bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prognostic role of left atrial strain and its combination index with transmitral E-wave velocity in patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Hsu Po-Chao , Lee Wen-Hsien , Chu Chun-Yuan , Lee Hung-Hao , Lee Chee-Siong , Yen Hsueh-Wei , Lin Tsung-Hsien , Voon Wen-Chol , Lai Wen-Ter , Sheu Sheng-Hsiung , Su Ho-Ming 
Published: February 2016

AbstractLeft atrial (LA) strain can reflect LA remodeling and is reduced in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients with prior stroke. This study sought to examine the ability of LA strain in predicting subsequent stroke event in AF and also evaluated whether E/LA strain could predict cardiovascular (CV) events in these patients. In 190 persistent AF patients, we performed comprehensive echocardiography with assessment of LA strain. There were 69 CV events including 19 CV death, 32 hospitalizations for heart failure, 3 myocardial infarctions and 15 strokes during an average follow-up of 29 months. Multivariate analysis showed old age, chronic heart failure, increased left ventricular (LV) mass index and increased E/LA strain were associated with CV events and decreased LA strain was associated with subsequent stroke event. The addition of E/LA strain and LA strain to a model containing CHA2DS2-VASc score and LV function significantly improved the values in predicting CV events and subsequent stroke event, respectively. In conclusion, E/LA strain and LA strain were respectively useful in predicting CV events and subsequent stroke event in AF. E/LA strain and LA strain could provide incremental values for CV outcome and subsequent stroke outcome prediction over conventional clinical and echocardiographic parameters in AF, respectively.
Tinselenidene: a Two-dimensional Auxetic Material with Ultralow Lattice Thermal Conductivity and Ultrahigh Hole Mobility
Authors: Zhang Li-Chuan , Qin Guangzhao , Fang Wu-Zhang , Cui Hui-Juan , Zheng Qing-Rong , Yan Qing-Bo , Su Gang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBy means of extensive ab initio calculations, a new two-dimensional (2D) atomic material tin selenide monolayer (coined as tinselenidene) is predicted to be a semiconductor with an indirect gap (~1.45 eV) and a high hole mobility (of order 10000 cm2V−1S−1) and will bear an indirect-direct gap transition under a rather low strain (<0.5 GPa). Tinselenidene has a very small Young’s modulus (20–40 GPa) and an ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (<3 Wm−1K−1 at 300 K), making it probably the most flexible and most heat-insulating material in known 2D atomic materials. In addition, tinseleniden has a large negative Poisson’s ratio of −0.17, thus could act as a 2D auxetic material. With these intriguing properties, tinselenidene could have wide potential applications in thermoelectrics, nanomechanics and optoelectronics.
Characterization of Cyclooxygenase-2 and its induction pathways in response to high lipid diet-induced inflammation in Larmichthys crocea
Authors: Wang Tianjiao , Yan Jing , Xu Wei , Ai Qinghui , Mai Kangsen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe present study was conducted to investigate the effects of a high-lipid diet (HLD) on cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 expression and the signalling pathways related to low-grade inflammation in the large yellow croaker (Larmichthys crocea). An isolated 2508 bp cDNA clone of cox-2 contained an open reading frame spanning 1827 bp encoding a protein with 608 amino acid residues. The over-expression of cox-2 was consistent with the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in HLD-fed fish. The activation of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) and the nuclear transcription factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signalling pathways in HLD-fed fish and the significant increase of cox-2 promoter-luciferase activity in vitro indicated that AP-1 and NF-κB could combine cox-2 promoter to promote its transcription, respectively. Together, HLD-induced inflammation up-regulates cox-2 expression via JNKs and p38 MAPK-dependent NF-κB and AP-1 pathways. The present study provides important insight into the signal transduction pathways involved in HLD-induced inflammation, which is detrimental to the health and production of fish as well as to the health of fish consumers.
