bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alleviation of adverse effects of drought stress on wheat seed germination using atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasma treatment
Authors: Guo Qiao , Wang Ying , Zhang Haoran , Qu Guangzhou , Wang Tiecheng , Sun Qiuhong , Liang Dongli 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAtmospheric dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was attempted to improve the resistance of wheat seed to drought stress. Effects of DBD plasma on wheat seed germination, seedling growth, osmotic-adjustment products, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidant enzyme activity, abscisic acid, and drought resistant related genes expression under drought stress were investigated. The changes of the wheat seed coat before and after the DBD plasma treatment were explored. Experimental results showed that the DBD plasma treatment could alleviate the adverse effects of drought stress on wheat seed germination and seedling growth; the germination potential and germination rate increased by 27.2% and 27.6%, and the root length and shoot length of the wheat seedlings also increased. Proline and soluble sugar levels under drought stress were improved after the DBD plasma treatment, whereas the malondialdehyde content decreased. ROS contents under drought stress were reduced after the DBD plasma treatment, whereas the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and peroxidase were promoted. DBD plasma treatment promoted abscisic acid generation in wheat seedlings, and it also regulated functional gene LEA1 and stimulated regulation genes SnRK2 and P5CS to resist drought stress. Etching effect and surface modification occurred on the seed coat after the DBD plasma treatment.
Chemical Changes in Layered Ferroelectric Semiconductors Induced by Helium Ion Beam
Authors: Belianinov Alex , Burch Matthew J. , Hysmith Holland E. , Ievlev Anton V. , Iberi Vighter , Susner Michael A. , McGuire Michael A. , Maksymovych Peter , Chyasnavichyus Marius , Jesse Stephen , Ovchinnikova Olga S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulti-material systems interfaced with 2D materials, or entirely new 3D heterostructures can lead to the next generation multi-functional device architectures. Physical and chemical control at the nanoscale is also necessary tailor these materials as functional structures approach physical limit. 2D transition metal thiophosphates (TPS), with a general formulae Cu1−xIn1+x/3P2S6, have shown ferroelectric polarization behavior with a T
c
above the room temperature, making them attractive candidates for designing both: chemical and physical properties. Our previous studies have demonstrated that ferroic order persists on the surface, and that spinoidal decomposition of ferroelectric and paraelectric phases occurs in non-stoichiometric Cu/In ratio formulations. Here, we discuss the chemical changes induced by helium ion irradiation. We explore the TPS compound library with varying Cu/In ratio, using Helium Ion Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and Time of Flight-Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). We correlate physical nano- and micro- structures to the helium ion dose, as well as chemical signatures of copper, oxygen and sulfur. Our ToF-SIMS results show that He ion irradiation leads to oxygen penetration into the irradiated areas, and diffuses along the Cu-rich domains to the extent of the stopping distance of the helium ions.
Transcriptomics reveal an integrative role for maternal thyroid hormones during zebrafish embryogenesis
Authors: Silva Nadia , Louro Bruno , Trindade Marlene , Power Deborah M. , Campinho Marco A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThyroid hormones (THs) are essential for embryonic brain development but the genetic mechanisms involved in the action of maternal THs (MTHs) are still largely unknown. As the basis for understanding the underlying genetic mechanisms of MTHs regulation we used an established zebrafish monocarboxylic acid transporter 8 (MCT8) knock-down model and characterised the transcriptome in 25hpf zebrafish embryos. Subsequent mapping of differentially expressed genes using Reactome pathway analysis together with in situ expression analysis and immunohistochemistry revealed the genetic networks and cells under MTHs regulation during zebrafish embryogenesis. We found 4,343 differentially expressed genes and the Reactome pathway analysis revealed that TH is involved in 1681 of these pathways. MTHs regulated the expression of core developmental pathways, such as NOTCH and WNT in a cell specific context. The cellular distribution of neural MTH-target genes demonstrated their cell specific action on neural stem cells and differentiated neuron classes. Taken together our data show that MTHs have a role in zebrafish neurogenesis and suggest they may be involved in cross talk between key pathways in neural development. Given that the observed MCT8 zebrafish knockdown phenotype resembles the symptoms in human patients with Allan-Herndon-Dudley syndrome our data open a window into understanding the genetics of this human congenital condition.
