bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LbCML38 and LbRH52, two reference genes derived from RNA-Seq data suitable for assessing gene expression in Lycium barbarum L.
Authors: Gong Lei , Yang Yajun , Chen Yuchao , Shi Jing , Song Yuxia , Zhang Hongxia 
Published: November 2016

AbstractFor quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis, the key prerequisite that determines result accuracy is the selection of appropriate reference gene(s). Goji (Lycium barbarumL.) is a multi-branched shrub belonging to the Solanaceae family. To date, no systematic screening or evaluation of reference gene(s) in Goji has been performed. In this work, we identified 18 candidate reference genes from the transcriptomic sequencing data of 14 samples of Goji at different developmental stages and under drought stress condition. The expression stability of these candidate genes was rigorously analyzed using qRT-PCR and four different statistical algorithms: geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder and RefFinder. Two novel reference genesLbCML38andLbRH52showed the most stable expression, whereas the traditionally used reference genes such asLbGAPDH, LbHSP90andLbTUBshowed unstable expression in the tested samples. Expression of a target geneLbMYB1was also tested and compared using optimal reference genesLbCML38andLbRH52, mediocre reference geneLbActin7, and poor reference geneLbHSP90as normalization standards, respectively. As expected, calculation of the target gene expression by normalization againstLbCML38, LbActin7orLbHSP90showed significant differences. Our findings suggest thatLbCML38andLbRH52can be used as reference genes for gene expression analysis in Goji.
Establishment of a novel tick-Babesia experimental infection model
Authors: Maeda Hiroki , Hatta Takeshi , Alim M Abdul , Tsubokawa Daigo , Mikami Fusako , Matsubayashi Makoto , Miyoshi Takeharu , Umemiya-Shirafuji Rika , Kawazu Shin-ichiro , Igarashi Ikuo , Mochizuki Masami , Tsuji Naotoshi , Tanaka Tetsuya 
Published: November 2016

AbstractTicks are potent vectors of many deadly human and animal pathogens. Tick-borne babesiosis is a well-recognized malaria-like disease that occurs worldwide and recently has attracted increased attention as an emerging zoonosis. Although the proliferation of Babesia organisms is essential in the vectors, their detailed lifecycle with time information for migration in ticks remains unknown. A novel study model for the elucidation of the migration speed of Babesia parasites in their vector tick, Haemaphysalis longicornis, has been developed using an artificial feeding system with quantitative PCR method. The detectable DNA of Babesia parasites gradually disappeared in the tick midgut at 1 day post engorgement (DPE), and in contrary increased in other organs. The results indicated that the Babesia parasite passed the H. longicornis midgut within 24 hours post engorgement, migrated to the hemolymph, and then proliferated in the organs except the midgut. This time point may be an important curfew for Babesia parasites to migrate in the tick lumen. We also visualized the Babesia parasites in the experimentally infected ticks and in their eggs using IFAT for detecting their cytoskeletal structure, which suggested the successful tick infection and transovarial transmission of the parasite. This model will shed light on the further understanding of tick-Babesia interactions.
Abscinazole-E3M, a practical inhibitor of abscisic acid 8′-hydroxylase for improving drought tolerance
Authors: Takeuchi Jun , Okamoto Masanori , Mega Ryosuke , Kanno Yuri , Ohnishi Toshiyuki , Seo Mitsunori , Todoroki Yasushi 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) is an essential phytohormone that regulates plant water use and drought tolerance. However, agricultural applications of ABA have been limited because of its rapid inactivation in plants, which involves hydroxylation of ABA by ABA 8′-hydroxylase (CYP707A). We previously developed a selective inhibitor of CYP707A, (−)-Abz-E2B, by structurally modifying S-uniconazole, which functions as an inhibitor of CYP707A and as a gibberellin biosynthetic enzyme. However, its synthetic yield is too low for practical applications. Therefore, we designed novel CYP707A inhibitors, Abz-T compounds, that have simpler structures in which the 1,2,3-triazolyl ring of (−)-Abz-E2B has been replaced with a triple bond. They were successfully synthesised in shorter steps, resulting in greater yields than that of (−)-Abz-E2B. In the enzymatic assays, one of the Abz-T compounds, (−)-Abz-E3M, acted as a strong and selective inhibitor of CYP707A, similar to (−)-Abz-E2B. Analysis of the biological effects in Arabidopsis revealed that (−)-Abz-E3M enhanced ABA’s effects more than (−)-Abz-E2B in seed germination and in the expression of ABA-responsive genes. Treatment with (−)-Abz-E3M induced stomatal closure and improved drought tolerance in Arabidopsis. Furthermore, (−)-Abz-E3M also increased the ABA response in rice and maize. Thus, (−)-Abz-E3M is a more practical and effective inhibitor of CYP707A than (−)-Abz-E2B.
