bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Delphinium anthriscifolium var. majus
Authors: Shan Lian-Hai , Zhang Ji-Fa , Gao Feng , Huang Shuai , Zhou Xian-Li 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExtensive phytochemical investigation on the whole herbs of Delphinium anthriscifolium var. majus led to the identification of fourteen diterpenoid alkaloids, including three new C20–diterpenoid alkaloids (anthriscifolsines A–C, 1–3), six new C19–diterpenoid alkaloids (anthriscifolrines A–F, 4–9), and five know compounds (10–14). Among them, anthriscifolsine A represents a novel C20–diterpenoid alkaloid characterized by a seco C–ring. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic methods, including HR-ESI–MS, X–ray, and 1D and 2D NMR experiments. Bioactivity of compounds 3–6 was evaluated for their cytotoxicity against the MCF–7, HepG2 and H460 cancer cell lines.
Small RNA mediated repression of subtilisin production in Bacillus licheniformis
Authors: Hertel Robert , Meyerjürgens Sandra , Voigt Birgit , Liesegang Heiko , Volland Sonja 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe species Bacillus licheniformis includes important strains that are used in industrial production processes. Currently the physiological model used to adapt these processes is based on the closely related model organism B. subtilis. In this study we found that both organisms reveal significant differences in the regulation of subtilisin, their main natural protease and a product of industrial fermentation processes. We identified and characterized a novel antisense sRNA AprAs, which represents an RNA based repressor of apr, the gene encoding for the industrial relevant subtilisin protease. Reduction of the AprAs level leads to an enhanced proteolytic activity and an increase of Apr protein expression in the mutant strain. A vector based complementation of the AprAs deficient mutant confirmed this effect and demonstrated the necessity of cis transcription for full efficiency. A comparative analysis of the corresponding genome loci from B. licheniformis and B. subtilis revealed the absence of an aprAs promoter in B. subtilis and indicates that AprAs is a B. licheniformis species specific phenomenon. The discovery of AprAs is of great biotechnological interest since subtilisin Carlsberg is one of the main products of industrial fermentation by B. licheniformis.
Plasma-derived exosome characterization reveals a distinct microRNA signature in long duration Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Garcia-Contreras Marta , Shah Sanket H. , Tamayo Alejandro , Robbins Paul D. , Golberg Ronald B. , Mendez Armando J. , Ricordi Camillo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractType 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) results from an autoimmune attack against the insulin-producing ß cells which leads to chronic hyperglycemia. Exosomes are lipid vesicles derived from cellular multivesicular bodies that are enriched in specific miRNAs, potentially providing a disease-specific diagnostic signature. To assess the value of exosome miRNAs as biomarkers for T1DM, miRNA expression in plasma-derived exosomes was measured. Nanoparticle tracking analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of plasma-derived exosomes (EXOs) isolated by differential centrifugation. Total RNA extracted from plasma-derived EXOs of 12 T1DM and 12 control subjects was hybridized onto Nanostring human v2 miRNA microarray array and expression data were analyzed on nSolver analysis software. We found 7 different miRNAs (1 up-regulated and 6 down-regulated), that were differentially expressed in T1DM. The selected candidate miRNAs were validated by qRT-PCR analysis of cohorts of 24 T1DM and 24 control subjects. Most of the deregulated miRNAs are involved in progression of T1DM. These findings highlight the potential of EXOs miRNA profiling in the diagnosis as well as new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in T1DM.
Contingent sounds change the mental representation of one’s finger length
Authors: Tajadura-Jiménez Ana , Vakali Maria , Fairhurst Merle T. , Mandrigin Alisa , Bianchi-Berthouze Nadia , Deroy Ophelia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMental body-representations are highly plastic and can be modified after brief exposure to unexpected sensory feedback. While the role of vision, touch and proprioception in shaping body-representations has been highlighted by many studies, the auditory influences on mental body-representations remain poorly understood. Changes in body-representations by the manipulation of natural sounds produced when one’s body impacts on surfaces have recently been evidenced. But will these changes also occur with non-naturalistic sounds, which provide no information about the impact produced by or on the body? Drawing on the well-documented capacity of dynamic changes in pitch to elicit impressions of motion along the vertical plane and of changes in object size, we asked participants to pull on their right index fingertip with their left hand while they were presented with brief sounds of rising, falling or constant pitches, and in the absence of visual information of their hands. Results show an “auditory Pinocchio” effect, with participants feeling and estimating their finger to be longer after the rising pitch condition. These results provide the first evidence that sounds that are not indicative of veridical movement, such as non-naturalistic sounds, can induce a Pinocchio-like change in body-representation when arbitrarily paired with a bodily action.
