bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unearthing the Antibacterial Mechanism of Medicinal Clay: A Geochemical Approach to Combating Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Morrison Keith D. , Misra Rajeev , Williams Lynda B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractNatural antibacterial clays, when hydrated and applied topically, kill human pathogens including antibiotic resistant strains proliferating worldwide. Only certain clays are bactericidal; those containing soluble reduced metals and expandable clay minerals that absorb cations, providing a capacity for extended metal release and production of toxic hydroxyl radicals. Here we show the critical antibacterial components are soluble Fe2+and Al3+that synergistically attack multiple cellular systems in pathogens normally growth-limited by Fe supply. This geochemical process is more effective than metal solutions alone and provides an alternative antibacterial strategy to traditional antibiotics. Advanced bioimaging methods and genetic show that Al3+misfolds cell membrane proteins, while Fe2+evokes membrane oxidation and enters the cytoplasm inflicting hydroxyl radical attack on intracellular proteins and DNA. The lethal reaction precipitates Fe3+-oxides as biomolecular damage proceeds. Discovery of this bactericidal mechanism demonstrated by natural clays should guide designs of new mineral-based antibacterial agents.
Ti nanorod arrays with a medium density significantly promote osteogenesis and osteointegration
Authors: Ning Chengyun , Wang Shuangying , Zhu Ye , Zhong Meiling , Lin Xi , Zhang Yu , Tan Guoxin , Li Mei , Yin Zhaoyi , Yu Peng , Wang Xiaolan , Li Ying , He Tianrui , Chen Wei , Wang Yingjun , Mao Chuanbin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTi implants are good candidates in bone repair. However, how to promote bone formation on their surface and their consequent perfect integration with the surrounding tissue is still a challenge. To overcome such challenge, we propose to form Ti nanorods on their surface to promote the new bone formation around the implants. Here Ti nanorod arrays (TNrs) with different densities were produced on pure Ti surfaces using an anodizing method. The influence of TNr density on the protein adsorption as well as on the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells were assessed. The TNrs were also implanted into the bone defects in rabbits to test their application in promoting bone formation and osteointegration at the implant-bone interface. TNrs with the medium density were found to show the best capability in promoting the protein adsorption from surrounding medium, which in turn efficiently enhanced osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteointegration in vivo. Our work suggests that growing TNrs with a medium density on the surface of traditional Ti implants is an efficient and facile method for promoting bone formation and osteointegration in bone repair.
The ATM- and ATR-related SCD domain is over-represented in proteins involved in nervous system development
Authors: Cara Lukas , Baitemirova Medina , Follis Jack , Larios-Sanz Maia , Ribes-Zamora Albert 
Published: January 2016

