, P = 0.0019). Furthermore, the MNC-NAIP level in ALS patients and their ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score were evaluated through 1 year. Regression analysis of the MNC-NAIP vs ALSFRS-R indicated that a higher amount of MNC-NAIP was associated with a smaller change in ALSFRS-R at 12 months (R2 = 0.799; P = 0.016), suggesting that a progressive increment of the MNC-NAIP led to slower ALS progression. Our present report implies that NAIP will have broad implications for ALS symptoms as a risk factor and a promising prognostic biomarker.
Segmented cell analyses to measure redox states of autofluorescent NAD(P)H, FAD & Trp in cancer cells by FLIM
Authors: Wallrabe Horst , Svindrych Zdenek , Alam Shagufta R. , Siller Karsten H. , Wang Tianxiong , Kashatus David , Hu Song , Periasamy Ammasi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMultiphoton FLIM microscopy offers many opportunities to investigate processes in live cells, tissue and animal model systems. For redox measurements, FLIM data is mostly published by cell mean values and intensity-based redox ratios. Our method is based entirely on FLIM parameters generated by 3-detector time domain microscopy capturing autofluorescent signals of NAD(P)H, FAD and novel FLIM-FRET application of Tryptophan and NAD(P)H-a2%/FAD-a1% redox ratio. Furthermore, image data is analyzed in segmented cells thresholded by 2 × 2 pixel Regions of Interest (ROIs) to separate mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation from cytosolic glycolysis in a prostate cancer cell line. Hundreds of data points allow demonstration of heterogeneity in response to intervention, identity of cell responders to treatment, creating thereby different sub-populations. Histograms and bar charts visualize differences between cells, analyzing whole cell versus mitochondrial morphology data, all based on discrete ROIs. This assay method allows to detect subtle differences in cellular and tissue responses, suggesting an advancement over means-based analyses.
Phenology Information Contributes to Reduce Temporal Basis Risk in Agricultural Weather Index Insurance
Authors: Dalhaus Tobias , Musshoff Oliver , Finger Robert 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWeather risks are an essential and increasingly important driver of agricultural income volatility. Agricultural insurances contribute to support farmers to cope with these risks. Among these insurances, weather index insurances (WII) are an innovative tool to cope with climatic risks in agriculture. Using WII, farmers receive an indemnification not based on actual yield reductions but are compensated based on a measured weather index, such as rainfall at a nearby weather station. The discrepancy between experienced losses and actual indemnification, basis risk, is a key challenge. In particular, specifications of WII used so far do not capture critical plant growth phases adequately. Here, we contribute to reduce basis risk by proposing novel procedures how occurrence dates and shifts of growth phases over time and space can be considered and test for their risk reducing potential. Our empirical example addresses drought risks in the critical growth phase around the anthesis stage in winter wheat production in Germany. We find spatially explicit, public and open databases of phenology reports to contribute to reduce basis risk and thus improve the attractiveness of WII. In contrast, we find growth stage modelling based on growing degree days (thermal time) not to result in significant improvements.
Innovative Linear Low Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite Films Reinforced with Organophilic Layered Double Hydroxides: Fabrication, Morphology and Enhanced Multifunctional Properties
Authors: Xie Jiazhuo , Wang Haijun , Wang Zhou , Zhao Qinghua , Yang Yuechao , Waterhouse Geoffrey I. N. , Hao Lei , Xiao Zihao , Xu Jing 
Published: January 2018

AbstractHerein, we reported the successful development of novel nanocomposite films based on linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with enhanced anti-drop, optical, mechanical, thermal and water vapor barrier properties by introducing organophilic layered double hydroxides (OLDHs) nanosheets. OLDHs loadings were varied from 0–6 wt.%. Structural analyses using the Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) indicated that the OLDHs nanosheets were homogeneously dispersed with an ordered alignment in the LLDPE matrix. The LLDPE film containing 2 wt.% OLDHs (denoted as OLDHs-2) showed the optimal mechanical, thermal and water vapor barrier properties, whilst the anti-drop and optical performance of the films improved with increasing OLDHs content. The enhanced antidrop properties of the composite films relative to pristine LLDPE can be expected to effectively reduce agricultural losses to disease when the films are applied as agricultural films, whilst the superior light transmittance and water-retaining properties of the composite films will boost agricultural production. Results presented suggest that multifunctional LLDPE/OLDHs nanocomposites show great promise as low cost agricultural plastic films.
Climate Warming as a Possible Trigger of Keystone Mussel Population Decline in Oligotrophic Rivers at the Continental Scale
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Makhrov Alexander A. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Aksenova Olga V. , Aspholm Paul E. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Kabakov Mikhail B. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Ofenböck Thomas , Ostrovsky Andrew N. , Popov Igor Yu. , von Proschwitz Ted , Rudzīte Mudīte , Rudzītis Māris , Sokolova Svetlana E. , Valovirta Ilmari , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Vinarski Maxim V. , Zotin Alexey A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe effects of climate change on oligotrophic rivers and their communities are almost unknown, albeit these ecosystems are the primary habitat of the critically endangered freshwater pearl mussel and its host fishes, salmonids. The distribution and abundance of pearl mussels have drastically decreased throughout Europe over the last century, particularly within the southern part of the range, but causes of this wide-scale extinction process are unclear. Here we estimate the effects of climate change on pearl mussels based on historical and recent samples from 50 rivers and 6 countries across Europe. We found that the shell convexity may be considered an indicator of the thermal effects on pearl mussel populations under warming climate because it reflects shifts in summer temperatures and is significantly different in viable and declining populations. Spatial and temporal modeling of the relationship between shell convexity and population status show that global climate change could have accelerated the population decline of pearl mussels over the last 100 years through rapidly decreasing suitable distribution areas. Simulation predicts future warming-induced range reduction, particularly in southern regions. These results highlight the importance of large-scale studies of keystone species, which can underscore the hidden effects of climate warming on freshwater ecosystems.
Demographic expansion of two Tamarix species along the Yellow River caused by geological events and climate change in the Pleistocene
Authors: Liang Hong-yan , Feng Zhi-pei , Pei Bing , Li Yong , Yang Xi-tian 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe geological events and climatic fluctuations during the Pleistocene played important roles in shaping patterns of species distribution. However, few studies have evaluated the patterns of species distribution that were influenced by the Yellow River. The present work analyzed the demography of two endemic tree species that are widely distributed along the Yellow River, Tamarix austromongolica and Tamarix chinensis, to understand the role of the Yellow River and Pleistocene climate in shaping their distribution patterns. The most common chlorotype, chlorotype 1, was found in all populations, and its divergence time could be dated back to 0.19 million years ago (Ma). This dating coincides well with the formation of the modern Yellow River and the timing of Marine Isotope Stages 5e-6 (MIS 5e-6). Bayesian reconstructions along with models of paleodistribution revealed that these two species experienced a demographic expansion in population size during the Quaternary period. Approximate Bayesian computation analyses supported a scenario of expansion approximately from the upper to lower reaches of the Yellow River. Our results provide support for the roles of the Yellow River and the Pleistocene climate in driving demographic expansion of the populations of T. austromongolica and T. chinensis. These findings are useful for understanding the effects of geological events and past climatic fluctuations on species distribution patterns.