bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eco-evolutionary dynamics in a contemporary human population
Authors: Pelletier Fanie , Pigeon Gabriel , Bergeron Patrick , Mayer Francine M. , Boisvert Mireille , Réale Denis , Milot Emmanuel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecent studies of the joint dynamics of ecological and evolutionary processes show that changes in genotype or phenotype distributions can affect population, community and ecosystem processes. Such eco-evolutionary dynamics are likely to occur in modern humans and may influence population dynamics. Here, we study contributions to population growth from detailed genealogical records of a contemporary human population. We show that evolutionary changes in women’s age at first reproduction can affect population growth: 15.9% of variation in individual contribution to population growth over 108 years is explained by mean age at first reproduction and at least one-third of this variation (6.1%) is attributed to the genetic basis of this trait, which showed an evolutionary response to selection during the period studied. Our study suggests that eco-evolutionary processes have modulated the growth of contemporary human populations.
Interactome and reciprocal activation of pathways in topical mesenchymal stem cells and the recipient cerebral cortex following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Lam Ping K. , Wang Kevin K. W. , Lo Anthony W. I. , Tong Cindy S. W. , Ching Don W. C. , Wong Kenneth , Yang Zhihui , Kong Themis , Lo Kin K. Y. , Choy Richard K. W. , Lai Paul B. S. , Wong George K. C. , Poon Wai S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, GFP-MSCs were topically applied to the surface of cerebral cortex within 1 hour of experimental TBI. No treatment was given to the control group. Three days after topical application, the MSCs homed to the injured parenchyma and improved the neurological function. Topical MSCs triggered earlier astrocytosis and reactive microglia. TBI penumbra and hippocampus had higher cellular proliferation. Apoptosis was suppressed at hippocampus at 1 week and reduced neuronal damaged was found in the penumbral at day 14 apoptosis. Proteolytic neuronal injury biomarkers (alphaII-spectrin breakdown products, SBDPs) and glial cell injury biomarker, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-breakdown product (GBDPs) in injured cortex were also attenuated by MSCs. In the penumbra, six genes related to axongenesis (Erbb2); growth factors (Artn, Ptn); cytokine (IL3); cell cycle (Hdac4); and notch signaling (Hes1) were up-regulated three days after MSC transplant. Transcriptome analysis demonstrated that 7,943 genes were differentially expressed and 94 signaling pathways were activated in the topical MSCs transplanted onto the cortex of brain injured rats with TBI. In conclusion, topical application offers a direct and efficient delivery of MSCs to the brain.
Surface Interactions between Gold Nanoparticles and Biochar
Authors: Uchimiya Minori , Pignatello Joseph J. , White Jason C. , Hu Szu-Lung , Ferreira Paulo J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractEngineered nanomaterials are directly applied to the agricultural soils as a part of pesticide/fertilize formulations or sludge/manure amendments. No prior reports are available to understand the surface interactions between gold nanoparticles (nAu) and soil components, including the charcoal black carbon (biochar). Retention of citrate-capped nAu on 300–700 °C pecan shell biochars occurred rapidly and irreversibly even at neutral pH where retention was less favorable. Uniform organic (primarily citrate ligands) layer on nAu was observable by TEM, and was preserved after the retention by biochar, which resulted in the aggregation or alignment along the edges of multisheets composing biochar. Retention of nAu was (i) greater on biochars than a sandy loam soil, (ii) greater at higher ionic strength and lower pH, and (iii) pyrolysis temperature-dependent: 500 < 700 ≪ 300 °C at pH 3. Collectively, carboxyl-enriched 300 °C biochar likely formed strong hydrogen bonds with the citrate layer of nAu. The charge transfer between the conduction band of nAu and π* continuum of polyaromatic sheets is likely to dominate on 700 °C biochar. Surface area-normalized retention of nAu on biochars was several orders of magnitude higher than negatively charged hydroxyl-bearing environmental surfaces, indicating the importance of black carbon in the environmental fate of engineered nanomaterials.