Mimicking Paracrine TGFβ1 Signals during Myofibroblast Differentiation in 3D Collagen Networks
Authors: Ansorge Michael , Sapudom Jiranuwat , Chkolnikov Marina , Wilde Martin , Anderegg Ulf , Möller Stephanie , Schnabelrauch Matthias , Pompe Tilo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTGFβ1 is a key regulator for induction of tissue remodeling after dermal wounding. We present a model of paracrine delivery of TGFβ1 for differentiation of dermal fibroblasts based on a fibrillar 3D collagen matrix and embedded TGFβ1 releasing microparticles. We found differentiation into myofibroblasts was achieved in a TGFβ1 dependent manner at much lower doses than systemic delivery. This effect is accounted to the slow and sustained TGFβ1 release mimicking paracrine cell signals.
Microneedle patch delivery of influenza vaccine during pregnancy enhances maternal immune responses promoting survival and long-lasting passive immunity to offspring
Authors: Esser E. Stein , Pulit-Penaloza Joanna A. , Kalluri Haripriya , McAllister Devin , Vassilieva Elena V. , Littauer Elizabeth Q. , Lelutiu Nadia , Prausnitz Mark R. , Compans Richard W. , Skountzou Ioanna 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInfluenza virus causes life-threatening infections in pregnant women and their newborns. Immunization during pregnancy is the most effective means of preventing maternal and infant mortality/morbidity; however, influenza vaccination rates of pregnant women remain under 50%. Furthermore, the availability of vaccines in low-resource populations is limited. Skin immunization with microneedle patches (MN) is a novel and safe vaccination platform featuring thermostable vaccine formulations. Cold-chain independence and the potential for self-administration can expand influenza vaccination coverage in developing countries. In this study of pregnant BALB/c mice immunized with subunit H1N1 influenza vaccine, we demonstrate the advantage of skin vaccination over intramuscular delivery of a two-fold higher vaccine dose. MN vaccine induced superior humoral immune responses and conferred protective immunity against a lethal challenge dose of homologous influenza virus. Importantly, MN vaccination of mice at mid-gestation resulted in enhanced and long-lasting passive immunity of the offspring, measured by neutralizing antibody titers and survival rates after virus challenge. We conclude that skin vaccination using MN is a superior immunization approach with the potential to overcome immune tolerance observed in pregnancy, and lower vaccination costs through antigen dose-sparing, which is especially relevant in underserved countries.
Chronic high-sodium diet intake after weaning lead to neurogenic hypertension in adult Wistar rats
Authors: Gomes Paula Magalhães , Sá Renato Willian Martins , Aguiar Giovana Lopes , Paes Milede Hanner Saraiva , Alzamora Andréia Carvalho , Lima Wanderson Geraldo , de Oliveira Lisandra Brandino , Stocker Sean David , Antunes Vagner Roberto , Cardoso Leonardo M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, we investigated some mechanisms involved in sodium-dependent hypertension of rats exposed to chronic salt (NaCl) intake from weaning until adult age. Weaned male Wistar rats were placed under high (0.90% w/w, HS) or regular (0.27% w/w, Cont) sodium diets for 12 weeks. Water consumption, urine output and sodium excretion were higher in HS rats compared to control. Blood pressure (BP) was directly measured by the arterial catheter and found 13.8% higher in HS vs Cont rats. Ganglionic blockade with hexamethonium caused greater fall in the BP of HS rats (33%), and central antagonism of AT1 receptors (losartan) microinjected into the lateral ventricle reduced BP level of HS, but not of Cont group. Heart rate variability analysis revealed sympathetic prevalence on modulation of the systolic interval. HS diet did not affect creatinine clearance. Kidney histological analysis revealed no significant change in renal corpuscle structure. Sodium and potassium concentrations in CSF were found higher in HS rats despite no change in plasma concentration of these ions. Taken together, data suggest that animals exposed to chronic salt intake to a level close to that reported for human’ diet since weaning lead to hypertension, which appears to rely on sodium-driven neurogenic mechanisms.
