bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dwarfism in homozygous Agc1CreERT mice is associated with decreased expression of aggrecan
Authors: Rashid Harunur , Chen Haiyan , Hassan Quamarul , Javed Amjad 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAggrecan (Acan), a large proteoglycan is abundantly expressed in cartilage tissue. Disruption of Acan gene causes dwarfism and perinatal lethality of homozygous mice. Because of sustained expression of Acan in the growth plate and articular cartilage, AgcCre model has been developed for the regulated ablation of target gene in chondrocytes. In this model, the IRES‐CreERT‐Neo‐pgk transgene is knocked‐in the 3′UTR of the Acan gene. We consistently noticed variable weight and size among the AgcCre littermates, prompting us to examine the cause of this phenotype. Wild‐type, Cre‐heterozygous (Agc+/Cre), and Cre‐homozygous (AgcCre/Cre) littermates were indistinguishable at birth. However, by 1‐month, AgcCre/Cre mice showed a significant reduction in body weight (18–27%) and body length (19–22%). Low body weight and dwarfism was sustained through adulthood and occurred in both genders. Compared with wild‐type and Agc+/Cre littermates, long bones and vertebrae were shorter in AgcCre/Cre mice. Histological analysis of AgcCre/Cre mice revealed a significant reduction in the length of the growth plate and the thickness of articular cartilage. The amount of proteoglycan deposited in the cartilage of AgcCre/Cre mice was nearly half of the WT littermates. Analysis of gene expression indicates impaired differentiation of chondrocyte in hyaline cartilage of AgcCre/Cre mice. Notably, both Acan mRNA and protein was reduced by 50% in AgcCre/Cre mice. A strong correlation was noted between the level of Acan mRNA and the body length. Importantly, Agc+/Cre mice showed no overt skeletal phenotype. Thus to avoid misinterpretation of data, only the Agc+/Cre mice should be used for conditional deletion of a target gene in the cartilage tissue.
Long‐term agricultural management does not alter the evolution of a soybean–rhizobium mutualism
Authors: Schmidt Jennifer E. , Weese Dylan J. , Lau Jennifer A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLeguminous crops, like soybeans, often rely on biologically fixed nitrogen via their symbiosis with rhizobia rather than synthetic nitrogen inputs. However, agricultural management practices may influence the effectiveness of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). While the ecological effects of agricultural management on rhizobia have received some attention, the evolutionary effects have been neglected in comparison. Resource mutualism theory predicts that evolutionary effects are likely, however. Both fertilization and tillage are predicted to cause the evolution of rhizobia that provide fewer growth benefits to plant hosts and fix less nitrogen. This study capitalized on a Long‐Term Ecological Research experiment that manipulated agricultural management practices in a corn‐soybean‐wheat row crop system for 24 yr to investigate whether four different management practices (conventional, no‐till, low chemical input, and certified organic) cause rhizobia populations to evolve to become more or less cooperative. We found little evidence that 24 yr of varying management practices affect the net growth benefits rhizobia provide to soybeans, although soybean plants inoculated with soils collected from conventional treatments tended to have lower BNF rates than plants inoculated with soils from the no‐till, low input, and organic management treatments. These findings suggest that rhizobia will continue to provide adequate growth benefits to leguminous crops in the future, even in intensively managed systems.