Prevalence of overweight and obesity in 15.8 million men aged 15–49 years in rural China from 2010 to 2014
Authors: He Yuan , Pan An , Wang Yuanyuan , Yang Ying , Xu Jihong , Zhang Ya , Liu Dujia , Wang Qiaomei , Shen Haiping , Zhang Yiping , Yan Donghai , Peng Zuoqi , Hu Frank B. , Ma Xu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObesity has been increasing worldwide. Data on obesity status among men of reproductive age are scarce. This study aimed to assess the national prevalence and trend of overweight and obesity among reproductive-age men in rural China. In the nationwide population-based study, data were obtained from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in rural China from 2010 to 2014. Weight and height were measured in 16 161 982 men aged 15–49 years and their female partners (15 997 739 participants aged 15–49 years) before conception, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. We found that the prevalence of combined overweight and obesity among men was 33.8% (33.7–33.9%) according to Chinese criteria (BMI ≥ 24.0 kg/m2), the corresponding rates of obesity were 6.3% (6.2–6.4%; BMI ≥ 28.0 kg/m2), respectively. The prevalence varied in different ethnic groups, geographic regions, age, education and GDP levels, and increasing trend was observed over the 5-year study period. In addition, 45.8% of couples had at least one of them as overweight or obesity. About one third of men aged 15–49 years before conception in rural China are overweight or obese. Overweight/obesity clusters in families, which highlights the importance of family involvement of early prevention of obesity in China.
Somatic mutations in ZFHX4 gene are associated with poor overall survival of Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Qing Tao , Zhu Sibo , Suo Chen , Zhang Lei , Zheng Yuanting , Shi Leming 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRecent genome-sequencing studies have revealed dozens of genes frequently mutated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but few genes are associated with patients’ clinical outcomes. Novel prognostic biomarkers are urgently needed in the clinic. We collected both somatic mutations and clinical information of 442 Chinese esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients from four published studies. Survival analysis was performed to reveal the clinical significance of the mutated genes. Dysregulation of the mutated genes was observed from public gene-expression data sets and its effects on cell migration and invasion were investigated with siRNA-mediated silencing. Our integrated analysis revealed 26 genes significantly and frequently mutated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Importantly, mutations in ZFHX4, SPHKAP, NRXN1, KIAA1109, DNAH5 and KCNH7 were associated with poor survival. In addition, ZFHX4 was overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to normal controls, and knockdown of ZFHX4 in vitro significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion. Mutations in ZFHX4 were strongly associated with poor prognosis and the down-regulation of ZFHX4 inhibits the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Further investigation is warranted to confirm the prognostic values of ZFHX4 in a prospective study.
Limited role of sessile acidophiles in pyrite oxidation below redox potential of 650 mV
Authors: Liu Chang , Jia Yan , Sun Heyun , Tan Qiaoyi , Niu Xiaopeng , Leng Xuekun , Ruan Renman 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPyrite oxidation by mixed mesophilic acidophiles was conducted under conditions of controlled and non-controlled redox potential to investigate the role of sessile microbes in pyrite oxidation. Microbes attached on pyrite surfaces by extracellular polymeric substances (EPS), and their high coverage rate was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The dissolution of pyrite was negligible if the redox potential was controlled below 650 mV (near the rest potential of pyrite), even though the bacteria were highly active and a high coverage rate was observed on pyrite surfaces. However, with un-controlled redox potential the rate of pyrite oxidation increased greatly with an increasing redox potential. This study demonstrates that sessile microbes play a limited role in pyrite oxidation at a redox potential below 650 mV, and highlight the importance of solution redox potential for pyrite oxidation. This has implications for acid mine drainage control and pyrite oxidation control in biometallurgy practice.