AbstractATM and ATR are cellular kinases with a well-characterized role in the DNA-damage response. Although the complete set of ATM/ATR targets is unknown, they often contain clusters of S/TQ motifs that constitute an SCD domain. In this study, we identified putative ATM/ATR targets that have a conserved SCD domain across vertebrates. Using this approach, we have identified novel putative ATM/ATR targets in pathways known to be under direct control of these kinases. Our analysis has also unveiled significant enrichment of SCD-containing proteins in cellular pathways, such as vesicle trafficking and actin cytoskeleton, where a regulating role for ATM/ATR is either unknown or poorly understood, hinting at a much broader and overarching role for these kinases in the cell. Of particular note is the overrepresentation of conserved SCD-containing proteins involved in pathways related to neural development. This finding suggests that ATM/ATR could be directly involved in controlling this process, which may be linked to the adverse neurological effects observed in patients with mutations in ATM.
Runx2-Modified Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Tendon Graft Integration in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ma Yong , Fu Xin , Liu Qiang , Shao Zhenxing , Dai Linghui , Pi Yanbin , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhang Jiying , Duan Xiaoning , Chen Wenqing , Chen Ping , Zhou Chunyan , Ao Yingfang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRunx2 is a powerful osteo-inductive factor and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are multipotent. However, it is unknown whether Runx2-overexpressing ADSCs (Runx2-ADSCs) could promote anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We evaluated the effect of Runx2-ADSCs on ACL reconstruction in vitro and in vivo. mRNA expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and collagen I (COLI) increased over time in Runx2-ADSCs. Runx2 overexpression inhibited LPL and PPARγ mRNA expressions. Runx2 induced alkaline phosphatase activity markedly. In nude mice injected with Runx2-ADSCs, promoted bone formation was detected by X-rays 8 weeks after injection. The healing of tendon-to-bone in a rabbit model of ACL reconstruction treated with Runx2-ADSCs, fibrin glue only and an RNAi targeting Runx2, was evaluated with CT 3D reconstruction, histological analysis and biomechanical methods. CT showed a greater degree of new bone formation around the bone tunnel in the group treated with Runx2-ADSCs compared with the fibrin glue group and RNAi Runx2 group. Histology showed that treatment with Runx2-ADSCs led to a rapid and significant increase at the tendon-to-bone compared with the control groups. Biomechanical tests demonstrated higher tendon pullout strength in the Runx2-ADSCs group at early time points. The healing of the attachment in ACL reconstruction was enhanced by Runx2-ADSCs.
RYR2, PTDSS1 and AREG genes are implicated in a Lebanese population-based study of copy number variation in autism
Authors: Soueid Jihane , Kourtian Silva , Makhoul Nadine J. , Makoukji Joelle , Haddad Sariah , Ghanem Simona S. , Kobeissy Firas , Boustany Rose-Mary 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by ritualistic-repetitive behaviors and impaired verbal and non-verbal communication. Objectives were to determine the contribution of genetic variation to ASDs in the Lebanese. Affymetrix Cytogenetics Whole-Genome 2.7 M and CytoScan™HD Arrays were used to detect CNVs in 41 Lebanese autistic children and 35 non-autistic, developmentally delayed and intellectually disabled patients. 33 normal participants were used as controls. 16de novoCNVs and 57 inherited CNVs, including recognized pathogenic 16p11.2 duplications and 2p16.3 deletions were identified. A duplication at 1q43 classified as likely pathogenic encompassesRYR2as a potential ASD candidate gene. This previously identified CNV has been classified as both pathogenic, and, of uncertain significance. A duplication of unknown significance at 10q11.22, proposed as a modulator for phenotypic disease expression in Rett syndrome, was also identified. The novel potential autism susceptibility genesPTDSS1 and AREGwere uncovered and warrant further genetic and functional analyses. Previously described and novel genetic targets in ASD were identified in Lebanese families with autism. These findings may lead to improved diagnosis of ASDs and informed genetic counseling and may also lead to untapped therapeutic targets applicable to Lebanese and non-Lebanese patients.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of amphotericin B self-association in aqueous solution characterized in molecular detail
Authors: Zielińska Joanna , Wieczór Miłosz , Bączek Tomasz , Gruszecki Marcin , Czub Jacek 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAmphotericin B (AmB) is a potent but toxic drug commonly used to treat systemic mycoses. Its efficiency as a therapeutic agent depends on its ability to discriminate between mammalian and fungal cell membranes. The association of AmB monomers in an aqueous environment plays an important role in drug selectivity, as oligomers formed prior to membrane insertion – presumably dimers – are believed to act differently on fungal (ergosterol-rich) and mammalian (cholesterol-rich) membranes. In this work, we investigate the initial steps of AmB self-association by studying the structural, thermodynamic and spectral properties of AmB dimers in aqueous medium using molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that in water, the hydrophobic aggregation of AmB monomers yields almost equiprobable populations of parallel and antiparallel dimers that rapidly interconvert into each other and the dipole-dipole interaction between zwitterionic head groups plays a minor role in determining the drug’s tendency for self-aggregation. A simulation of circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicates that in experimental measurements, the signature CD spectrum of AmB aggregates should be attributed to higher-order oligomers rather than dimers. Finally, we suggest that oligomerization can impair the selectivity of AmB molecules for fungal membranes by increasing their hydrophobic drive for non-specific membrane insertion.
Carbon: nitrogen stoichiometry following afforestation: a global synthesis
Authors: Xu Xia , Li Dejun , Cheng Xiaoli , Ruan Honghua , Luo Yiqi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThough carbon (C): nitrogen (N) stoichiometry has been widely studied in terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about its variation following afforestation. By synthesizing the results of 53 studies, we examined temporal and spatial variation in C: N ratios and in N-C scaling relationships of both the organic and the mineral soil horizons. Results showed that C: N ratios remained constant in the mineral horizon but significantly decreased in the organic horizon over the age sequence following afforestation. Among different climate zones, C: N ratios of the organic and the mineral horizons increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) (decreasing latitude). Pasture exhibited higher C: N ratios than cropland in the organic horizon while C: N of the mineral horizon did not change much among different land use types. For both the organic and the mineral horizons, hardwoods exhibited lower C: N ratios than pine and softwoods. Additionally, N and C in general scaled isometrically in both the organic and the mineral horizons over the age sequence and among different climate zones, land use types and plantation species following afforestation. Our results suggest that C and N may remain coupled following afforestation.
Discovering and validating between-subject variations in plasma lipids in healthy subjects
Authors: Begum Husna , Li Bowen , Shui Guanghou , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Soong Richie , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Little Peter , Teo Yik-Ying , Wenk Markus R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractLipid levels are commonly used in clinical settings as disease biomarkers and the advent of mass spectrometry-based (MS) lipidomics heralds the possibility of identifying additional lipids that can inform disease predispositions. However, the degree of natural variation for many lipids remains poorly understood, thus confounding downstream investigations on whether a specific intervention is driving observed lipid fluctuations. Here, we performed targeted mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring across a comprehensive spectrum of 192 plasma lipids on eight subjects across three time-points separated by six hours and two standardized meals. A validation study to confirm the initial discoveries was performed in a further set of nine subjects, subject to the identical study design. Technical variation of the MS was assessed using duplicate measurements in the validation study, while biological variation was measured for lipid species with coefficients of variation <20%. We observed that eight lipid species from the phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine lipid classes were discovered and validated to vary consistently across the three time-points, where the within-subject variance can be up to 1.3-fold higher than between-subject variance. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the range of biological variation in plasma lipids as a precursor to their use in clinical biochemistry.
Ncl Synchronously Regulates Na+, K+ and Cl− in Soybean and Greatly Increases the Grain Yield in Saline Field Conditions
Authors: Do Tuyen Duc , Chen Huatao , Hien Vu Thi Thu , Hamwieh Aladdin , Yamada Tetsuya , Sato Tadashi , Yan Yongliang , Cong Hua , Shono Mariko , Suenaga Kazuhiro , Xu Donghe 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSalt stress inhibits soybean growth and reduces gain yield. Genetic improvement of salt tolerance is essential for sustainable soybean production in saline areas. In this study, we isolated a gene (Ncl) that could synchronously regulate the transport and accumulation of Na+, K+ and Cl− from a Brazilian soybean cultivar FT-Abyara using map-based cloning strategy. Higher expression of the salt tolerance gene Ncl in the root resulted in lower accumulations of Na+, K+ and Cl− in the shoot under salt stress. Transfer of Ncl with the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method into a soybean cultivar Kariyutaka significantly enhanced its salt tolerance. Introgression of the tolerance allele into soybean cultivar Jackson, using DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS), produced an improved salt tolerance line. Ncl could increase soybean grain yield by 3.6–5.5 times in saline field conditions. Using Ncl in soybean breeding through gene transfer or MAS would contribute to sustainable soybean production in saline-prone areas.
rhHMGB1 drives osteoblast migration in a TLR2/TLR4- and NF-κB-dependent manner
Authors: Li Ming-Jing , Li Fan , Xu Jian , Liu Yu-Dong , Hu Tao , Chen Jian-Ting 
Published: January 2016