Associations between eating disorder related symptoms and participants’ utilization of an individualized Internet‐based prevention and early intervention program
Authors: Kindermann Sally , Moessner Markus , Ozer Fikret , Bauer Stephanie 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectiveFlexible, individualized interventions allow participants to adjust the intensity of support to their current needs. Between‐persons, participants with greater needs can receive more intense support, within‐persons, participants can adjust utilization to their current level of symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to analyze associations between ED‐related symptoms and utilization of the individualized program ProYouth both between‐ and within‐persons, aiming to investigate whether participants adapt utilization intensity to their current needs.MethodGeneralized estimated equations (GEEs) were used to analyze log data on program utilization (monthly page visits, monthly use of chats and forum) assessed via server logs and self‐reported data on ED‐related symptoms from N = 394 ProYouth participants who provided longitudinal data for at least two months.ResultsBetween‐persons, page visits per month were significantly associated with compensatory behavior, body dissatisfaction, and binge eating. Monthly use of the more intense modules with personal support chat and forum was associated with the frequency of compensatory behavior. Within‐persons, unbalanced nutrition and dieting showed the strongest associations with monthly page visits. Monthly use of chats and forum was significantly associated with compensatory behavior and unbalanced nutrition and dieting.DiscussionResults indicate that program utilization is associated with ED‐related symptoms between‐ as well as within‐persons. The individualized, flexible approach of ProYouth thus seems to be a promising way for Internet‐based provision of combined prevention and early intervention programs addressing ED.
BAFF augments IgA2 and IL‐10 production by TLR7/8 stimulated total peripheral blood B cells
Authors: den Hartog Gerco , van Osch Thijs L.J. , Vos Martijn , Meijer Ben , Savelkoul Huub F.J. , van Neerven R.J. Joost , Brugman Sylvia 
Published: September 2017

AbstractClass‐switching of B cells to IgA can be induced via both T‐cell‐dependent and T‐cell‐independent mechanisms. IgA is most predominantly produced mucosally and is important for combating infections and allergies. In contrast to mice, humans have two forms of IgA; IgA1 and IgA2 with diverse tissue distribution. In early life, IgA levels might be sub‐optimal especially during the fall season when bacterial and viral infections are more common. Therefore, we investigated using human B cells whether T‐cell‐independent factors ‐promoting cell survival, class switching and immunoglobulin secretion‐ BAFF, APRIL, IL‐10 and retinoic acid can boost IgA production in the context of viral or bacterial infection. To this end total and naive peripheral blood B cells were stimulated with these factors for 6 days in the presence or absence of TLR7/8 agonist R848 (mimicking viral infection) or TLR9 agonist CpG‐ODN (mimicking bacterial infection). We show that BAFF significantly augments IgA2 production in TLR7/8 stimulated mature, but not naïve B cells. In addition, BAFF augments IL‐10 production and viability in TLR7/8 and TLR9 stimulated mature B cells. These data warrant further investigation of its role in immune regulation both in the periphery and mucosal tissues in early life or during disease.
The two‐sided nature of individual and intragroup experiences in the aftermath of collective victimization: Findings from four diaspora groups
Authors: Vollhardt Johanna Ray , Nair Rashmi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractMost social psychological research on collective victimhood has examined its consequences for intergroup relations. Less attention has been paid to individual and intragroup processes associated with collective victimization, which the present study aimed to examine. We conducted eight focus group interviews among four diaspora communities (Armenian Americans, Burundian refugees, Jewish Americans, Nepali‐speaking Bhutanese refugees) with historical or more recent experiences of collective victimization. Thematic analysis revealed three major foci shared across communities (but with different emphases within each focus), which included juxtaposed themes that highlight the two‐sided nature of experiencing and coping with collective victimization and its aftermath: Vulnerability and struggle versus resilience and strength, loss versus continuity and renewal, and silence about versus transmission of knowledge about ingroup victimization. These findings illustrate how groups integrate seemingly opposite poles of collective victimization that characterize this complex and multifaceted experience, which has important theoretical implications.
Does the permeability of gravel river beds affect near‐bed hydrodynamics?
