bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cambrian–Ordovician conodonts from slump deposits of the Argentine Precordillera: new insights into its passive margin development
Authors: VOLDMAN GUSTAVO G. , ALONSO JUAN L. , FERNÁNDEZ LUIS P. , BANCHIG ALDO L. , ALBANESI GUILLERMO L. , ORTEGA GLADYS , CARDÓ RAÚL 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Los Sombreros Formation represents the western continental margin slope deposits of the Argentine Precordillera, a sub-terrane accreted to Gondwana as part of the Cuyania Terrane in early Palaeozoic times. The age of these gravity-driven deposits is controversial and, therefore, a precise biostratigraphic scheme is essential to reveal the evolution of the continental margin. New conodont samplings along with sedimentological and structural analysis carried out in the Los Sombreros Formation in the La Invernada Range provide clues to its depositional framework. The sedimentary succession is made up of dominantly calciturbidites, carbonate breccias and conglomerates, along with mudstones that represent the pelagic/hemipelagic background sedimentation. It displays hectometric to outcrop-scale slump folds with variable hinge-line orientations and pinch-and-swell structures, evidencing soft-sediment deformation, consistent with a slope to base-of-slope setting. Three limestone samples from this succession include conodonts referable to the pandemicHirsutodontus simplexSubzone of theCordylodus intermediusZone (upper Furongian, Cambrian) and from theMacerodus dianaeZone (upper Tremadocian, Ordovician), implying that a slope connected the shallow-water shelf with a deep-water (oceanic) basin at least since late Cambrian times. The conodont faunas show affinities to coeval assemblages from outer shelf and slope environments around Laurentia yet they are not conclusive to postulate a geographic origin for the Precordillera. The thermal alteration of the conodonts is consistent with sedimentary burial and nappe stacking in this sector of the Precordillera.
Epidemiology of restaurant-associated foodborne disease outbreaks, United States, 1998–2013
Authors: ANGELO K. M. , NISLER A. L. , HALL A. J. , BROWN L. G. , GOULD L. H. 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYAlthough contamination of food can occur at any point from farm to table, restaurant food workers are a common source of foodborne illness. We describe the characteristics of restaurant-associated foodborne disease outbreaks and explore the role of food workers by analysing outbreaks associated with restaurants from 1998 to 2013 reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System. We identified 9788 restaurant-associated outbreaks. The median annual number of outbreaks was 620 (interquartile range 618–629). In 3072 outbreaks with a single confirmed aetiology reported, norovirus caused the largest number of outbreaks (1425, 46%). Of outbreaks with a single food reported and a confirmed aetiology, fish (254 outbreaks, 34%) was most commonly implicated, and these outbreaks were commonly caused by scombroid toxin (219 outbreaks, 86% of fish outbreaks). Most outbreaks (79%) occurred at sit-down establishments. The most commonly reported contributing factors were those related to food handling and preparation practices in the restaurant (2955 outbreaks, 61%). Food workers contributed to 2415 (25%) outbreaks. Knowledge of the foods, aetiologies, and contributing factors that result in foodborne disease restaurant outbreaks can help guide efforts to prevent foodborne illness.
Canonical Wnt signalling regulates nuclear export of Setdb1 during skeletal muscle terminal differentiation
Authors: Beyer Sophie , Pontis Julien , Schirwis Elija , Battisti Valentine , Rudolf Anja , Le Grand Fabien , Ait-Si-Ali Slimane 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferase Setdb1 is essential for both stem cell pluripotency and terminal differentiation of different cell types. To shed light on the roles of Setdb1 in these mutually exclusive processes, we used mouse skeletal myoblasts as a model of terminal differentiation. Ex vivo studies on isolated single myofibres showed that Setdb1 is required for adult muscle stem cells expansion following activation. In vitro studies in skeletal myoblasts confirmed that Setdb1 suppresses terminal differentiation. Genomic binding analyses showed a release of Setdb1 from selected target genes upon myoblast terminal differentiation, concomitant to a nuclear export of Setdb1 to the cytoplasm. Both genomic release and cytoplasmic Setdb1 relocalisation during differentiation were dependent on canonical Wnt signalling. Transcriptomic assays in myoblasts unravelled a significant overlap between Setdb1 and Wnt3a regulated genetic programmes. Together, our findings revealed Wnt-dependent subcellular relocalisation of Setdb1 as a novel mechanism regulating Setdb1 functions and myogenesis.