Impact-related microspherules in Late Pleistocene Alaskan and Yukon “muck” deposits signify recurrent episodes of catastrophic emplacement
Authors: Hagstrum Jonathan T. , Firestone Richard B. , West Allen , Weaver James C. , Bunch Ted E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLarge quantities of impact-related microspherules have been found in fine-grained sediments retained within seven out of nine, radiocarbon-dated, Late Pleistocene mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) and bison (Bison priscus) skull fragments. The well-preserved fossils were recovered from frozen “muck” deposits (organic-rich silt) exposed within the Fairbanks and Klondike mining districts of Alaska, USA, and the Yukon Territory, Canada. In addition, elevated platinum abundances were found in sediment analysed from three out of four fossil skulls. In view of this new evidence, the mucks and their well-preserved but highly disrupted and damaged vertebrate and botanical remains are reinterpreted in part as blast deposits that resulted from several episodes of airbursts and ground/ice impacts within the northern hemisphere during Late Pleistocene time (~46–11 ka B.P.). Such a scenario might be explained by encounters with cometary debris in Earth-crossing orbits (Taurid Complex) that was generated by fragmentation of a large short-period comet within the inner Solar System.
Tailoring magnetic properties of multicomponent layered structure via current annealing in FePd thin films
Authors: Cialone Matteo , Celegato Federica , Coïsson Marco , Barrera Gabriele , Fiore Gianluca , Shvab Ruslan , Klement Uta , Rizzi Paola , Tiberto Paola 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulticomponent layered systems with tailored magnetic properties were fabricated via current annealing from homogeneous Fe67Pd33 thin films, deposited via radio frequency sputtering on Si/SiO2 substrates from composite target. To promote spontaneous nano-structuring and phase separation, selected samples were subjected to current annealing in vacuum, with a controlled oxygen pressure, using various current densities for a fixed time and, as a consequence, different phases and microstructures were obtained. In particular, the formation of magnetite in different amount was observed beside other iron oxides and metallic phases. Microstructures and magnetic properties evolution as a function of annealing current were studied and interpreted with different techniques. Moreover, the temperature profile across the film thickness was modelled and its role in the selective oxidation of iron was analysed. Results show that is possible to topologically control the phases formation across the film thickness and simultaneously tailor the magnetic properties of the system.
Kif1bp loss in mice leads to defects in the peripheral and central nervous system and perinatal death
Authors: Hirst Caroline S. , Stamp Lincon A. , Bergner Annette J. , Hao Marlene M. , Tran Mai X. , Morgan Jan M. , Dutschmann Matthias , Allen Andrew M. , Paxinos George , Furlong Teri M. , McKeown Sonja J. , Young Heather M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGoldberg-Shprintzen syndrome is a poorly understood condition characterized by learning difficulties, facial dysmorphism, microcephaly, and Hirschsprung disease. GOSHS is due to recessive mutations in KIAA1279, which encodes kinesin family member 1 binding protein (KIF1BP, also known as KBP). We examined the effects of inactivation of Kif1bp in mice. Mice lacking Kif1bp died shortly after birth, and exhibited smaller brains, olfactory bulbs and anterior commissures, and defects in the vagal and sympathetic innervation of the gut. Kif1bp was found to interact with Ret to regulate the development of the vagal innervation of the stomach. Although newborn Kif1bp−/− mice had neurons along the entire bowel, the colonization of the gut by neural crest-derived cells was delayed. The data show an essential in vivo role for KIF1BP in axon extension from some neurons, and the reduced size of the olfactory bulb also suggests additional roles for KIF1BP. Our mouse model provides a valuable resource to understand GOSHS.