Authors: Cooper James R. , Ockleford Annie , Rice Stephen P. , Powell D. Mark 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe permeability of river beds is an important control on hyporheic flow and the movement of fine sediment and solutes into and out of the bed. However, relatively little is known about the effect of bed permeability on overlying near‐bed flow dynamics, and thus on fluid advection at the sediment–water interface. This study provides the first quantification of this effect for water‐worked gravel beds. Laboratory experiments in a recirculating flume revealed that flows over permeable beds exhibit fundamental differences compared with flows over impermeable beds of the same topography. The turbulence over permeable beds is less intense, more organised and more efficient at momentum transfer because eddies are more coherent. Furthermore, turbulent kinetic energy is lower, meaning that less energy is extracted from the mean flow by this turbulence. Consequently, the double‐averaged velocity is higher and the bulk flow resistance is lower over permeable beds, and there is a difference in how momentum is conveyed from the overlying flow to the bed surface. The main implications of these results are three‐fold. First, local pressure gradients, and therefore rates of material transport, across the sediment–water interface are likely to differ between impermeable and permeable beds. Second, near‐bed and hyporheic flows are unlikely to be adequately predicted by numerical models that represent the bed as an impermeable boundary. Third, more sophisticated flow resistance models are required for coarse‐grained rivers that consider not only the bed surface but also the underlying permeable structure. Overall, our results suggest that the effects of bed permeability have critical implications for hyporheic exchange, fluvial sediment dynamics and benthic habitat availability. © 2017 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Protease activated receptor 2 controls myelin development, resiliency and repair
Authors: Yoon Hyesook , Radulovic Maja , Walters Grant , Paulsen Alex R. , Drucker Kristen , Starski Phillip , Wu Jianmin , Fairlie David P. , Scarisbrick Isobel A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOligodendrocytes are essential regulators of axonal energy homeostasis and electrical conduction and emerging target cells for restoration of neurological function. Here we investigate the role of protease activated receptor 2 (PAR2), a unique protease activated G protein‐coupled receptor, in myelin development and repair using the spinal cord as a model. Results demonstrate that genetic deletion of PAR2 accelerates myelin production, including higher proteolipid protein (PLP) levels in the spinal cord at birth and higher levels of myelin basic protein and thickened myelin sheaths in adulthood. Enhancements in spinal cord myelin with PAR2 loss‐of‐function were accompanied by increased numbers of Olig2‐ and CC1‐positive oligodendrocytes, as well as in levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), and extracellular signal related kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling. Parallel promyelinating effects were observed after blocking PAR2 expression in purified oligodendrocyte cultures, whereas inhibiting adenylate cyclase reversed these effects. Conversely, PAR2 activation reduced PLP expression and this effect was prevented by brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a promyelinating growth factor that signals through cAMP. PAR2 knockout mice also showed improved myelin resiliency after traumatic spinal cord injury and an accelerated pattern of myelin regeneration after focal demyelination. These findings suggest that PAR2 is an important controller of myelin production and regeneration, both in the developing and adult spinal cord.
Association of gout and depression: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lin Song , Zhang Huaqi , Ma Aiguo 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveSeveral studies have shown that gout is associated with depression symptoms. In this study, a systematic review and meta‐analysis was performed to explore the relationship between gout and depression.MethodsPublished articles were identified through a comprehensive review of PUBMED and EMBASE. Data from studies reporting relative risks, odds ratios, or hazard ratios comparing the risk of depression among participants who had gout versus those without gout were analyzed. A random‐effect model was used to calculate pooled odds ratios and 95% confident intervals (CI).ResultsSeven studies, which included 411 745 participants, aligned with our inclusion criteria and were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled analysis showed an association between gout and depression, with an odds ratio of 1.19 (95%CI, 1.11, 1.29; I2 = 60.2%). Subgroup‐analysis adjusted (or not) by study type or study quality showed a statistically significant association of gout and depression in all subgroups. Sensitivity analysis by 1‐study removed analysis, excluding articles of self‐reported gout assessment or male‐only, confirmed the robustness of our results.ConclusionOur meta‐analysis demonstrates a positive association between gout and depression. Further large‐scale prospective cohort studies are needed to investigate the causality between gout and depression.