Early cave art and ancient DNA record the origin of European bison
Authors: Soubrier Julien , Gower Graham , Chen Kefei , Richards Stephen M. , Llamas Bastien , Mitchell Kieren J. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Kosintsev Pavel , Lee Michael S. Y. , Baryshnikov Gennady , Bollongino Ruth , Bover Pere , Burger Joachim , Chivall David , Crégut-Bonnoure Evelyne , Decker Jared E. , Doronichev Vladimir B. , Douka Katerina , Fordham Damien A. , Fontana Federica , Fritz Carole , Glimmerveen Jan , Golovanova Liubov V. , Groves Colin , Guerreschi Antonio , Haak Wolfgang , Higham Tom , Hofman-Kamińska Emilia , Immel Alexander , Julien Marie-Anne , Krause Johannes , Krotova Oleksandra , Langbein Frauke , Larson Greger , Rohrlach Adam , Scheu Amelie , Schnabel Robert D. , Taylor Jeremy F. , Tokarska Małgorzata , Tosello Gilles , van der Plicht Johannes , van Loenen Ayla , Vigne Jean-Denis , Wooley Oliver , Orlando Ludovic , Kowalczyk Rafał , Shapiro Beth , Cooper Alan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe two living species of bison (European and American) are among the few terrestrial megafauna to have survived the late Pleistocene extinctions. Despite the extensive bovid fossil record in Eurasia, the evolutionary history of the European bison (or wisent,Bison bonasus) before the Holocene (<11.7 thousand years ago (kya)) remains a mystery. We use complete ancient mitochondrial genomes and genome-wide nuclear DNA surveys to reveal that the wisent is the product of hybridization between the extinct steppe bison (Bison priscus) and ancestors of modern cattle (aurochs,Bos primigenius) before 120 kya, and contains up to 10% aurochs genomic ancestry. Although undetected within the fossil record, ancestors of the wisent have alternated ecological dominance with steppe bison in association with major environmental shifts since at least 55 kya. Early cave artists recorded distinct morphological forms consistent with these replacement events, around the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, ∼21–18 kya).
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist attenuates ILC2-dependent airway hyperreactivity
Authors: Galle-Treger Lauriane , Suzuki Yuzo , Patel Nisheel , Sankaranarayanan Ishwarya , Aron Jennifer L. , Maazi Hadi , Chen Lin , Akbari Omid 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAllergic asthma is a complex and chronic inflammatory disorder that is associated with airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and driven by Th2 cytokine secretion. Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) produce large amounts of Th2 cytokines and contribute to the development of AHR. Here, we show that ILC2s express the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which is thought to have an anti-inflammatory role in several inflammatory diseases. We show that engagement of a specific agonist with α7nAChR on ILC2s reduces ILC2 effector function and represses ILC2-dependent AHR, while decreasing expression of ILC2 key transcription factor GATA-3 and critical inflammatory modulator NF-κB, and reducing phosphorylation of upstream kinase IKKα/β. Additionally, the specific α7nAChR agonist reduces cytokine production and AHR in a humanized ILC2 mouse model. Collectively, our data suggest that α7nAChR expressed by ILC2s is a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of ILC2-mediated asthma.
Ultrasmall and phase-pure W2C nanoparticles for efficient electrocatalytic and photoelectrochemical hydrogen evolution
Authors: Gong Qiufang , Wang Yu , Hu Qi , Zhou Jigang , Feng Renfei , Duchesne Paul N. , Zhang Peng , Chen Fengjiao , Han Na , Li Yafei , Jin Chuanhong , Li Yanguang , Lee Shuit-Tong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEarlier research has been primarily focused on WC as one of the most promising earth-abundant electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), whereas the other compound in this carbide family—W2C—has received far less attention. Our theoretical calculations suggest that such a focus is misplaced and W2C is potentially more HER-active than WC. Nevertheless, the preparation of phase pure and sintering-free W2C nanostructures represents a formidable challenge. Here we develop an improved carburization method and successfully prepare ultrasmall and phase-pure W2C nanoparticles. When evaluated for HER electrocatalysis, W2C nanoparticles exhibit a small onset overpotential of 50 mV, a Tafel slope of 45 mV dec−1 and outstanding long-term cycling stability, which are dramatically improved over all existing WC-based materials. In addition, the integration of W2C nanoparticles with p-type Si nanowires enables highly active and sustainable solar-driven hydrogen production. Our results highlight the great potential of this traditionally non-popular material in HER electrocatalysis.