Pet-directed speech draws adult dogs’ attention more efficiently than Adult-directed speech
Authors: Jeannin Sarah , Gilbert Caroline , Amy Mathieu , Leboucher Gérard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHumans speak to dogs using a special speech register called Pet-Directed Speech (PDS) which is very similar to Infant-Directed Speech (IDS) used by parents when talking to young infants. These two type of speech share prosodic features that are distinct from the typical Adult-Directed Speech (ADS): a high pitched voice and an increased pitch variation. So far, only one study has investigated the effect of PDS on dogs’ attention. We video recorded 44 adult pet dogs and 19 puppies when listening to the same phrase enounced either in ADS or in PDS or in IDS. The phrases were previously recorded and were broadcasted via a loudspeaker placed in front of the dog. The total gaze duration of the dogs toward the loudspeaker, was used as a proxy of attention. Results show that adult dogs are significantly more attentive to PDS than to ADS and that their attention significantly increases along with the rise of the fundamental frequency of human’ speech. It is likely that the exaggerated prosody of PDS is used by owners as an ostensive cue for dogs that facilitates the effectiveness of their communication, and should represent an evolutionarily determined adaptation that benefits the regulation and maintenance of their relationships.
Key Role for the Organic Anion Transporters, OAT1 and OAT3, in the in vivo Handling of Uremic Toxins and Solutes
Authors: Wu Wei , Bush Kevin T. , Nigam Sanjay K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn vitro data indicates that the kidney proximal tubule (PT) transporters of uremic toxins and solutes (e.g., indoxyl sulfate, p-cresol sulfate, kynurenine, creatinine, urate) include two “drug” transporters of the organic anion transporter (OAT) family: OAT1 (SLC22A6, originally NKT) and OAT3 (SLC22A8). Here, we have examined new and prior metabolomics data from the Oat1KO and Oat3KO, as well as newly obtained metabolomics data from a “chemical double” knockout (Oat3KO plus probenecid). This gives a picture of the in vivo roles of OAT1 and OAT3 in the regulation of the uremic solutes and supports the centrality of these “drug” transporters in independently and synergistically regulating uremic metabolism. We demonstrate a key in vivo role for OAT1 and/or OAT3 in the handling of over 35 uremic toxins and solutes, including those derived from the gut microbiome (e.g., CMPF, phenylsulfate, indole-3-acetic acid). Although it is not clear whether trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) is directly transported, the Oat3KO had elevated plasma levels of TMAO, which is associated with cardiovascular morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD). As described in the Remote Sensing and Signaling (RSS) Hypothesis, many of these molecules are involved in interorgan and interorganismal communication, suggesting that uremia is, at least in part, a disorder of RSS.
Potassium as a pluripotency-associated element identified through inorganic element profiling in human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Lin Victor J. T. , Zolekar Ashwini , Shi Yi , Koneru Bhuvaneswari , Dimitrijevich Slobodan , Di Pasqua Anthony J. , Wang Yu-Chieh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDespite their well-known function in maintaining normal cell physiology, how inorganic elements are relevant to cellular pluripotency and differentiation in human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) has yet to be systematically explored. Using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), we analyzed the inorganic components of human cells with isogenic backgrounds in distinct states of cellular pluripotency. The elemental profiles revealed that the potassium content of human cells significantly differs when their cellular pluripotency changes. Pharmacological treatment that alters cell membrane permeability to potassium affected the maintenance and establishment of cellular pluripotency via multiple mechanisms inbona fidehPSCs and reprogrammed cells. Collectively, we report that potassium is a pluripotency-associated inorganic element in human cells and provide novel insights into the manipulation of cellular pluripotency in hPSCs by regulating intracellular potassium.