“Discrete peaks” of excitability and map overlap reveal task‐specific organization of primary motor cortex for control of human forearm muscles
Authors: Massé‐Alarie Hugo , Bergin Michael J.G. , Schneider Cyril , Schabrun Siobhan , Hodges Paul W. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe primary motor cortex (M1) presents a somatotopic organization of body parts, but with overlap between muscle/movement representations. This distinct but overlapping M1 organization is believed to be important for individuated control and movement coordination, respectively. Discrete peaks of greater excitability observed within M1 might underpin organization of cortical motor control. This study aimed to examine interactions between M1 representations of synergist and antagonist forearm muscles, compare regions of greater excitability during different functional tasks, and compare characteristics of M1 representation recorded using surface and fine‐wire (fw) electrodes. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over M1 for mapping the representation of 4 forearm muscles (extensor carpi radialis brevis [ECRB], extensor digitorum communis, flexor carpi radialis, and flexor digitorum superficialis) during three tasks: rest, grip, and wrist extension in 14 participants. There are three main findings. First, discrete areas of peak excitability within the M1 representation of ECRBfw were identified during grip and wrist extension suggesting that different M1 areas are involved in different motor functions. Second, M1 representations of synergist muscles presented with greater overlap of M1 representations than muscles with mainly antagonist actions, which suggests a role in muscle coordination. Third, as larger normalized map volume and overlap were observed using surface than fine‐wire electrodes, data suggest that cross‐talk from adjacent muscles compromised interpretation of recordings made with surface electrodes in response to TMS. These results provide a novel understanding of the spatial organization of M1 with evidence of “functional somatotopy.” This has important implications for cortical control of movement. Hum Brain Mapp 38:6118–6132, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
5‐HTTLPR moderates the association between interdependence and brain responses to mortality threats
Authors: Luo Siyang , Yu Dian , Han Shihui 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWhile behavioral research suggests an association between cultural worldview and decreased anxiety of death, the underlying neurobiological mechanisms remain unclear. Using functional MRI, we investigated whether and how the serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5‐HTTLPR), which has been associated with mental disorders such as anxiety and depression, moderates the associations between a cultural trait (i.e., interdependence) and self‐report of death anxiety/depression and between interdependence and brain responses to mortality threats. Long/long and short/short allele carriers of the 5‐HTTLPR were scanned using fMRI while they performed a one‐back task on death‐related, death‐unrelated negative, and neutral words. Participants’ interdependence and death anxiety/depression were assessed using questionnaires after scanning. We found that participants who assessed themselves with greater interdependence reported lower death anxiety/depression and showed decreased neural response to death‐related words in emotion‐related brain regions including the anterior cingulate, putamen, and thalamus. However, these results were evident in long/long allele carriers of the 5‐HTTLPR but not in short/short allele carriers who even showed positive associations between interdependence and neural activities in the anterior cingulate, putamen and thalamus in response to death‐related words. Our findings suggest candidate mechanisms for explaining the complex relationship between genotype, cultural traits, and mental/neural responses to mortality threats. Hum Brain Mapp 38:6157–6171, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Disruption of perineuronal nets increases the frequency of sharp wave ripple events
Authors: Sun Zhi Yong , Bozzelli P. Lorenzo , Caccavano Adam , Allen Megan , Balmuth Jason , Vicini Stefano , Wu Jian‐Young , Conant Katherine 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHippocampal sharp wave ripples (SWRs) represent irregularly occurring synchronous neuronal population events that are observed during phases of rest and slow wave sleep. SWR activity that follows learning involves sequential replay of training‐associated neuronal assemblies and is critical for systems level memory consolidation. SWRs are initiated by CA2 or CA3 pyramidal cells (PCs) and require initial excitation of CA1 PCs as well as participation of parvalbumin (PV) expressing fast spiking (FS) inhibitory interneurons. These interneurons are relatively unique in that they represent the major neuronal cell type known to be surrounded by perineuronal nets (PNNs), lattice like structures composed of a hyaluronin backbone that surround the cell soma and proximal dendrites. Though the function of the PNN is not completely understood, previous studies suggest it may serve to localize glutamatergic input to synaptic contacts and thus influence the activity of ensheathed cells. Noting that FS PV interneurons impact the activity of PCs thought to initiate SWRs, and that their activity is critical to ripple expression, we examine the effects of PNN integrity on SWR activity in the hippocampus. Extracellular recordings from the stratum radiatum of horizontal murine hippocampal hemisections demonstrate SWRs that occur spontaneously in CA1. As compared with vehicle, pre‐treatment (120 min) of paired hemislices with hyaluronidase, which cleaves the hyaluronin backbone of the PNN, decreases PNN integrity and increases SWR frequency. Pre‐treatment with chondroitinase, which cleaves PNN side chains, also increases SWR frequency. Together, these data contribute to an emerging appreciation of extracellular matrix as a regulator of neuronal plasticity and suggest that one function of mature perineuronal nets could be to modulate the frequency of SWR events.