Histone deacetylase 3 is required for iNKT cell development
Authors: Thapa Puspa , Romero Arocha Sinibaldo , Chung Ji Young , Sant’Angelo Derek B. , Shapiro Virginia Smith 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNKT cells are a distinct subset that have developmental requirements that often differ from conventional T cells. Here, we show that NKT-specific deletion of Hdac3 results in a severe reduction in the number of iNKT cells, particularly of NKT1 cells. In addition, there is decreased cytokine production by Hdac3-deficient NKT2 and NKT17 cells. Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells have increased cell death that is not rescued by transgenic expression of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL. Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells have less Cyto-ID staining and lower LC3A/B expression, indicative of reduced autophagy. Interestingly, Hdac3-deficient iNKT cells also have lower expression of the nutrient receptors GLUT1, CD71 and CD98, which would increase the need for autophagy when nutrients are limiting. Therefore, Hdac3 is required for iNKT cell development and differentiation.
Bivalent DNA vaccine induces significant immune responses against infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus in rainbow trout
Authors: Xu Liming , Zhao Jingzhuang , Liu Miao , Ren Guangming , Jian Feng , Yin Jiasheng , Feng Ji , Liu Hongbai , Lu Tongyan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInfectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) are important pathogens of salmon and trout. An active bivalent DNA vaccine was constructed with the glycoprotein gene of Chinese IHNV isolate Sn1203 and VP2–VP3 gene of Chinese IPNV isolate ChRtm213. Rainbow trout (5 g) were vaccinated by intramuscular injection with 1.0 µg of the bivalent DNA vaccine and then challenged with an intraperitoneal injection of IHNV, IPNV, or both, at 30 and 60 days post-vaccination (d.p.v.). High protection rates against IHNV were observed, with 6% and 10% cumulative mortality, respectively, compared with 90–94% in the mock-vaccinated groups. IPNV loads (531-fold and 135-fold, respectively) were significantly reduced in the anterior kidneys of the vaccinated trout. Significant protection against co-infection with IHNV and IPNV was observed, with cumulative mortality rates of 6.67% and 3.33%, respectively, compared with 50.0% and 43.3%, respectively, in the mock-vaccinated groups. No detectable infective IHNV or IPNV was recovered from vaccinated trout co-infected with IHNV and IPNV. The bivalent DNA vaccine increased the expression of Mx-1 and IFN-γ at 4, 7, and 15 d.p.v, and IgM at 21 d.p.v., and induced high titres (≥160) of IHNV and IPNV neutralizing antibodies at 30 and 60 d.p.v.
Microwave Tunable Metamaterial Based on Semiconductor-to-Metal Phase Transition
Authors: Zhang Guanqiao , Ma He , Lan Chuwen , Gao Rui , Zhou Ji 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA microwave tunable metamaterial utilizing the semiconductor-to-metal transition of vanadium dioxide (VO2) is proposed, experimentally demonstrated and theoretically scrutinized. Basic concept of the design involves the combination of temperature-dependent hysteresis in VO2 with resonance induced heating, resulting in a nonlinear response to power input. A lithographically prepared gold split-rings resonator (SRR) array deposited with VO2 thin film is fabricated. Transmission spectra analysis shows a clear manifestation of nonlinearity, involving power-dependence of resonant frequency as well as transmitted intensity at both elevated and room temperature. Simulation performed with CST Microwave Studio conforms with the findings. The concept may find applications in transmission modulation and frequency tuning devices working under microwave frequency bands.