Direct Observation of Defect Range and Evolution in Ion-Irradiated Single Crystalline Ni and Ni Binary Alloys
Authors: Lu Chenyang , Jin Ke , Béland Laurent K. , Zhang Feifei , Yang Taini , Qiao Liang , Zhang Yanwen , Bei Hongbin , Christen Hans M. , Stoller Roger E. , Wang Lumin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractEnergetic ions have been widely used to evaluate the irradiation tolerance of structural materials for nuclear power applications and to modify material properties. It is important to understand the defect production, annihilation and migration mechanisms during and after collision cascades. In this study, single crystalline pure nickel metal and single-phase concentrated solid solution alloys of 50%Ni50%Co (NiCo) and 50%Ni50%Fe (NiFe) without apparent preexisting defect sinks were employed to study defect dynamics under ion irradiation. Both cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy characterization (TEM) and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry channeling (RBS-C) spectra show that the range of radiation-induced defect clusters far exceed the theoretically predicted depth in all materials after high-dose irradiation. Defects in nickel migrate faster than in NiCo and NiFe. Both vacancy-type stacking fault tetrahedra (SFT) and interstitial loops coexist in the same region, which is consistent with molecular dynamics simulations. Kinetic activation relaxation technique (k-ART) simulations for nickel showed that small vacancy clusters, such as di-vacancies and tri-vacancies, created by collision cascades are highly mobile, even at room temperature. The slower migration of defects in the alloy along with more localized energy dissipation of the displacement cascade may lead to enhanced radiation tolerance.
Efficient simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation of high-concentrated N,N-dimethylformamide from water by Paracoccus denitrificans-graphene oxide microcomposites
Authors: Zheng Yuan , Chen Dongyun , Li Najun , Xu Qingfeng , Li Hua , He Jinghui , Lu Jianmei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWater contamination becomes one of the most pervasive environmental issues all over the world in recent years. In this paper, the functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) with copolymers containing methacrylic acid (MAA) and butyl methacrylate (BMA) was investigated to prepare a new microcomposite material (PGO) via free radical solution polymerization. PGO was used for the adsorption of N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) from aqueous solution by utilizing the characteristics of ultralarge surface and the Van der Waals force between DMF molecules and polymers on the surface of PGO. Besides, PGO was used not only a high-capable adsorbent but also a carrier for the immobilization of Paracoccus denitrificans cells in the treatment of high-concentrated DMF. Bacterial cells could immobilized on the PGO (PGO@P. denitrificans) stably by covalent coupling process after acclimatization and high-concentrated DMF (2000 mg/L) could be removed completely and relatively rapidly from aqueous solutions by the simultaneous adsorption-biodegradation (SAB) process of PGO@P. denitrificans. Furthermore, the excellent recycle performance of PGO@P. denitrificans made the whole process more economical and practical.
Clay mineralogy indicates a mildly warm and humid living environment for the Miocene hominoid from the Zhaotong Basin, Yunnan, China
Authors: Zhang Chunxia , Guo Zhengtang , Deng Chenglong , Ji Xueping , Wu Haibin , Paterson Greig A. , Chang Lin , Li Qin , Wu Bailing , Zhu Rixiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGlobal and regional environmental changes have influenced the evolutionary processes of hominoid primates, particularly during the Miocene. Recently, a new Lufengpithecus cf. lufengensis hominoid fossil with a late Miocene age of ~6.2 Ma was discovered in the Shuitangba (STB) section of the Zhaotong Basin in Yunnan on the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau. To understand the relationship between paleoclimate and hominoid evolution, we have studied sedimentary, clay mineralogy and geochemical proxies for the late Miocene STB section (~16 m thick; ca. 6.7–6.0 Ma). Our results show that Lufengpithecus cf. lufengensis lived in a mildly warm and humid climate in a lacustrine or swamp environment. Comparing mid to late Miocene records from hominoid sites in Yunnan, Siwalik in Pakistan and tropical Africa we find that ecological shifts from forest to grassland in Siwalik are much later than in tropical Africa, consistent with the disappearance of hominoid fossils. However, no significant vegetation changes are found in Yunnan during the late Miocene, which we suggest is the result of uplift of the Tibetan plateau combined with the Asian monsoon geographically and climatically isolating these regions. The resultant warm and humid conditions in southeastern China offered an important refuge for Miocene hominoids.
