bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of Differentially Expressed Long Non-coding RNAs in Polarized Macrophages
Authors: Huang Zikun , Luo Qing , Yao Fangyi , Qing Cheng , Ye Jianqing , Deng Yating , Li Junming 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMacrophages display remarkable plasticity, with the ability to undergo dynamic transition between classically and alternatively activated phenotypes. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are more than 200 nucleotides in length and play roles in various biological pathways. However, the role of lncRNAs in regulating macrophage polarization has yet to be explored. In this study, lncRNAs expression profiles were determined in human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) incubated in conditions causing activation toward M(IFN-γ + LPS) or M(IL-4) phenotypes. Compared with primary MDMs, 9343 lncRNAs and 5903 mRNAs were deregulated in M(IFN-γ + LPS) group (fold change ≥2.0, P < 0.05), 4592 lncRNAs and 3122 mRNAs were deregulated in M(IL-4) group. RT-qPCR results were generally consistent with the microarray data. Furthermore, we found that TCONS_00019715 is expressed at a higher level in M(IFN-γ + LPS) macrophages than in M(IL-4) macrophages. TCONS_00019715 expression was decreased when M(IFN-γ + LPS) converted to M(IL-4) whereas increased when M(IL-4) converted to M(IFN-γ + LPS). Knockdown of TCONS_00019715 following the activation of THP-1 cellls using IFN-γ and LPS diminished the expression of M(IFN-γ + LPS) markers and elevated the expression of M(IL-4) markers. These data show a significantly altered lncRNA and mRNA expression profile in macrophages exposure to different activating conditions. Dysregulation of some of these lncRNAs may play important roles in regulating macrophage polarization.
Distribution of vascular epiphytes along a tropical elevational gradient: disentangling abiotic and biotic determinants
Authors: Ding Yi , Liu Guangfu , Zang Runguo , Zhang Jian , Lu Xinghui , Huang Jihong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEpiphytic vascular plants are common species in humid tropical forests. Epiphytes are influenced by abiotic and biotic variables, but little is known about the relative importance of direct and indirect effects on epiphyte distribution. We surveyed 70 transects (10 m × 50 m) along an elevation gradient (180 m–1521 m) and sampled all vascular epiphytes and trees in a typical tropical forest on Hainan Island, south China. The direct and indirect effects of abiotic factors (climatic and edaphic) and tree community characteristics on epiphytes species diversity were examined. The abundance and richness of vascular epiphytes generally showed a unimodal curve with elevation and reached maximum value at ca. 1300 m. The species composition in transects from high elevation (above 1200 m) showed a more similar assemblage. Climate explained the most variation in epiphytes species diversity followed by tree community characteristics and soil features. Overall, climate (relative humidity) and tree community characteristics (tree size represented by basal area) had the strongest direct effects on epiphyte diversity while soil variables (soil water content and available phosphorus) mainly had indirect effects. Our study suggests that air humidity is the most important abiotic while stand basal area is the most important biotic determinants of epiphyte diversity along the tropical elevational gradient.
Characterization of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Microvesicle Genesis, Morphology and Pluripotent Content
Authors: Zhou Jing , Ghoroghi Shima , Benito-Martin Alberto , Wu Hao , Unachukwu Uchenna John , Einbond Linda Saxe , Guariglia Sara , Peinado Hector , Redenti Stephen 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMicrovesicles (MVs) are lipid bilayer-covered cell fragments that range in diameter from 30 nm–1uM and are released from all cell types. An increasing number of studies reveal that MVs contain microRNA, mRNA and protein that can be detected in the extracellular space. In this study, we characterized induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) MV genesis, content and fusion to retinal progenitor cells (RPCs) in vitro. Nanoparticle tracking revealed that iPSCs released approximately 2200 MVs cell/hour in the first 12 hrs with an average diameter of 122 nm. Electron and light microscopic analysis of iPSCs showed MV release via lipid bilayer budding. The mRNA content of iPSC MVs was characterized and revealed the presence of the transcription factors Oct-3/4, Nanog, Klf4 and C-Myc. The protein content of iPSCs MVs, detected by immunogold electron microscopy, revealed the presence of the Oct-3/4 and Nanog. Isolated iPSC MVs were shown to fuse with RPCs in vitro at multiple points along the plasma membrane. These findings demonstrate that the mRNA and protein cargo in iPSC MVs have established roles in maintenance of pluripotency. Building on this work, iPSC derived MVs may be shown to be involved in maintaining cellular pluripotency and may have application in regenerative strategies for neural tissue.