Osteoblast migration is significant in skeletal development. Recently, high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been shown to highly expressed in cartilage to regulate endochondral ossification. Nevertheless, whether HMGB1 can modulate osteoblast proliferation and migration is poorly understood, as well as the intracellular signalling pathways that are involved in this process. Herein, we examined the effects of recombinant human HMGB1 (rhHMGB1) on the proliferation and migration of rat osteoblasts and investigated whether Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2)- and TLR4-dependent signalling pathways are involved in the regulation of intracellular signalling. A transwell chamber assay was used to evaluate the migration of osteoblasts and the MTT assay was used to assess osteoblast proliferation. rhHMGB1 could significantly promote the migration of osteoblasts without inhibiting their proliferation. Meanwhile, rhHMGB1 can increase the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65. Specific siRNA constructs that target TLR2 or TLR4 could markedly inhibit HMGB1-induced migration of osteoblasts and HMGB1-enhanced activation of NF-κB. Collectively, HMGB1 could significantly enhance the migration of osteoblasts in vitro, and TLR2/TLR4-dependent NF-κB pathways are involved in HMGB1-induced osteoblast migration.
Calibration‐less direct capacitor‐to‐microcontroller interface
Authors: Lopez‐Lapeña O. , Serrano‐Finetti E. , Casas O. 
Published: January 2016

A new technique to measure a capacitor or a capacitive sensor by means of a direct sensor‐to‐microcontroller interface circuit that does not need a calibration capacitor is proposed. Basically, the measurement process consists of three consecutive steps of charge, discharge and charge of the capacitor under test. A non‐linear equation is obtained and solved that is dependent only on known circuit parameters. Experimental results show that it is possible to measure a wide range of capacitor values with a maximum deviation of 2% from the reference value, and that temperature changes from 18 to 70°C yield relative errors below 0.1%. For the lowest measured capacitor range (33 pF–4.7 nF) the uncertainty holds below 1 pF which enables measurement of commercially available capacitive sensors. The main advantage of the proposed technique is cost and space reduction of the final design.
Revisiting Risk and Rationality: a reply to Pettigrew and Briggs
Authors: Buchak Lara 
Published: January 2016