Palmitoylation: a protein S-acylation with implications for breast cancer
Authors: Anderson Alison M , Ragan Mark A 
Published: October 2016

AbstractProtein S-acylation is a reversible post-translational lipid modification that involves linkage of a fatty acid chain predominantly to a cysteine amino acid via a thioester bond. The fatty acid molecule is primarily palmitate, thus the term ‘palmitoylation’ is more commonly used. Palmitoylation has been found to modulate all stages of protein function including maturational processing, trafficking, membrane anchoring, signaling range and efficacy, and degradation. In breast cancer, palmitoylation has been shown to control the function of commonly dysregulated genes including estrogen receptors, the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of receptors, and cancer stem cell markers. Importantly, palmitoylation is a critical factor controlling the formation of complexes at the plasma membrane involving tetraspanins, integrins, and gene products that are key to cell–cell communication. During metastasis, cancer cells enhance their metastatic capacity by interacting with stroma and immune cells. Although aberrant palmitoylation could contribute to tumor initiation and growth, its potential role in these cell–cell interactions is of particular interest, as it may provide mechanistic insight into metastasis, including cancer cell-driven immune modulation. Compelling evidence for a role for aberrant palmitoylation in breast cancer remains to be established. To this end, in this review we summarize emerging evidence and highlight pertinent knowledge gaps, suggesting directions for future research.
(Nearly) optimal P values for all Bell inequalities
Authors: Elkouss David , Wehner Stephanie 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA key objective in conducting a Bell test is to quantify the statistical evidence against a local-hidden variable model (LHVM) given that we can collect only a finite number of trials in any experiment. The notion of statistical evidence is thereby formulated in the framework of hypothesis testing, where the null hypothesis is that the experiment can be described by an LHVM. The statistical confidence with which the null hypothesis of an LHVM is rejected is quantified by the so-called P value, where a smaller P value implies higher confidence. Establishing good statistical evidence is especially challenging if the number of trials is small, or the Bell violation very low. Here, we derive the optimal P value for a large class of Bell inequalities. What is more, we obtain very sharp upper bounds on the P value for all Bell inequalities. These values are easily computed from the experimental data, and are valid even if we allow arbitrary memory in the devices. Our analysis is able to deal with imperfect random number generators, and event-ready schemes, even if such a scheme can create different kinds of entangled states. Finally, we review requirements for sound data collection, and a method for combining P values of independent experiments. The methods discussed here are not specific to Bell inequalities. For instance, they can also be applied to the study of certified randomness or to tests of noncontextuality.
Image Quality and Radiation Dose for Prospectively Triggered Coronary CT Angiography: 128-Slice Single-Source CT versus First-Generation 64-Slice Dual-Source CT
Authors: Gu Jin , Shi He-shui , Han Ping , Yu Jie , Ma Gui-na , Wu Sheng 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study sought to compare the image quality and radiation dose of coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) from prospectively triggered 128-slice CT (128-MSCT) versus dual-source 64-slice CT (DSCT). The study was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee at Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology. Eighty consecutive patients with stable heart rates lower than 70 bpm were enrolled. Forty patients were scanned with 128-MSCT, and the other 40 patients were scanned with DSCT. Two radiologists independently assessed the image quality in segments (diameter >1 mm) according to a three-point scale (1: excellent; 2: moderate; 3: insufficient). The CCTA radiation dose was calculated. Eighty patients with 526 segments in the 128-MSCT group and 544 segments in the DSCT group were evaluated. The image quality 1, 2 and 3 scores were 91.6%, 6.9% and 1.5%, respectively, for the 128-MSCT group and 97.6%, 1.7% and 0.7%, respectively, for the DSCT group, and there was a statistically significant inter-group difference (P ≤ 0.001). The effective doses were 3.0 mSv in the 128-MSCT group and 4.5 mSv in the DSCT group (P ≤ 0.001). Compared with DSCT, CCTA with prospectively triggered 128-MSCT had adequate image quality and a 33.3% lower radiation dose.