Non-invasive Imaging of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Using Cathepsin Protease Probes
Authors: Withana Nimali P. , Ma Xiaowei , McGuire Helen M. , Verdoes Martijn , van der Linden Wouter A. , Ofori Leslie O. , Zhang Ruiping , Li Hao , Sanman Laura E. , Wei Ke , Yao Shaobo , Wu Peilin , Li Fang , Huang Hui , Xu Zuojun , Wolters Paul J. , Rosen Glenn D. , Collard Harold R. , Zhu Zhaohui , Cheng Zhen , Bogyo Matthew 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal, chronic, progressive disease characterized by formation of scar tissue within the lungs. Because it is a disease of unknown etiology, it is difficult to diagnose, to predict disease course and to devise treatment strategies. Recent evidence suggests that activated macrophages play key roles in the pathology of IPF. Therefore, imaging probes that specifically recognize these pools of activated immune cells could provide valuable information about how these cells contribute to the pathobiology of the disease. Here we demonstrate that cysteine cathepsin-targeted imaging probes can be used to monitor the contribution of macrophages to fibrotic disease progression in the bleomycin-induced murine model of pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, we show that the probes highlight regions of macrophage involvement in fibrosis in human biopsy tissues from IPF patients. Finally, we present first-in-human results demonstrating non-invasive imaging of active cathepsins in fibrotic lesions of patients with IPF. Together, our findings validate small molecule cysteine cathepsin probes for clinical PET imaging and suggest that they have the potential to be used to generate mechanistically-informative molecular information regarding cellular drivers of IPF disease severity and progression.
A novel type bacterial flagellar motor that can use divalent cations as a coupling ion
Authors: Imazawa Riku , Takahashi Yuka , Aoki Wataru , Sano Motohiko , Ito Masahiro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe bacterial flagellar motor is a sophisticated nanomachine embedded in the cell envelope and powered by an electrochemical gradient of H+, Na+, or K+across the cytoplasmic membrane. Here we describe a new member of the bacterial flagellar stator channel family (MotAB1 of Paenibacillus sp. TCA20 (TCA-MotAB1)) that is coupled to divalent cations (Ca2+and Mg2+). In the absence of divalent cations of alkaline earth metals, no swimming was observed in Paenibacillus sp. TCA20, which grows optimally in Ca2+-rich environments. This pattern was confirmed by swimming assays of a stator-free Bacillus subtilis mutant expressing TCA-MotAB1. Both a stator-free and major Mg2+uptake system-deleted B. subtilis mutant expressing TCA-MotAB1 complemented both growth and motility deficiency under low Mg2+conditions and exhibited [Mg2+]in identical to that of the wild-type. This is the first report of a flagellar motor that can use Ca2+and Mg2+as coupling ions. These findings will promote the understanding of the operating principles of flagellar motors and molecular mechanisms of ion selectivity.