Huaier extract suppresses breast cancer via regulating tumor-associated macrophages
Authors: Li Yaming , Qi Wenwen , Song Xiaojin , Lv Shangge , Zhang Hanwen , Yang Qifeng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMacrophages in tumor microenvironment are mostly M2-polarized - and have been reported to promote tumorigenesis, which are also defined as tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Here, we examined the regulatory effects of Huaier extract on TAMs using RAW264.7 murine macrophage cell line. Our data demonstrated that Huaier extract could inhibit the infiltration of macrophages into tumor microenvironment in a dose-dependent manner. By performing RT-PCR, immunofluorescence and phagocytosis assay, we were able to find that Huaier extract could regulate the polarization of macrophages, with decreased M2-polarization and increased phagocytosis of RAW264.7 cells. Moreover, we identified that Huaier extract could suppress macrophages-induced angiogenesis by using HUVEC migration assay, tube formation and chorioallantoic membrane assay. Additionally, western blotting showed decreased expression of MMP2, MMP9 and VEGF with the use of Huaier extract. Finally, we found that Huaier extract could inhibit M2-macrophages infiltration and angiogenesis through treating 4T1 tumor bearing mice with Huaier extract. Our study revealed a novel mechanism of the anti-tumor effect of Huaier extract which inhibited angiogenesis by targeting TAMs. These findings provided that Huaier was a promising drug for clinical treatment of breast cancer.
Serum Adipsin Levels throughout Normal Pregnancy and Preeclampsia
Authors: Poveda Natalia E. , Garcés María F. , Ruiz-Linares Carlos E. , Varón Diana , Valderrama Sergio , Sanchez Elizabeth , Castiblanco-Cortes Adriana , Agudelo-Zapata Yessica , Sandoval-Alzate Héctor Fabio , Leal Luis G. , Ángel-Müller Edith , Ruíz-Parra Ariel I. , González-Clavijo Angélica M. , Diéguez Carlos , Nogueiras Rubén , Caminos Jorge E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAdipsin is a protease produced at high levels by adipose tissue. It is involved in complement activation and metabolic control. The objective of this study was to determine the changes in adipsin levels during different stages of normal pregnancy and its association with obstetric outcomes, such as preeclampsia. This nested case-control study in a longitudinal cohort included normal pregnant (n = 54) and preeclamptic (n = 18) women, both followed throughout pregnancy. Additionally, some of the normal pregnant women were followed up three months postpartum (n = 18). Healthy non-pregnant women were also studied during their menstrual cycle (n = 20). The results of this study show that in healthy non-pregnant women, adipsin levels did not change significantly during the menstrual cycle. In normal pregnant women, adipsin levels were lower (p < 0.01) when compared with non-pregnant healthy women, but these serum levels increased again during postpartum (p < 0.001). Adipsin levels were significantly elevated in preeclamptic women in late pregnancy (P < 0.01). A significant correlation was not found between leptin and adipsin during the three periods of gestation studied in healthy pregnant and preeclamptic women. Our results suggest that adipsin may be involved in pregnancy-associated metabolic changes. Moreover, the increase of adipsin levels towards late gestation in preeclamptic women could be related to the pathophysiology of this disease.
Streptomyces thermoautotrophicus does not fix nitrogen
Authors: MacKellar Drew , Lieber Lucas , Norman Jeffrey S. , Bolger Anthony , Tobin Cory , Murray James W. , Oksaksin Mehtap , Chang Roger L. , Ford Tyler J. , Nguyen Peter Q. , Woodward Jimmy , Permingeat Hugo R. , Joshi Neel S. , Silver Pamela A. , Usadel Björn , Rutherford Alfred W. , Friesen Maren L. , Prell Jürgen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStreptomyces thermoautotrophicusUBT1 has been described as a moderately thermophilic chemolithoautotroph with a novel nitrogenase enzyme that is oxygen-insensitive. We have cultured the UBT1 strain and have isolated two new strains (H1 and P1-2) of very similar phenotypic and genetic characters. These strains show minimal growth on ammonium-free media and fail to incorporate isotopically labeled N2gas into biomass in multiple independent assays. Thesdngenes previously published as the putative nitrogenase ofS. thermoautotrophicushave little similarity to anything found in draft genome sequences, published here, for strains H1 and UBT1, but share >99% nucleotide identity with genes fromHydrogenibacillus schlegelii, a draft genome for which is also presented here.H. schlegeliisimilarly lacks nitrogenase genes and is a non-diazotroph. We propose reclassification of the species containing strains UBT1, H1 and P1-2 as a non-Streptomycete, non-diazotrophic, facultative chemolithoautotroph and conclude that the existence of the previously proposed oxygen-tolerant nitrogenase is extremely unlikely.