Effectiveness of advanced carbohydrate counting in type 1 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Shimin , Li Linjun , Deng Shuhua , Zan Liping , Liu Zhiping 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPotential benefits of carbohydrate counting for glycemic control in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) remain inconclusive. Our aim is to systematically assess the efficacy of carbohydrate counting in patients with T1DM. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and the Chinese Biology Medicine (CBM) up to December 2015. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with at least 3 months follow-up that evaluated carbohydrate counting compared with usual or other diabetes dietary education in patients with T1DM were included. Overall meta-analysis identified a significant decrease in HbA1c concentration with carbohydrate counting versus other diabetes diet method or usual diabetes dietary education (SMD: −0.35, 95%CI: −0.65 to −0.05, P = 0.023). Subgroup analysis restricted to trials which compared carbohydrate counting with usual diabetes dietary found a significant decrease in HbA1c in carbohydrate counting group (SMD: −0.68, 95%CI: −0.98 to −0.38, P = 0.000), and a similar result has emerged from six studies in adults (SMD: −0.40, 95%CI: −0.78 to −0.02, P = 0.037). Carbohydrate counting may confer positive impact on glucose control. Larger clinical trials are warranted to validate this positive impact.
Deep Breathing Practice Facilitates Retention of Newly Learned Motor Skills
Authors: Yadav Goldy , Mutha Pratik K. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPaced deep breathing practices, a core component of a number of meditation programs, have been shown to enhance a variety of cognitive functions. However, their effects on complex processes such as memory, and in particular, formation and retention of motor memories, remain unknown. Here we show that a 30-minute session of deep, alternate-nostril breathing remarkably enhances retention of a newly learned motor skill. Healthy humans learned to accurately trace a given path within a fixed time duration. Following learning, one group of subjects (n = 16) underwent the 30-minute breathing practice while another control group (n = 14) rested for the same duration. The breathing-practice group retained the motor skill strikingly better than controls, both immediately after the breathing session and also at 24 hours. These effects were confirmed in another group (n = 10) that rested for 30 minutes post-learning, but practiced breathing after their first retention test; these subjects showed significantly better retention at 24 hours but not 30 minutes. Our results thus uncover for the first time the remarkable facilitatory effects of simple breathing practices on complex functions such as motor memory, and have important implications for sports training and neuromotor rehabilitation in which better retention of learned motor skills is highly desirable.
Tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Xin , Li Jiangfeng , Wang Xiao , Wang Song , Meng Shuai , Zhu Yi , Liang Zhen , Zheng Xiangyi , Xie Liping 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPrevious studies have reported controversial results on the association between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to comprehensively evaluate this relationship. A total of 24 published studies with 15,099 cases were included. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were pooled with a random-effects model. Tomato intake was associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.75–0.98, P = 0.019; P < 0.001 for heterogeneity, I2 = 72.7%). When stratified by study design, the RRs for case-control and cohort studies were 0.76 (95% CI 0.61–0.94, P = 0.010) and 0.96 (95% CI 0.84–1.10, P = 0.579), respectively. In the subgroup analysis by geographical region, significant protective effects were observed in Asian (RR 0.43, 95% CI 0.22–0.85, P = 0.015) and Oceania populations (RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.67–0.99, P = 0.035), but not in other geographical populations. Begg’s test indicated a significant publication bias (P = 0.015). Overall, tomato intake may have a weak protective effect against prostate cancer. Because of the huge heterogeneity and null results in cohort studies, further prospective studies are needed to explore the potential relationship between tomato consumption and prostate cancer risk.