Synthesis of Monothiomalonates – Versatile Thioester Enolate Equivalents for C–C Bond Formations
Authors: Engl Oliver D. , Saadi Jakub , Cosimi Elena , Wennemers Helma 
Published: September 2017

Monothiomalonates (MTMs) are surrogates of thioester enolates that allow for stereoselective C–C bond formations under mild conditions and thereby afford access to synthetically versatile thioester derivatives. Here we present a straightforward synthetic route to MTMs that proceeds through nucleophilic ring‐opening of Meldrum's acid derivatives followed by O‐alkylation of the resulting malonic acid half thioesters with alkyl triflates or acetimidates as electrophiles. The method affords MTMs in overall yields of 34 – 92% and allows for variations of the oxo‐ and thioester moieties as well as the substituent at the C(α) position.
Construction of human induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived oriented bone matrix microstructure by using in vitro engineered anisotropic culture model
Authors: Ozasa Ryosuke , Matsugaki Aira , Isobe Yoshihiro , Saku Taro , Yun Hui‐Suk , Nakano Takayoshi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBone tissue has anisotropic microstructure based on collagen/biological apatite orientation, which plays essential roles in the mechanical and biological functions of bone. However, obtaining an appropriate anisotropic microstructure during the bone regeneration process remains a great challenging. A powerful strategy for the control of both differentiation and structural development of newly‐formed bone is required in bone tissue engineering, in order to realize functional bone tissue regeneration. In this study, we developed a novel anisotropic culture model by combining human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and artificially‐controlled oriented collagen scaffold. The oriented collagen scaffold allowed hiPSCs‐derived osteoblast alignment and further construction of anisotropic bone matrix which mimics the bone tissue microstructure. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report showing the construction of bone mimetic anisotropic bone matrix microstructure from hiPSCs. Moreover, we demonstrated for the first time that the hiPSCs‐derived osteoblasts possess a high level of intact functionality to regulate cell alignment. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 360–369, 2018.
Surface modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene by plasma‐induced in‐situ grafting with vinyl triethoxysilane
Authors: Meng Chenbo , Chen Yangmei , Xie Meiju , Yu Zili , Yang Bangcheng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUltrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is an excellent material with high performance, but it is very difficult to covalently introduce functional groups on its surface owing to its inherently inert structure, which constrains its further application. In this study, vinyl triethoxysilane (VTEOS) containing hydrolysable alkoxyl groups was in situ grafted on UHMWPE by air plasma treatment. The plasma treatment conditions for VTEOS grafting were optimized. The structure of the modified UHMWPE was characterized with FTIR and XPS. The relatively high VTEOS content was obtained when the treating conditions were about 20 W, 125 Pa for 10 min. And FTIR results showed that the grafted structure on the surface was stable for long time duration in the ambient environment. After the treatment, the roughness of the surface increased and the water contact angle of the modified sample dropped to 47.5° from 92.8° of the unmodified one. TGA and XRD results indicated that plasma treatment would not change the bulk structure of UHMWPE greatly. Cell culture experiments showed that fibroblasts on the modified samples had notably high viability and proliferation rate with good adhesion shape. Hence, it might be an effective method to improve the surface properties of UHMWPE for biomedical applications by plasma‐induced in‐situ grafting with VTEOS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A: 321–332, 2018.