Singlet oxygen production in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii under heat stress
Authors: Prasad Ankush , Ferretti Ursula , Sedlářová Michaela , Pospíšil Pavel 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn the current study, singlet oxygen formation by lipid peroxidation induced by heat stress (40 °C) was studied in vivo in unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. Primary and secondary oxidation products of lipid peroxidation, hydroperoxide and malondialdehyde, were generated under heat stress as detected using swallow-tailed perylene derivative fluorescence monitored by confocal laser scanning microscopy and high performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Lipid peroxidation was initiated by enzymatic reaction as inhibition of lipoxygenase by catechol and caffeic acid prevented hydroperoxide formation. Ultra-weak photon emission showed formation of electronically excited species such as triplet excited carbonyl, which, upon transfer of excitation energy, leads to the formation of either singlet excited chlorophyll or singlet oxygen. Alternatively, singlet oxygen is formed by direct decomposition of hydroperoxide via Russell mechanisms. Formation of singlet oxygen was evidenced by the nitroxyl radical 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl detected by electron paramagnetic resonance spin-trapping spectroscopy and the imaging of green fluorescence of singlet oxygen sensor green detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Suppression of singlet oxygen formation by lipoxygenase inhibitors indicates that singlet oxygen may be formed via enzymatic lipid peroxidation initiated by lipoxygenase.
Proteome-wide survey of the autoimmune target repertoire in autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1
Authors: Landegren Nils , Sharon Donald , Freyhult Eva , Hallgren Åsa , Eriksson Daniel , Edqvist Per-Henrik , Bensing Sophie , Wahlberg Jeanette , Nelson Lawrence M. , Gustafsson Jan , Husebye Eystein S. , Anderson Mark S. , Snyder Michael , Kämpe Olle 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAutoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a monogenic disorder that features multiple autoimmune disease manifestations. It is caused by mutations in the Autoimmune regulator (AIRE) gene, which promote thymic display of thousands of peripheral tissue antigens in a process critical for establishing central immune tolerance. We here used proteome arrays to perform a comprehensive study of autoimmune targets in APS1. Interrogation of established autoantigens revealed highly reliable detection of autoantibodies and by exploring the full panel of more than 9000 proteins we further identified MAGEB2 and PDILT as novel major autoantigens in APS1. Our proteome-wide assessment revealed a marked enrichment for tissue-specific immune targets, mirroring AIRE’s selectiveness for this category of genes. Our findings also suggest that only a very limited portion of the proteome becomes targeted by the immune system in APS1, which contrasts the broad defect of thymic presentation associated with AIRE-deficiency and raises novel questions what other factors are needed for break of tolerance.
Enhanced waste activated sludge digestion using a submerged anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor: performance, sludge characteristics and microbial community
Authors: Yu Hongguang , Wang Zhiwei , Wu Zhichao , Zhu Chaowei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAnaerobic digestion (AD) plays an important role in waste activated sludge (WAS) treatment; however, conventional AD (CAD) process needs substantial improvements, especially for the treatment of WAS with low solids content and poor anaerobic biodegradability. Herein, we propose a submerged anaerobic dynamic membrane bioreactor (AnDMBR) for simultaneous WAS thickening and digestion without any pretreatment. During the long-term operation, the AnDMBR exhibited an enhanced sludge reduction and improved methane production over CAD process. Moreover, the biogas generated in the AnDMBR contained higher methane content than CAD process. Stable carbon isotopic signatures elucidated the occurrence of combined methanogenic pathways in the AnDMBR process, in which hydrogenotrophic methanogenic pathway made a larger contribution to the total methane production. It was also found that organic matter degradation was enhanced in the AnDMBR, thus providing more favorable substrates for microorganisms. Pyrosequencing revealed that Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes were abundant in bacterial communities and Methanosarcina and Methanosaeta in archaeal communities, which played an important role in the AnDMBR system. This study shed light on the enhanced digestion of WAS using AnDMBR technology.