Effects of poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) on plant growth and its distribution in a controlled plant-soil system
Authors: Zhang Lei , Yang Xueming , Gao Decai , Wang Lingli , Li Jie , Wei Zhanbo , Shi Yuanliang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo demonstrate the responses of plant (Pakchoi) and soil to poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA) is essential to better understand the pathways of the promotional effect of γ-PGA on plant growth. In this study, the effects of γ-PGA on soil nutrient availability, plant nutrient uptake ability, plant metabolism and its distribution in a plant-soil system were tested using labeled γ-PGA synthesized from 13C1-15N-L-glutamic acid (L-Glu). γ-PGA significantly improved plant uptake of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) and hence increased plant biomass. γ-PGA greatly strengthened the plant nutrient uptake capacity through enhancing both root biomass and activity. γ-PGA affected carbon (C) and N metabolism in plant which was evidenced with increased soluble sugar contents and decreased nitrate and free amino acids contents. About 26.5% of the γ-PGA-N uptake during the first 24 h, after γ-PGA application, was in the form of intact organic molecular. At plant harvest, 29.7% and 59.4% of γ-PGA-15N was recovered in plant and soil, respectively, with a 5.64% of plant N nutrition being derived from γ-PGA-N. The improved plant nutrient uptake capacity and soil nutrient availability by γ-PGA may partly explain the promotional effect of γ-PGA, however, the underlying reason may be closely related to L-Glu.
Preparation of polydopamine-coated graphene oxide/Fe3O4 imprinted nanoparticles for selective removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in water
Authors: Tan Feng , Liu Min , Ren Suyu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAntibiotics in water have recently caused increasing concerns for public health and ecological environments. In this work, we demonstrated polydopamine-coated graphene oxide/Fe3O4 (PDA@GO/Fe3O4) imprinted nanoparticles coupled with magnetic separation for fast and selective removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in water. The nanoparticles were prepared by the self-polymerization of dopamine using sarafloxacin as a template. The imprinted PDA film of 10~20 nm uniformly covered the surface of GO/Fe3O4 providing selective binding sites. The nanoparticles showed rapid binding and a large capacity (70.9 mg/g). The adsorption data fitted well the Langmuir and pseudo-second order kinetic equations. The nanoparticles could be easily separated by a magnet following the adsorption and then regenerated by simple washing for repetitive adsorptions. The nanoparticles were successfully used for the removal of fluoroquinolone antibiotics in seawater, with removal efficiencies of more than 95%. The proposed strategy has potentials for efficient removal of antibiotics in environmental water.
Exploring spatial and temporal trends in the soundscape of an ecologically significant embayment
Authors: Putland R. L. , Constantine R. , Radford C. A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe Hauraki Gulf, a shallow embayment in north-eastern New Zealand, provides an interesting environment for ecological soundscape research. It is situated on a tectonic plate boundary, contains one of the busiest ports in the southern hemisphere and is home to a diverse range of soniferous animals. The underwater soundscape was monitored for spatial and temporal trends at six different listening stations using passive acoustic recorders. The RMS sound pressure level of ambient sound (50–24,000 Hz) at the six listening stations was similar, ranging from 90–110 dB re 1 μPa throughout the recording period. Biophony had distinct temporal patterns and biological choruses of urchins were significantly correlated to temperature. Geophony and biophony followed the acoustic niche hypothesis, where each sound exhibited both temporal and frequency partitioning. Vessel passage sound were identified in 1.9–35.2% of recordings from the different listening stations. Vessel sound recorded in the Hauraki Gulf has the potential to mask concurrent geophony and biophony, sounds that may be important to marine life. This study provides a baseline of ambient sound, useful for future management strategies in shallow embayments where anthropogenic pressure is likewise increasing.
Status, Stress and Performance in Track and Field Athletes during the European Games in Baku (Azerbaijan)
Authors: Siart Benjamin , Nimmerichter Alfred , Vidotto Claudia , Wallner Bernard 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study analyzes the relationship between salivary cortisol and testosterone levels and performance in track and field athletes. In addition, we analyzed the influence of status among athletes (measured based on previous athletic achievement) on hormone levels. Nineteen members of the Austrian track and field team (eleven males, eight females, 25.9 ± 3.9 years of age, 74.9 ± 20.1 kg, and 179.3 ± 10 cm) participated in this study. Data was collected during the European Games in Baku. Athletes delivered saliva samples at various time-points including morning samples and samples directly before and after the competition. Scoring points of the International Association of Athletics Federation were used as an individual measure of relative performance. We found that performance was negatively correlated with rise in testosterone concentrations in the last 24 h prior to the competition. A similar trend was found for cortisol levels, but only when the three least competitive athletes were removed from analysis. Pre-competition cortisol levels were significantly increased compared to measurements 24 h earlier. No effect of status on cortisol or testosterone increase in the same timeframe was found. We conclude that the tournament represented a stressor and that excessive endocrine response was associated with reduced performance.