Precise optical modeling of quantum dots for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Xie Bin , Cheng Yanhua , Hao Junjie , Shu Weicheng , Wang Kai , Luo Xiaobing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs)-based white light-emitting diodes (QDs-WLEDs) have been attracting numerous attentions in lighting and flat panel display applications, by virtue of their high luminous efficacy and excellent color rendering ability. However, QDs’ key optical parameters including scattering, absorption and anisotropy coefficients for optical modeling are still unclear, which are severely against the design and optimization of QDs-WLEDs. In this work, we proposed a new precise optical modeling approach towards QDs. Optical properties of QDs-polymer film were obtained for the first time, by combining double integrating sphere (DIS) system measurement with inverse adding doubling (IAD) algorithm calculation. The measured results show that the typical scattering, absorption and anisotropy coefficients of red emissive QDs are 2.9382 mm−1, 3.7000 mm−1 and 0.4918 for blue light, respectively, and 1.2490 mm−1, 0.6062 mm−1 and 0.5038 for red light, respectively. A Monte-Carlo ray-tracing model was set-up for validation. With a maximum deviation of 1.16%, the simulated values quantitatively agree with the experimental results. Therefore, our approach provides an effective way for optical properties measurement and precise optical modeling of QDs for QDs-WLEDs.
An Idealized Method of Simulating Residual Ionospheric Errors in Radio Occultation
Authors: Fan Zhiqiang , Sheng Zheng , Guo Peng , Shi Hanqing 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAn idealized model is used to simulate radio occultation bending angles and residual ionospheric errors. The test results of the proposed simulation method agree with those of previous studies that use end-to-end simulation tools. Also, a new residual ionospheric error model proposed by Healy and Culverwell (2015) is verified in this letter by characterizing the key parameter, κ. A simple model, κ(a) = A − B × (a − 20)/60, is used to estimate the values of κ, where A and B are constants that indicate the magnitude and variation of the values of κ, respectively, and a represents the impact height. When the modelled values of κ are applied in performing ionospheric corrections, the residual ionospheric errors decrease from approximately 5 × 10−8 rad to 1 × 10−9 rad at a latitude of 40°N during the daytime and at a solar activity level of F10.7 = 210. Though the proposed model does not assess other error terms, such as those associated with asymmetry and noise, it will likely prove to be an effective tool for describing idealized residual ionospheric errors in radio occultation, and the features of the κ values identified in this study may be helpful in improving ionospheric correction methods.
Effect of Src Kinase inhibition on Cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and Apoptosis Inducing Factor (AIF) Following Cerebral Hypoxia-Ischemia in Newborn Piglets
Authors: Kratimenos Panagiotis , Koutroulis Ioannis , Agarwal Beamon , Theocharis Stamatios , Delivoria-Papadopoulos Maria 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe have previously shown that cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia (HI) results in activation of Src kinase in the newborn piglet brain. We investigated the regulatory mechanism by which the pre-apoptotic proteins translocate from mitochondria to the cytosol during HI through the Src kinase. Newborn piglets were divided into 3 groups (n = 5/group): normoxic (Nx), HI and HI pre-treated with Src kinase inhibitor PP2 (PP2 + HI). Brain tissue HI was verified by neuropathological analysis and by Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) and Phosphocreatine (PCr) levels. We used western blots, immunohistochemistry, H&E and biochemical enzyme assays to determine the role of Src kinase on mitochondrial membrane apoptotic protein trafficking. HI resulted in decreased ATP and PCr levels, neuropathological changes and increased levels of cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and AIF in the cytosol while their levels were decreased in mitochondria compared to Nx. PP2 decreased the cytosolic levels of pre-apoptotic proteins, attenuated the neuropathological changes and apoptosis and decreased the HI-induced increased activity of caspase-3. Our data suggest that Src kinase may represent a potential target that could interrupt the enzymatic activation of the caspase dependent cell death pathway.
CRISPR/Cas9-assisted gRNA-free one-step genome editing with no sequence limitations and improved targeting efficiency
Authors: Zhao Dongdong , Feng Xu , Zhu Xinna , Wu Tao , Zhang Xueli , Bi Changhao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe CRISPR/Cas9 system is a powerful, revolutionary tool for genome editing. However, it is not without limitations. There are PAM-free and CRISPR-tolerant regions that cannot be modified by the standard CRISPR/Cas9 system, and off-target activity impedes its broader applications. To avoid these drawbacks, we developed a very simple CRISPR/Cas9-assisted gRNA-free one-step (CAGO) genome editing technique which does not require the construction of a plasmid to express a specific gRNA. Instead, a universal N20 sequence with a very high targeting efficiency is inserted into the E. coli chromosome by homologous recombination, which in turn undergoes a double-stranded break by CRISPR/Cas9 and induces an intra-chromosomal recombination event to accomplish the editing process. This technique was shown to be able to edit PAM-free and CRISPR-tolerant regions with no off-target effects in Escherichia coli. When applied to multi-locus editing, CAGO was able to modify one locus in two days with a near 100% editing efficiency. Furthermore, modified CAGO was used to edit large regions of up to 100 kbp with at least 75% efficiency. Finally, genome editing by CAGO only requires a transformation procedure and the construction of a linear donor DNA cassette, which was further simplified by applying a modular design strategy. Although the technique was established in E. coli, it should be applicable to other organisms with only minor modifications.