AbstractI have claimed that risk-weighted expected utility (REU) maximizers are rational, and that their preferences cannot be captured by expected utility (EU) theory. Richard Pettigrew and Rachael Briggs have recently challenged these claims. Both authors argue that only EU-maximizers are rational. In addition, Pettigrew argues that the preferences of REU-maximizers can indeed be captured by EU theory, and Briggs argues that REU-maximizers lose a valuable tool for simplifying their decision problems. I hold that their arguments do not succeed and that my original claims still stand. However, their arguments do highlight some costs of REU theory.
Memory, belief and time
Authors: Weatherson Brian 
Published: January 2016

AbstractI argue that what evidence an agent has does not supervene on how she currently is. Agents do not always have to infer what the past was like from how things currently seem; sometimes the facts about the past are retained pieces of evidence that can be the start of reasoning. The main argument is a variant on Frank Arntzenius’s Shangri La example, an example that is often used to motivate the thought that evidence does supervene on current features.
Determinants of labour migration of elite sport coaches
Authors: Orlowski Johannes , Wicker Pamela , Breuer Christoph 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPrevious research examining labour migration in sport focused on athletes in professional team sports. The purpose of this study is to analyse the factors influencing the migration probability of elite sport coaches in Germany (i.e. national coaches, state coaches, and coaches at Olympic training bases). From a theoretical perspective, labour migration of athletes is affected by economic, social, political, competitive, geographic and cultural factors. This study examines whether these factors can be applied to coaches. Primary data were collected using an online survey of elite sport coaches in Germany. Applying a conjoint design, respondents were presented with 10 migration scenarios leading to a sample size of n = 1860 for the empirical analysis. In the scenarios, the coaching position openings abroad differed in terms of income level, contract length, weekly workload, responsibility for personnel, reputation of coaching job, career perspectives, sporting performance of athletes, distance from Germany, and predominant job language. Coaches were asked for their migration probability contingent on the specific scenario. On average, migration probability was 24.2%. The results of regression analysis showed that higher income, contracts of longer duration, responsibility for personnel and speaking the respective language significantly increased the migration probability, while distances of nine flight hours and more, lower reputation and career perspectives reduced it. The findings have implications for policy‐makers: they indicate in what areas the situation of coaches needs improvement to increase the likelihood of retaining elite sport coaches in the German sport system.
SOLITARY IDIOPATHIC CHOROIDITIS IN THE SETTING OF EXTENSIVE ANIMAL EXPOSURE
Authors: Kumar Vivek , Khoo Chloe T. L. , Shields Carol L. 
Published: January 2016

Purpose:
To describe solitary idiopathic choroiditis in the setting of extensive animal exposure.

Methods:
A 56-year-old asymptomatic female equestrian with an extensive history of exposure to horses and dogs and a trapper of wild animals and rodents was discovered to have an amelanotic choroidal mass in the macular region and referred for suspicious atypical nevus.

Results:
Funduscopy revealed a deep yellow mass with overlying retinal pigment epithelial thinning and without visible subretinal fluid or lipofuscin. Mild hyperautofluorescence represented unmasking of scleral autofluorescence. Ultrasonography showed a 1.8-mm-thick echodense lesion. Enhanced depth imaging–optical coherence tomography disclosed a dense, elevated scleral mass with “volcanic” configuration, demonstrating choroidal compression and trace overlying subretinal fluid. These features were consistent with solitary idiopathic choroiditis/scleritis. Systemic evaluation for standard cat-related bartonellosis, tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, and syphilis were negative. Horse-, dog-, and rodent-related bartonellosis testing was not available. Observation was advised, and the findings remained stable at 6 months.

Conclusion:
Solitary idiopathic choroiditis is best imaged on enhanced depth imaging–optical coherence tomography as a scleral lesion with “volcanic” configuration and often secondary to previous Bartonella infection. Serologic positivity for cat-related Bartonella decays over time, and testing for horse-, dog-, or rodent-related Bartonella is not commonly used.
Characteristics of highly talented international business professionals defined
Authors: van Heugten Petra , Heijne-Penninga Marjolein , Paans Wolter , Wolfensberger Marca 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to explore the characteristics of talent in relation to international business to facilitate selection and development of talent in human resources (HR) and human resource development (HRD).Design/methodology/approach– A mixed method design was used: focus groups with business professionals to identify the characteristics of highly talented international business professionals (HTIBP), resulting in a concept profile; Delphi study for validation; systematic comparison of the open coding results to existing literature to identify characteristics of talent.Findings– A specific and concise profile of HTIBP has been developed. This profile has five domains: achieving results; communicating; innovating; self-reflecting; seeing patterns and interrelationships in a global context. From literature cross-referencing, we have identified innovating, being creative and having a drive to achieve results are most distinguishing for HTIBP.Practical implications– The paper facilitates an ongoing discussion about what constitutes talent, and offers new perspectives for companies to consider when selecting and developing talent.Originality/value– The conceptual contribution of the paper offers a fresh and practical empirical perspective on what talent entails.