Transmission line fault classification using modified fuzzy Q learning
Authors: Malik Hasmat , Sharma Rajneesh 
Published: July 2017

The authors propose an adaptive, self‐learning fault classifier based on modified fuzzy Q learning (MFQL) for transmission lines. Proposed MFQL fault classifier is able to achieve very high classification accuracy with relatively small number of samples. The authors’ is a first attempt at designing a fault identifier using reinforcement learning for fault segregation in transmission lines. The authors’ identifier does not assume prior knowledge of transmission line model or target fault information. Raw voltage and current data (supply and load side) is processed using empirical mode decomposition to generate 13 intrinsic mode functions (IMFs’). Classifier employs the J48 algorithm to further prune these 13 IMF's to eight most relevant input variables, which serve as inputs to the MFQL fault classifier. The authors compare performance of the proposed MFQL classifier to other contemporary AI‐based classifiers, e.g. neural networks and support vector machines. Simulation results and performance comparison against other AI‐based classifiers elucidates that the proposed MFQL‐based identifier achieves a significantly higher performance level and could serve as an important tool for transmission line fault diagnosis.
Surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy for tellurium detection by AgNPs‐loaded 3D porous graphene hydrogel
Authors: Zhou Xiaojiao , Gao Jianwei , Huang Hua , Wu Qingsheng , Ji Xiang 
Published: July 2017

A three‐dimensional (3D) graphene hydrogel covered by uniform silver nanoparticles as an effective substrate for surface‐enhanced Raman scattering application was fabricated by facile ethylenediamine‐induced self‐assembly method. The anchor of silver nanoparticles endows the enhanced Raman spectroscopy with the sensitivity and multiplex requirements for the tellurium quick detection using the robust graphene‐based monoliths. The porous structure offers essential channels and space for Te(IV) access. After exposure to Te(IV), the distinguished peak of Te‐O at 584.9 cm−1, which was enhanced significantly and kept constant over a wide range of pH, was selected as the indicative of Te(IV) level. At the optimal pH, the concentration dependent surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy shows that the detection limit was as low as 100 nM.
Current Management of Congenital Pulmonary Airway Malformations: A “European Pediatric Surgeons' Association” Survey
Authors: Morini Francesco , Zani Augusto , Conforti Andrea , van Heurn Ernest , Eaton Simon , Puri Prem , Rintala Risto , Lukac Marija , Kuebler Joachim , Friedmacher Florian , Wijnen Rene , Tovar Juan , Pierro Agostino , Bagolan Pietro 
Published: July 2017

Aim To define current management of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM).
Methods A total of 181 European Pediatric Surgeons' Association members (91% senior) from 48 countries completed an online questionnaire.
Main Results Prenatal: 93% respondents work in centers with prenatal diagnosis facilities, and 27% in centers offering in utero surgery. Prenatal counseling is performed by 86% respondents, 22% of whom see >10 cases per year. Risk of single pre-/postnatal complications is deemed low (<5%) by more than 60% of respondents. Eighty-six percent respondents do not offer pregnancy termination for prenatally diagnosed CPAM. Fetal hydrops is the most frequent indication for termination (87%), followed by parental willingness (52%). Prenatal surgery is an option for 44% respondents, preferring thoracoamniotic shunt (82%).Postnatal: 75% respondents operate on asymptomatic patients, 18% before 6 months of age, 62% between 6 and 12 months of age, and 20% after 12 months of age. Risk of infection (86%), cancer (63%), and symptoms development (62%) are indications for surgery in asymptomatic CPAM. Sixty-three percent prefer a thoracotomy. Lobectomy is the preferred procedure (58% respondents). Motivations against surgery include lesion <1 cm (64%), risk of postoperative complications (37%), and lack of evidence favoring surgery (27%). Seventeen percent respondents have seen at least one patient with CPAM with lung cancer, in 89% of the cases within the CPAM. Of all the respondents, 83% and 22% offered dedicated follow-up and genetic screening, respectively.
Conclusion Current pre- and postnatal management of CPAM lacks uniformity, particularly for surgical indication, timing, and approach. Efforts should be made toward standardization. Risk of CPAM-associated cancer is not clear.