A Novel Human Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Model in Humanised Mice
Authors: Gunawan Merry , Her Zhisheng , Liu Min , Tan Sue Yee , Chan Xue Ying , Tan Wilson Wei Sheng , Dharmaraaja Shubasree , Fan Yong , Ong Chee Bing , Loh Eva , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Tan Thiam Chye , Chan Jerry Kok Yen , Chen Qingfeng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMouse models have contributed to the bulk of knowledge on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). Nevertheless, substantial differences exist between human and mouse immune system. We aimed to establish and characterise a SLE model mediated by human immune system. Injection of pristane into immunodeficient mice reconstituted with human immune system (humanised mice) recapitulated key SLE features, including: production of human anti-nuclear autoantibodies, lupus nephritis, and pulmonary serositis. There was a reduction in the number of human lymphocytes in peripheral blood, resembling lymphopenia in SLE patients. Concurrently, B cells and T cells were systemically hyperactivated, with a relative expansion of CD27+ and CD27−IgD− memory B cells, increased number of plasmablasts/plasma cells, and accumulation of effector memory T cells. There was also an increased production of human pro-inflammatory cytokines, including: IFN-γ, IL-8, IL-18, MCP-1, and IL-6, suggesting their role in SLE pathogenesis. Increased expression of type I IFN signature genes was also found in human hepatocytes. Altogether, we showed an SLE model that was mediated by human immune system, and which recapitulated key clinical and immunological SLE features. The advancements of humanised mice SLE model would provide an in vivo platform to facilitate translational studies and pre-clinical evaluations of human-specific mechanisms and immunotherapies.
PGC-1alpha levels correlate with survival in patients with stage III NSCLC and may define a new biomarker to metabolism-targeted therapy
Authors: Cruz-Bermúdez Alberto , Vicente-Blanco Ramiro J. , Laza-Briviesca Raquel , García-Grande Aránzazu , Laine-Menéndez Sara , Gutiérrez Lourdes , Calvo Virginia , Romero Atocha , Martín-Acosta Paloma , García José Miguel , Provencio Mariano 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with one-third diagnosed with locally advanced (stage III) disease. Preoperative induction chemo-radiotherapy is key for the treatment of these patients, however conventional cisplatin based approaches has apparently reached a plateau of effectiveness. In the search for new therapies, the targeting of tumor metabolism is revealed as an interesting option to improve the patient’s responses. Here we describe the importance of PGC-1alpha and GAPDH/MT-CO1 ratio levels as surrogates of the Warburg effect from a series of 28 stage III NSCLC patients, on PFS, OS and PET uptake. Moreover, our results show a great variability between tumors of different individuals, ranging from very glycolytic to more OXPHOS-dependent tumors, which compromises the success of therapies directed to metabolism. In this sense, using 3 different cell lines, we describe the relevance of Warburg effect on the response to metabolism-targeted therapies. Specifically, we show that the inhibitory effect of metformin on cell viability depends on cell’s dependence on the OXPHOS system. The results on cell lines, together with the results of PGC-1alpha and GAPDH/MT-CO1 as biomarkers on patient’s biopsies, would point out what type of patients would benefit more from the use of these drugs.