Caveolin-1 modulates intraocular pressure: implications for caveolae mechanoprotection in glaucoma
Authors: Elliott Michael H. , Ashpole Nicole E. , Gu Xiaowu , Herrnberger Leonie , McClellan Mark E. , Griffith Gina L. , Reagan Alaina M. , Boyce Timothy M. , Tanito Masaki , Tamm Ernst R. , Stamer W. Daniel 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPolymorphisms in the CAV1/2 genes that encode signature proteins of caveolae are associated with glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, and with its major risk factor, intraocular pressure (IOP). We hypothesized that caveolin-1 (Cav-1) participates in IOP maintenance via modulation of aqueous humor drainage from the eye. We localize caveolae proteins to human and murine conventional drainage tissues and show that caveolae respond to mechanical stimulation. We show that Cav-1-deficient (Cav-1−/−) mice display ocular hypertension explained by reduced pressure-dependent drainage of aqueous humor. Cav-1 deficiency results in loss of caveolae in the Schlemm’s canal (SC) and trabecular meshwork. However, their absence did not appear to impact development nor adult form of the conventional outflow tissues according to rigorous quantitative ultrastructural analyses, but did affect cell and tissue behavior. Thus, when IOP is experimentally elevated, cells of the Cav-1−/− outflow tissues are more susceptible to plasma membrane rupture indicating that caveolae play a role in mechanoprotection. Additionally, aqueous drainage from Cav-1−/− eyes was more sensitive to nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibition than controls, suggesting that excess NO partially compensates for outflow pathway dysfunction. These results provide a functional link between a glaucoma risk gene and glaucoma-relevant pathophysiology.
Tuning carrier lifetime in InGaN/GaN LEDs via strain compensation for high-speed visible light communication
Authors: Du Chunhua , Huang Xin , Jiang Chunyan , Pu Xiong , Zhao Zhenfu , Jing Liang , Hu Weiguo , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn recent years, visible light communication (VLC) technology has attracted intensive attention due to its huge potential in superior processing ability and fast data transmission. The transmission rate relies on the modulation bandwidth, which is predominantly determined by the minority-carrier lifetime in III-group nitride semiconductors. In this paper, the carrier dynamic process under a stress field was studied for the first time, and the carrier recombination lifetime was calculated within the framework of quantum perturbation theory. Owing to the intrinsic strain due to the lattice mismatch between InGaN and GaN, the wave functions for the holes and electrons are misaligned in an InGaN/GaN device. By applying an external strain that “cancels” the internal strain, the overlap between the wave functions can be maximized so that the lifetime of the carrier is greatly reduced. As a result, the maximum speed of a single chip was increased from 54 MHz up to 117 MHz in a blue LED chip under 0.14% compressive strain. Finally, a bandwidth contour plot depending on the stress and operating wavelength was calculated to guide VLC chip design and stress optimization.
Periodic F-actin structures shape the neck of dendritic spines
Authors: Bär Julia , Kobler Oliver , van Bommel Bas , Mikhaylova Marina 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMost of the excitatory synapses on principal neurons of the forebrain are located on specialized structures called dendritic spines. Their morphology, comprising a spine head connected to the dendritic branch via a thin neck, provides biochemical and electrical compartmentalization during signal transmission. Spine shape is defined and tightly controlled by the organization of the actin cytoskeleton. Alterations in synaptic strength correlate with changes in the morphological appearance of the spine head and neck. Therefore, it is important to get a better understanding of the nanoscale organization of the actin cytoskeleton in dendritic spines. A periodic organization of the actin/spectrin lattice was recently discovered in axons and a small fraction of dendrites using super-resolution microscopy. Here we use a small probe phalloidin-Atto647N, to label F-actin in mature hippocampal primary neurons and in living hippocampal slices. STED nanoscopy reveals that in contrast to β-II spectrin antibody labelling, phalloidin-Atto647N stains periodic actin structures in all dendrites and the neck of nearly all dendritic spines, including filopodia-like spines. These findings extend the current view on F-actin organization in dendritic spines and may provide new avenues for understanding the structural changes in the spine neck during induction of synaptic plasticity, active organelle transport or tethering.
11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1(11β-HSD1) mediates insulin resistance through JNK activation in adipocytes
Authors: Peng Kesong , Pan Yong , Li Jieli , Khan Zia , Fan Mendi , Yin Haimin , Tong Chao , Zhao Yunjie , Liang Guang , Zheng Chao 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGlucocorticoids are used to treat a number of human diseases but often lead to insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome. 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the intracellular conversion of cortisone to physiologically active cortisol. Despite the known role of 11β-HSD1 and active glucocorticoid in causing insulin resistance, the molecular mechanisms by which insulin resistance is induced remain elusive. The aim of this study is to identify these mechanisms in high fat diet (HFD) experimental models. Mice on a HFD were treated with 11β-HSD1 inhibitor as well as a JNK inhibitor. We then treated 3T3-L1-derived adipocytes with prednisone, a synthetic glucocorticoid, and cells with 11β-HSD1 overexpression to study insulin resistance. Our results show that 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition mitigated insulin resistance in HFD mice. Prednisone stimulation or overexpression of 11β-HSD1 also caused JNK activation in cultured adipocytes. Inhibition of 11β-HSD1 blocked the activation of JNK in adipose tissue of HFD mice as well as in cultured adipocytes. Furthermore, prednisone significantly impaired the insulin signaling pathway, and these effects were reversed by 11β-HSD1 and JNK inhibition. Our study demonstrates that glucocorticoid-induced insulin resistance was dependent on 11β-HSD1, resulting in the critical activation of JNK signaling in adipocytes.