High Performance Transparent Transistor Memory Devices Using Nano-Floating Gate of Polymer/ZnO Nanocomposites
Authors: Shih Chien-Chung , Lee Wen-Ya , Chiu Yu-Cheng , Hsu Han-Wen , Chang Hsuan-Chun , Liu Cheng-Liang , Chen Wen-Chang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNano-floating gate memory devices (NFGM) using metal nanoparticles (NPs) covered with an insulating polymer have been considered as a promising electronic device for the next-generation nonvolatile organic memory applications NPs. However, the transparency of the device with metal NPs is restricted to 60~70% due to the light absorption in the visible region caused by the surface plasmon resonance effects of metal NPs. To address this issue, we demonstrate a novel NFGM using the blends of hole-trapping poly (9-(4-vinylphenyl) carbazole) (PVPK) and electron-trapping ZnO NPs as the charge storage element. The memory devices exhibited a remarkably programmable memory window up to 60 V during the program/erase operations, which was attributed to the trapping/detrapping of charge carriers in ZnO NPs/PVPK composite. Furthermore, the devices showed the long-term retention time (>105 s) and WRER test (>200 cycles), indicating excellent electrical reliability and stability. Additionally, the fabricated transistor memory devices exhibited a relatively high transparency of 90% at the wavelength of 500 nm based on the spray-coated PEDOT:PSS as electrode, suggesting high potential for transparent organic electronic memory devices.
Cocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla) water extract inhibits adipocyte differentiation in mouse 3T3-L1 preadipocytes
Authors: Li Kai Kai , Liu Chuek Lun , Shiu Hoi Ting , Wong Hing Lok , Siu Wing Sum , Zhang Cheng , Han Xiao Qiang , Ye Chuang Xing , Leung Ping Chung , Ko Chun Hay 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCocoa tea (Camellia ptilophylla) is a naturally decaffeinated tea plant. Previously we found that cocoa tea demonstrated a beneficial effect against high-fat diet induced obesity, hepatic steatosis and hyperlipidemia in mice. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-adipogenic effect of cocoa tea in vitro using preadipocytes 3T3-L1. Adipogenic differentiation was confirmed by Oil Red O stain, qPCR and Western blot. Our results demonstrated that cocoa tea significantly inhibited triglyceride accumulation in mature adipocytes in a dose-dependent manner. Cocoa tea was shown to suppress the expressions of key adipogenic transcription factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR γ) and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein (C/EBP α). The tea extract was subsequently found to reduce the expressions of adipocyte-specific genes such as sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), Acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), fatty acid translocase (FAT) and stearoylcoenzyme A desaturase-1 (SCD-1). In addition, JNK, ERK and p38 phosphorylation were inhibited during cocoa tea inhibition of 3T3-L1 adipogenic differentiation. Taken together, this is the first study that demonstrates cocoa tea has the capacity to suppress adipogenesis in pre-adipocyte 3T3-L1 similar to traditional green tea
miR-150 regulates obesity-associated insulin resistance by controlling B cell functions
Authors: Ying Wei , Tseng Alexander , Chang Richard Cheng-An , Wang Haiqing , Lin Yu-lieh , Kanameni Srikanth , Brehm Tyler , Morin Andrew , Jones Benjamin , Splawn Taylor , Criscitiello Michael , Golding Michael C. , Bazer Fuller W. , Safe Stephen , Zhou Beiyan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAdipose tissue resident B cells account for more than 20% of stromal cells within visceral adipose tissues; however, their functions in the adipose tissue niche are poorly elucidated. Here we report that miR-150 modulates adipose tissue function by controlling activation of B cells and their interactions with other immune cells. miR-150KO mice displayed exacerbated obesity-associated tissue inflammation and systemic insulin resistance, which is recapitulated by adoptive transfer of B cells, but not purified immunoglobulin, into obese Bnull mice. Using purified cell populations, we found that enhanced proinflammatory activation of adipose tissue T cells and macrophages was due to miR-150KO B cells action but not cell-autologous mechanisms. miR-150KO B cells displayed significantly enhanced antigen presentation upon stimulation, ultimately leading to elevated inflammation and insulin resistance, compared to wild type B cells. Knockdown of identified miR-150 target genes, Elk1, Etf1 or Myb attenuated B cell action by altering B cell receptor pathways and MHCII cell surface presentation. Our results demonstrate a critical role for miR-150 in regulating B cell functions in adipose tissue which ultimately regulate both metabolic and immunologic homeostasis in the adipose tissue niche.