Rorippa indica Regeneration via Somatic Embryogenesis Involving Frog Egg-like Bodies Efficiently Induced by the Synergy of Salt and Drought Stresses
Authors: Xu Kedong , Chang Yunxia , Zhang Yi , Liu Kun , Zhang Ju , Wang Wei , Li Zhanshuai , Wu Jianxin , Ma Shuya , Xin Yuexing , Li Chunjing , Zhou Qianbei , Qiu Hanhan , Pi Yumei , Wang Youwei , Tan Guangxuan , Li Chengwei 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFrog egg-like bodies (FELBs), novel somatic embryogenesis (SE) structures first observed in Solanum nigrum, were induced in Rorippa indica. NaCl-mediated salt and mannitol-mimicked drought stresses induced FELBs in R. indica, which is very different from the induction by plant growth regulators (PGRs) under low light condition that was used in S. nigrum FELB induction. It demonstrated that NaCl or mannitol supplements alone could induce FELBs in R. indica, but with low induction rates, while the synergy of NaCl and mannitol significantly increased the FELB induction rates. For the combination of 5.0 g/L mannitol and 10.0 g/L NaCl the highest FELB induction rate (100%) was achieved. It suggests that the synergy of drought and salt stresses can replace PGRs to induce FELBs in R. indica. On medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/L gibberellic acid all the inoculated in vitro FELBs developed into multiple plantlets. Morphological and histological analyses confirmed the identity of FELBs induced in R. indica and revealed that FELBs originate from root cortex cells.
Visceral fat dysfunction is positively associated with hypogonadism in Chinese men
Authors: Wang Ningjian , Zhai Hualing , Han Bing , Li Qin , Chen Yi , Chen Yingchao , Xia Fangzhen , Lin Dongping , Lu Yingli 
Published: January 2016

AbstractVisceral adiposity index (VAI) well mirrors visceral fat dysfunction. No study explored the association between low androgen and VAI. We aimed to determine whether VAI was associated with hypogonadism and sex hormones and also whether it better predicted hypogonadism than other obesity indices. Our data were collected from 16 sites in East China. 2,759 men were enrolled. Hypogonadism was defined as total testosterone < 11.3 nmol/L. VAI was calculated in male: (waist circumference/(39.68 + (1.88 × BMI))) × (triglycerides/1.03) × (1.31/HDL). 484 (17.5%) hypogonadal men had significantly higher VAI. After adjusting for age, smoking, neck and hip circumference, diabetes and hypertension, VAI was inversely associated with total testosterone, estradiol and SHBG (P < 0.01). Higher quartiles of VAI were associated with significantly increasing odds of hypogonadism (P for trend < 0.01). The fully adjusted odds ratio was 5.88 (95 CI% 4.09, 8.46) for the highest quartile compared with the lowest quartile of VAI. Among all the indices investigated, VAI showed the largest area under the curve (P < 0.001). In conclusion, the VAI was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of hypogonadism in Chinese men. VAI also best predicted hypogonadism among obesity indices (waist, hip and neck circumference, BMI, waist-hip ratio and body adiposity index).
Chimera-like States in Modular Neural Networks
Authors: Hizanidis Johanne , Kouvaris Nikos E. , Zamora-López Gorka , Díaz-Guilera Albert , Antonopoulos Chris G. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractChimera states, namely the coexistence of coherent and incoherent behavior, were previously analyzed in complex networks. However, they have not been extensively studied in modular networks. Here, we consider a neural network inspired by the connectome of the C. elegans soil worm, organized into six interconnected communities, where neurons obey chaotic bursting dynamics. Neurons are assumed to be connected with electrical synapses within their communities and with chemical synapses across them. As our numerical simulations reveal, the coaction of these two types of coupling can shape the dynamics in such a way that chimera-like states can happen. They consist of a fraction of synchronized neurons which belong to the larger communities and a fraction of desynchronized neurons which are part of smaller communities. In addition to the Kuramoto order parameter ρ, we also employ other measures of coherence, such as the chimera-like χ and metastability λ indices, which quantify the degree of synchronization among communities and along time, respectively. We perform the same analysis for networks that share common features with the C. elegans neural network. Similar results suggest that under certain assumptions, chimera-like states are prominent phenomena in modular networks and might provide insight for the behavior of more complex modular networks.