G-protein coupled receptor 64 is required for decidualization of endometrial stromal cells
Authors: Yoo Jung-Yoon , Ahn Jong Il , Kim Tae Hoon , Yu Sungryul , Ahn Ji Yeon , Lim Jeong Mook , Jeong Jae-Wook 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough GPR64 has an important role for male fertility, its physiological roles in the female reproductive system are still unknown. In the present study, immunohistochemical analysis reveals a spatiotemporal expression of GPR64 in the uterus during early pregnancy. Observation of remarkable induction of GPR64 expression in uterine decidual cells points to its potential physiological significance on decidualization. The decidualization of uterine stromal cells is a key event in implantation. Progesterone (P4) signaling is crucial for the decidualization of the endometrial stromal cells for successful pregnancy. Therefore, we examined ovarian steroid hormone regulation of GPR64 expression in the murine uterus. P4 induced GPR64 expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of the uterus in ovariectomized wild-type mice, but not in PRKO mice. ChIP analysis confirmed that PGR proteins were recruited on progesterone response element of Gpr64 gene in the uteri of wild-type mice treated with P4. Furthermore, the expression of GPR64 was increased in human endometrial stromal cells (hESCs) during in vitro decidualization. Interestingly, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of GPR64 in hESCs remarkably reduced decidualization. These results suggest that Gpr64 has a crucial role in the decidualization of endometrial stromal cells.
Two Bombyx mori acetylcholinesterase genes influence motor control and development in different ways
Authors: Ye Xinhai , Yang Liwen , Stanley David , Li Fei , Fang Qi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAmong its other biological roles, acetylcholinesterase (AChE, EC 3.1.1.7), encoded by two ace in most insects, catalyses the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby terminating synaptic transmission. ace1 encodes the synaptic enzyme and ace2 has other essential actions in many insect species, such as Chilo suppressalis and Plutella xylostella. The silkworm, Bombyx mori, has been domesticated for more than two thousand years and its aces have no history of pesticide exposure. Here, we investigated the functional differences between two ace genes, BmAce1 and BmAce2, in the silkworm. qPCR analysis indicated that BmAce1 is highly expressed in muscle and BmAce2 is more ubiquitously expressed among tissues and enriched in the head. Both genes were separately suppressed using chemically synthesized siRNAs. The mRNA abundance of the two ace genes was significantly reduced to about 13% – 75% of the control levels after siRNA injection. The AChE activities were decreased to 32% to 85% of control levels. Silencing BmAce2 resulted in about 26% mortality, faster and higher than the 20% in the siBmAce1-treated group. Silencing BmAce1 impacted motor control and development to a greater extent than silencing BmAce2, although both treatment groups suffered motor disability, slowed development and reduced cocoons. Both genes have essential, differing biological significance.
Universality of the Phytophthora mating hormones and diversity of their production profile
Authors: Tomura Tomohiko , Molli Shylaja D. , Murata Ryo , Ojika Makoto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSexual reproduction of the plant pest Phytophthora is regulated by two mating hormones α1 and α2, which are acyclic oxygenated diterpenes first isolated from P. nicotianae A1 and A2 mating types, respectively. A previous report suggested the universality of these factors within this genus. To confirm this concept, we investigated 80 strains (19 species) of Phytophthora and a related genus, not only for the responsiveness to mating hormones but also for their productivity. The results indicated that among the 55 heterothallic strains, 24 (44%) responded to a mating hormone and 40 (73%) produced one or both hormones. These findings demonstrate the interspecies universality of mating hormones within the genus Phytophthora. Hormone productivity was found to be highly diverse and dependent on the strains used. Although the A2 mating type has been regarded as the α2 producer, 19 (59%) of the 32 A2-type strains produced both the hormones and two A2-type strains exclusively produced α1 in high yields. These results indicate that hormone biosynthesis in Phytophthora is universal but highly diverse and complex, and varies with culture conditions, providing us valuable information for future studies on the mechanism of mating hormone biosynthesis of Phytophthora.