Ozone and Other Air Pollutants and the Risk of Congenital Heart Defects
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhao Jinzhu , Yang Rong , Qian Zhengmin , Liang Shengwen , Bassig Bryan A. , Zhang Yiming , Hu Ke , Xu Shunqing , Dong Guanghui , Zheng Tongzhang , Yang Shaoping 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether high levels of maternal exposure to O3, SO2, NO2, CO are related to increased risk of congenital heart defects (CHDs) in Wuhan, China. The study included mothers living in the central districts of Wuhan during pregnancy over the two-year period from June 10, 2011 to June 9, 2013. For each study participant, we assigned 1-month averages of O3, SO2, NO2 and CO exposure based on measurements obtained from the nearest exposure monitor to the living residence of mothers during their early pregnancy period. In one-pollutant model, we observed an increased risk of CHDs, ventricular septal defect (VSD), and tetralogy of fallot (TF) with increasing O3 exposure. In two-pollutant model, associations with all CHDs, VSD, and TF for O3 were generally consistent compared to the models that included only O3, with the strongest aORs observed for exposures during the third month of pregnancy. We also observed a positive association between CO exposures during the third month of pregnancy and VSD in two pollution model.Our results contribute to the small body of evidence regarding air pollution exposure and CHDs, but confirmation of these associations will be needed in future studies.
Catechin tuned magnetism of Gd-doped orthovanadate through morphology as T1-T2 MRI contrast agents
Authors: Vairapperumal Tamilmani , Saraswathy Ariya , Ramapurath Jayasree S. , Kalarical Janardhanan Sreeram , Balachandran Unni Nair 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTetragonal (t)-LaVO4 has turned out to be a potential host for luminescent materials. Synthesis of t-LaVO4 till date has been based on chelating effect of EDTA making it not ideal for bioimaging applications. An alternative was proposed by us through the use of catechin. In recent times there is interest for new MRI contrast agents that can through appropriate doping function both as MRI contrast and optical/upconversion materials. It is generally believed that under appropriate doping, t-LaVO4 would be a better upconversion material than monoclinic (m)-LaVO4. Based on these postulations, this work explores the use of gadolinium doped t-LaVO4 as an MRI contrast agent. From literature, gadolinium oxide is a good T1 contrast agent. Through this work, using catechin as a template for the synthesis of Gd doped t-LaVO4, we demonstrate the possible use as a T1 contrast agent. Interestingly, as the catechin concentration changes, morphology changes from nanorods to square nanoplates and spheres. In this process, a switch from T1 to T2 contrast agent was also observed. Under optimal concentration of catechin, with a rod shaped Gd doped t-LaVO4 an r2/r1 value of 21.30 was observed. Similarly, with a spherical shape had an r2/r1 value of 1.48 was observed.
Bumblebees minimize control challenges by combining active and passive modes in unsteady winds
Authors: Ravi Sridhar , Kolomenskiy Dmitry , Engels Thomas , Schneider Kai , Wang Chun , Sesterhenn Jörn , Liu Hao 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe natural wind environment that volant insects encounter is unsteady and highly complex, posing significant flight-control and stability challenges. It is critical to understand the strategies insects employ to safely navigate in natural environments. We combined experiments on free flying bumblebees with high-fidelity numerical simulations and lower-order modeling to identify the mechanics that mediate insect flight in unsteady winds. We trained bumblebees to fly upwind towards an artificial flower in a wind tunnel under steady wind and in a von Kármán street formed in the wake of a cylinder. Analysis revealed that at lower frequencies in both steady and unsteady winds the bees mediated lateral movement with body roll - typical casting motion. Numerical simulations of a bumblebee in similar conditions permitted the separation of the passive and active components of the flight trajectories. Consequently, we derived simple mathematical models that describe these two motion components. Comparison between the free-flying live and modeled bees revealed a novel mechanism that enables bees to passively ride out high-frequency perturbations while performing active maneuvers at lower frequencies. The capacity of maintaining stability by combining passive and active modes at different timescales provides a viable means for animals and machines to tackle the challenges posed by complex airflows.