Combining personal with social information facilitates host defences and explains why cuckoos should be secretive
Authors: Thorogood Rose , Davies Nicholas B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIndividuals often vary defences in response to local predation or parasitism risk. But how should they assess threat levels when it pays their enemies to hide? For common cuckoo hosts, assessing parasitism risk is challenging: cuckoo eggs are mimetic and adult cuckoos are secretive and resemble hawks. Here, we show that egg rejection by reed warblers depends on combining personal and social information of local risk. We presented model cuckoos or controls at a pair’s own nest (personal information of an intruder) and/or on a neighbouring territory, to which they were attracted by broadcasts of alarm calls (social information). Rejection of an experimental egg was stimulated only when hosts were alerted by both social and personal information of cuckoos. However, pairs that rejected eggs were not more likely to mob a cuckoo. Therefore, while hosts can assess risk from the sight of a cuckoo, a cuckoo cannot gauge if her egg will be accepted from host mobbing. Our results reveal how hosts respond rapidly to local variation in parasitism and why it pays cuckoos to be secretive, both to avoid alerting their targets and to limit the spread of social information in the local host neighbourhood.
A flexible proximity sensor formed by duplex screen/screen-offset printing and its application to non-contact detection of human breathing
Authors: Nomura Ken-ichi , Kaji Ryosaku , Iwata Shiro , Otao Shinobu , Imawaka Naoto , Yoshino Katsumi , Mitsui Ryosuke , Sato Junya , Takahashi Seiya , Nakajima Shin-ichiro , Ushijima Hirobumi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe describe a flexible capacitance-type sensor that can detect an approaching human without contact, fabricated by developing and applying duplex conductive-ink printing to a film substrate. The results of our calculations show that the difference in size between the top and bottom electrodes of the sensor allows for the spatial extension of the electric field distribution over the electrodes. Hence, such a component functions as a proximity sensor. This thin and light device with a large form factor can be arranged at various places, including curved surfaces and the back of objects such that it is unnoticeable. In our experiment, we attached it to the back of a bed and found that our device successfully detected the breathing of a subject on the bed without contacting his body. This should contribute to reducing the physical and psychological discomfort among patients during medical checks, or when their condition is being monitored.
Narrow presentational focus in heritage Spanish and the syntax‒discourse interface
Authors: Hoot Bradley 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe grammars of bilinguals have been found to differ from those of monolinguals especially with regard to phenomena that involve the interface of syntax and discourse/pragmatics. This paper examines one syntax‒discourse interface phenomenon – presentational focus – in the grammars of heritage speakers of Spanish. The results of a contextualized acceptability judgment task indicate that lower proficiency heritage speakers show some variability in the structures they accept to realize focus, whereas higher proficiency heritage bilinguals pattern with monolinguals. These results suggest that some explanations of domain-specific vulnerability in bilingual grammars, including the Interface Hypothesis (Sorace, 2011), may need to be revised.
How aging and bilingualism influence language processing
Authors: Rossi Eleonora , Diaz Michele 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Healthy non-pathological aging is characterized by cognitive and neural decline, and although language is one of the more stable areas of cognition, older adults often show deficits in language production, showing word finding failures, increased slips of the tongue, and increased pauses in speech. Overall, research on language comprehension in older healthy adults show that it is more preserved than language production. Bilingualism has been shown to confer a great deal of neuroplasticity across the life span, including a number of cognitive benefits especially in executive functions such as cognitive control. Many models of bilingual language processing have been proposed to explain bilingual language processing. However, the question remains open of how such models might be modulated by age-related changes in language. Here, we discuss how current models of language processing in non-pathological aging, and models of bilingual language processing can be integrated to provide new research directions.
Visibility and differentiation: systemic testing in a developing country context
Authors: Hoadley Ursula , Muller Johan 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTWhy has large‐scale standardised testing attracted such a bad press? Why has pedagogic benefit to be derived from test results been downplayed? The paper investigates this question by first surveying the pros and cons of testing in the literature, and goes on to examine educators' responses to standardised, large‐scale tests in a sample of low socio‐economic status (SES) schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. The paper shows that teachers and school managers have an ambivalent attitude to tests, wary of the reputational costs they can incur, but also curious about the differentiated picture test results can give them as they learn to ‘read’ the underlying codes embedded in the results. The paper concludes that a focus on what tests make visible and a recognition of the pedagogic agency of teachers points to potential pedagogic benefits of systemic tests.