Clinical Application of Artificial Ascites in assisting CT-guided Percutaneous Cryoablation of Hepatic Tumors Adjacent to the Gastrointestinal Tract
Authors: Li Bing , Liu Chuan , Xu Xiao-Xue , Li Yang , Du Yong , Zhang Chuan , Zheng Hou-Jun , Yang Han-Feng 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis study was to assess the safety and efficacy of artificial ascitetes in assisting CT-guided cryoablation of hepatic tumors adjacent to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. A total of 84 patients with peripheral hepatic tumors adjacent to the GI tract, who were treated cryoablation, were included in this retrospective study. Of these 84 patients, cryoablation had been performed in 39 patients with 41 peripheral hepatic tumors. These were assisted by induction artificial ascites while 40 patients with 43 peripheral hepatic tumors underwent cryoablation without induction of ascites. The artificial ascites separation success rate, the cryoablation technique effectiveness, local tumor progression and complications were all evaluated. The results showed that the artificial ascites separation success rate for 41 hepatic tumors adjacent to the GI tract was 95% (39/41). Technique effectiveness of group I was achieved in 35 of 43 tumors (81.3%) after follow-up imaging three months after cryoablation. In group II, technique effectiveness was achieved in 39 of 41 tumors after follow-up imaging three months following cryoablation. No major complications were encountered in either of the two groups. Artificial ascites assisting in CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation is a reliable and effective method for the treatment of hepatic tumors adjacent to the GI tract, and it can achieve a fine local control of such tumors.
High‐precision time transfer over a 23 km microwave link
Authors: Liu Jiye , Chen Xihong 
Published: November 2017

The high‐precision time synchronisation is of vital importance in the modern communication, navigation system and weapon system. The microwave time transfer method is adopted to resolve the time synchronisation problem. After expounding the principle and system composition of the method, the microwave time transfer system has been constructed. First, the measurement of board‐level and system was conducted. The transfer bandwidth in the experiment via microwave channel is 10 Mb. The results show that the jittering of retrieval signals via microwave channel is <4 ns. Then the microwave transmission experiment of 23 km was carried out. The results show that RMS error of time signal is <2 ns and the error between the forward and backward directions is <4 ns.
Factor VII-Activating Protease: Hemostatic Protein or Immune Regulator?
Authors: Zeerleder Sacha 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFactor VII (FVII)-activating protease (FSAP) is a serine protease in plasma, which was initially described to play a role in coagulation by activation of FVII, independent of tissue factor, and in fibrinolysis by cleavage of single-chain urokinase. Recent studies, however, suggest that FSAP-mediated FVII cleavage is negligible and that FSAP may exert procoagulant functions via cleavage of tissue factor pathway inhibitor. Meanwhile, many substrates of FSAP have been identified, such as platelet-derived growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor/epidermal growth factor, histones, and high-molecular-weight kininogen. FSAP has also shown to induce DNA released from dead cells. Given its propensity for autoproteolysis and degradation, studies on the activation and regulation of FSAP are difficult to perform. Recent animal studies suggest a role of FSAP in the pathogenesis of arteriosclerosis, vascular integrity and probably also in the regulation of coagulation initiation. This review will focus on the biochemical properties of FSAP, regulation of FSAP activation, and finally its role in vascular disease and acute systemic inflammatory diseases, such as sepsis.
Antibiotikatherapie der pyogenen Spondylodiszitis bei Erwachsenen
Authors: Fleege Christoph , Rauschmann Michael , Wichelhaus Thomas 
Published: November 2017

ZusammenfassungFür eine erfolgreiche Behandlung der pyogenen Spondylodiszitis ist eine suffiziente Antibiotikatherapie essenziell. Bei hämodynamisch stabilen Patienten mit normalem neurologischem Status sollte mit einer Antibiotikatherapie solange gewartet werden, bis die mikrobiologische Diagnostik einen Erregernachweis mit Antibiogramm erbringt und somit eine gezielte Therapie ermöglicht. Bei hämodynamisch instabilen Patienten oder bei Patienten mit fortschreitenden bzw. schweren neurologischen Symptomen sollte vor der kalkulierten Therapie eine mikrobiologische Diagnostik (Blutkulturen) eingeleitet werden. Empfehlungen zur kalkulierten und gezielten Therapie der pyogenen Spondylodiszitis sind in dieser Arbeit formuliert. In unkomplizierten Verläufen, ohne operative Instrumentation, ist eine systemische Therapiedauer von 6 Wochen ausreichend. Im Rahmen einer operativen Sanierung des Infektherdes stehen lokale Antibiotikaträger auf der Basis von Hydroxylapatit und Kalziumsulfat zur Verfügung.