The Effect of Preparation Conditions on Raman and Photoluminescence of Monolayer WS2
Authors: McCreary Kathleen M. , Hanbicki Aubrey T. , Singh Simranjeet , Kawakami Roland K. , Jernigan Glenn G. , Ishigami Masa , Ng Amy , Brintlinger Todd H. , Stroud Rhonda M. , Jonker Berend T. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe report on preparation dependent properties observed in monolayer WS2 samples synthesized via chemical vapor deposition (CVD) on a variety of common substrates (Si/SiO2, sapphire, fused silica) as well as samples that were transferred from the growth substrate onto a new substrate. The as-grown CVD materials (as-WS2) exhibit distinctly different optical properties than transferred WS2 (x-WS2). In the case of CVD growth on Si/SiO2, following transfer to fresh Si/SiO2 there is a ~50 meV shift of the ground state exciton to higher emission energy in both photoluminescence emission and optical reflection. This shift is indicative of a reduction in tensile strain by ~0.25%. Additionally, the excitonic state in x-WS2 is easily modulated between neutral and charged exciton by exposure to moderate laser power, while such optical control is absent in as-WS2 for all growth substrates investigated. Finally, we observe dramatically different laser power-dependent behavior for as-grown and transferred WS2. These results demonstrate a strong sensitivity to sample preparation that is important for both a fundamental understanding of these novel materials as well as reliable reproduction of device properties.
Genetic and pathogenic characterisation of 11 avian reovirus isolates from northern China suggests continued evolution of virulence
Authors: Zhong Li , Gao Li , Liu Yongzhen , Li Kai , Wang Miao , Qi Xiaole , Gao Yulong , Wang Xiaomei 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAvian reovirus (ARV) infections characterised by severe arthritis, tenosynovitis, pericarditis, and depressed growth have become increasingly frequent in recent years. In this study, we isolated and identified 11 ARV field strains from chickens with viral arthritis and reduced growth in northern China. Comparative analysis of the σC nucleotide and amino acid sequences demonstrated that all isolates, except LN05 and JS01, were closely related to ARV S1133 and clustered in the first genetic lineage. LN05 and JS01 strains were clustered in the third lineage with the ARV 138 strain. Using S1133 as a reference, five isolates were selected to infect specific-pathogen-free chickens, and we found that the recent isolated Chinese ARV strains had higher replication ability in vivo and caused enhanced mortality than the S1133 strain. These findings suggest that the pathogenicity of Chinese ARVs has been changing in recent years and disease control may become more difficult. This study provides genetic and pathogenic characterisations of ARV strains isolated in northern China and calls for a sustained surveillance of ARV infection in China in order to support a better prevention and control of the disease.
A Novel Pathway for Metabolism of the Cardiovascular Risk Factor Homoarginine by alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 2
Authors: Rodionov Roman N. , Oppici Elisa , Martens-Lobenhoffer Jens , Jarzebska Natalia , Brilloff Silke , Burdin Dmitrii , Demyanov Anton , Kolouschek Anne , Leiper James , Maas Renke , Cellini Barbara , Weiss Norbert , Bode-Böger Stefanie M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLow plasma concentrations of L-homoarginine are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, while homoarginine supplementation is protective in animal models of metabolic syndrome and stroke. Catabolism of homoarginine is still poorly understood. Based on the recent findings from a Genome Wide Association Study we hypothesized that homoarginine can be metabolized by alanine:glyoxylate aminotransferase 2 (AGXT2). We purified human AGXT2 from tissues of AGXT2 transgenic mice and demonstrated its ability to metabolize homoarginine to 6-guanidino-2-oxocaproic acid (GOCA). After incubation of HepG2 cells overexpressing AGXT2 with isotope-labeled homoarginine-d4 we were able to detect labeled GOCA in the medium. We injected wild type mice with labeled homoarginine and detected labeled GOCA in the plasma. We found that AGXT2 knockout (KO) mice have higher homoarginine and lower GOCA plasma levels as compared to wild type mice, while the reverse was true for AGXT2 transgenic (Tg) mice. In summary, we experimentally proved the presence of a new pathway of homoarginine catabolism – its transamination by AGXT2 with formation of GOCA and demonstrated that endogenous AGXT2 is required for maintenance of homoarginine levels in mice. Our findings may lead to development of novel therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular pathologies associated with homoarginine deficiency.