Standards as a tool for teaching and assessing cross‐curricular writing
Authors: Evensen Lars Sigfred , Berge Kjell Lars , Thygesen Ragnar , Matre Synnove , Solheim Randi 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTThe Berge et al. article in this volume presents the functional construct of writing that underlies summative and formative assessment of writing as a key competency in Norway. A functional construct implies that specific acts of writing and their purposes constrain what is a relevant selection among the semiotic resources that writing generally affords.In this article, we present the specific criteria that are currently being introduced in Norwegian teaching and assessment of writing, as well as selected aspects of their development. The article builds on an assumption that assessment criteria have such educational importance that even their origins, intellectual trajectories and underpinnings should be given attention in educational research. In this context, the article presents elements of a rare approach, in that national ‘norms of expected proficiency’ at politically predefined educational grade levels have been grounded in sustained collaboration with experienced teachers of writing across the curriculum, and may thus be viewed as yet unofficial ‘standards’.In the first step, a combination of existing curricula and literature review of writer development was used to tentatively draft a first set of criteria for the grades included in a 2005 national test of writing (grades 4, 7, 10 and 11). In the second step, such criteria were developed through an iterative, long‐term process where initial criteria were confronted with the judgements of experienced teachers. Through ‘think aloud’ assessment interviews, pairs of teachers across Norway were asked to assess specific cases of students’ writings and voice criteria for their judgements, both within and across a series of domains.In the third step, interview transcripts were used to search for criteria used by several pairs of locally situated teachers across geographically distributed schools. Criteria thus identified were pooled into a refined set of ‘national standards’ that were subsequently tested out in everyday classroom contexts. On the basis of this confrontation with educational reality, the set has been further refined to form the version presented in this article.The Norwegian case raises a range of issues related to curriculum development, ‘standards’ and educational sustainability.
Long-Term Comparison of Rib and Ear Cartilage Grafts in Autologous and Allogenic Fascia Lata: An Experimental Study in a White Rabbit Model
Authors: Jurk Viktor , Kampmann Hendrike , Iblher Niklas , Bannasch Holger , Gubisch Wolfgang 
Published: January 2016

Background:
Diced cartilage in fascia has become the graft material of choice for dorsal grafts in rhinoplasty. Allogenic fascia lata has not yet been investigated as an isolated fascial graft or as a combined graft with ear and rib cartilage, especially in comparison with autologous fascia and over a long implantation period.

Methods:
Ten different grafts were built from either autologous or allogenic fascia lata alone or as diced cartilage in fascia grafts with diced costal or ear cartilage and implanted into the dorsal skin of 15 rabbits. After 3 or 9 months, the grafts were explanted and analyzed histologically. Chondrocytes and cartilage matrix characteristics, including calcification, ossification, formation of bone marrow, fibrosis ingrowth and fibrotic transformation, the presence of immune reactions, vascular ingrowth, regenerative capacity, and capsule formation, were examined in a semiquantitative manner.

Results:
All grafts were vital and without inflammatory response. The cartilage showed regular nuclei, a normal matrix, and regenerative capacity. A higher grade of calcification and ossification was observed in the fascia/cartilage grafts than in isolated cartilage grafts, and was more pronounced for costal cartilage. Both types of fascia were shown to be equally stable and without degradation. There were no significant differences in the diced cartilage in fascia grafts built with autologous compared to allogenic fascia.

Conclusions:
This study shows the equivalency of diced cartilage in fascia grafts and isolated fascial grafts using allogenic fascia lata compared to autologous fascia. The type of cartilage used accounts for different long-term characteristics of diced cartilage in fascia grafts.