In vitro imaging of bacteria using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose micro positron emission tomography
Authors: Heuker Marjolein , Sijbesma Jürgen W. A. , Aguilar Suárez Rocío , de Jong Johan R. , Boersma Hendrikus H. , Luurtsema Gert , Elsinga Philip H. , Glaudemans Andor W. J. M. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , van Dijl Jan Maarten , Slart Riemer H. J. A. , van Oosten Marleen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET) with fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18F-FDG) can be applied to detect infection and inflammation. However, it was so far not known to what extent bacterial pathogens may contribute to the PET signal. Therefore, we investigated whether clinical isolates of frequently encountered bacterial pathogens take up 18F-FDG in vitro, and whether FDG inhibits bacterial growth as previously shown for 2-deoxy-glucose. 22 isolates of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial pathogens implicated in fever and inflammation were incubated with 18F-FDG and uptake of 18F-FDG was assessed by gamma-counting and µPET imaging. Possible growth inhibition by FDG was assayed with Staphylococcus aureus and the Gram-positive model bacterium Bacillus subtilis. The results show that all tested isolates accumulated 18F-FDG actively. Further, 18F-FDG uptake was hampered in B. subtilis pts mutants impaired in glucose uptake. FDG inhibited growth of S. aureus and B. subtilis only to minor extents, and this effect was abrogated by pts mutations in B. subtilis. These observations imply that bacteria may contribute to the signals observed in FDG-PET infection imaging in vivo. Active bacterial FDG uptake is corroborated by the fact that the B. subtilis phosphotransferase system is needed for 18F-FDG uptake, while pts mutations protect against growth inhibition by FDG.
Revealing the influence of Cyano in Anchoring Groups of Organic Dyes on Adsorption Stability and Photovoltaic Properties for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Wei-Chieh , Nachimuthu Santhanamoorthi , Jiang Jyh-Chiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDetermining an ideal adsorption configuration for a dye on the semiconductor surface is an important task in improving the overall efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells. Here, we present a detailed investigation of different adsorption configurations of designed model dyes on TiO2 anatase (101) surface using first principles methods. Particularly, we aimed to investigate the influence of cyano group in the anchoring part of dye on its adsorption stability and the overall photovoltaic properties such as open circuit voltage, electron injection ability to the surface. Our results indicate that the inclusion of cyano group increases the stability of adsorption only when it adsorbs via CN with the surface and it decreases the photovoltaic properties when it does not involve in binding. In addition, we also considered full dyes based on the results of model dyes and investigated the different strength of acceptor abilities on stability and electron injection ability. Among the various adsorption configurations considered here, the bidentate bridging mode (A3) is more appropriate one which has higher electron injection ability, larger VOC value and more importantly it has higher dye loading on the surface.
Matched computed tomography segmentation and demographic data for oropharyngeal cancer radiomics challenges
Authors:   MICCAI/M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Head and Neck Quantitative Imaging Working Group, Elhalawani Hesham , Mohamed Abdallah S.R. , White Aubrey L. , Zafereo James , Wong Andrew J. , Berends Joel E. , AboHashem Shady , Williams Bowman , Aymard Jeremy M. , Kanwar Aasheesh , Perni Subha , Rock Crosby D. , Cooksey Luke , Campbell Shauna , Ding Yao , Lai Stephen Y. , Marai Elisabeta G. , Vock David , Canahuate Guadalupe M. , Freymann John , Farahani Keyvan , Kalpathy-Cramer Jayashree , Fuller Clifton D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCancers arising from the oropharynx have become increasingly more studied in the past few years, as they are now epidemic domestically. These tumors are treated with definitive (chemo)radiotherapy, and have local recurrence as a primary mode of clinical failure. Recent data suggest that ‘radiomics’, or extraction of image texture analysis to generate mineable quantitative data from medical images, can reflect phenotypes for various cancers. Several groups have shown that developed radiomic signatures, in head and neck cancers, can be correlated with survival outcomes. This data descriptor defines a repository for head and neck radiomic challenges, executed via a Kaggle in Class platform, in partnership with the MICCAI society 2016 annual meeting.These public challenges were designed to leverage radiomics and/or machine learning workflows to discriminate HPV phenotype in one challenge (HPV status challenge) and to identify patients who will develop a local recurrence in the primary tumor volume in the second one (Local recurrence prediction challenge) in a segmented, clinically curated anonymized oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) data set.