Muscle-Cooling Intervention to Reduce Fatigue and Fatigue-Induced Tremor in Novice and Experienced Surgeons: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Jensen Lauren , Dancisak Michael , Korndorffer James 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA localized, intermittent muscle-cooling protocol was implemented to determine cooling garment efficacy in reducing upper extremity muscular fatigue and tremor in novice (n = 10) and experienced surgeons (n = 9). Subjects wore a muscle-cooling garment while performing multiple trials of a forearm exercise and paired suturing task to induce muscular fatigue and exercise-induced tremor. A reduction in tremor amplitude and an extension in time to fatigue were expected with muscle cooling as compared with control trials. Each subject completed an intervention session (5°C cooling condition) and a control session (32°C or thermal neutral condition). A paired samples t test indicated that tremor amplitude was significantly reduced (t [8] = 1.89458; p < 0.05) in experienced surgeons in two dimensions (up and down, and back and forth). Tremor amplitude was reduced in novice surgeons but the effect was not significant. Time to fatigue and suture time improved in both cohorts with muscle cooling, but the effect did not reach significance. Results from the pilot work suggest muscle cooling as an intervention for reduction of fatigue and tremor is very promising, warranting further investigation. Surgical specialties that require prolonged procedures might benefit more from this intervention.
Expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in murine small intestine during postnatal development
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Yajima Takaji , Tsukahara Takamitsu 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
The important role played by the gut microbiota in host immunity is mediated, in part, through toll-like receptors (TLRs). We evaluated the postnatal changes in expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the murine small intestine and assessed how expression is influenced by gut microbiota. The expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in the murine small intestine was highly dynamic during development. The changes were especially profound during the suckling period, with the maximal mRNA levels detected in the mid-suckling period. Immunohistochemical and flow-cytometric analyses indicated that the changes in TLR2 and TLR4 expression involve primarily epithelial cells. The germ-free mice showed minor changes in TLR2/TLR4 mRNA and TLR2 protein during the suckling period. This study demonstrated that the postnatal expression of TLR2 and TLR4 in small intestinal epithelial cells is dynamic and depends on the presence of commensal intestinal microbiota.
On the mechanisms governing gas penetration into a tokamak plasma during a massive gas injection
Authors: Nardon E. , Fil A. , Chauveau P. , Tamain P. , Guirlet R. , Koslowski H.R. , Lehnen M. , Reux C. , Saint-Laurent F. 
Published: November 2016

Abstract
A new 1D radial fluid code, IMAGINE, is used to simulate the penetration of gas into a tokamak plasma during a massive gas injection (MGI). The main result is that the gas is in general strongly braked as it reaches the plasma, due to mechanisms related to charge exchange and (to a smaller extent) recombination. As a result, only a fraction of the gas penetrates into the plasma. Also, a shock wave is created in the gas which propagates away from the plasma, braking and compressing the incoming gas. Simulation results are quantitatively consistent, at least in terms of orders of magnitude, with experimental data for a D
2 MGI into a JET Ohmic plasma. Simulations of MGI into the background plasma surrounding a runaway electron beam show that if the background electron density is too high, the gas may not penetrate, suggesting a possible explanation for the recent results of Reux et al in JET (2015 Nucl. Fusion
55 093013).
A Platform for Monitoring Regional Antimicrobial Resistance, Using Online Data Sources: ResistanceOpen
Authors: MacFadden Derek R. , Fisman David , Andre Jeff , Ara Yuki , Majumder Maimuna S. , Bogoch Isaac I. , Daneman Nick , Wang Annie , Vavitsas Marianna , Castellani Lucas , Brownstein John S. 
Published: November 2016

Background
Our understanding of the global burden of antimicrobial resistance is limited. Complementary approaches to antimicrobial resistance surveillance are needed.

Methods
We developed a Web-based/mobile platform for aggregating, analyzing, and disseminating regional antimicrobial resistance information. Antimicrobial resistance indices from existing but disparate online sources were identified and abstracted. To validate antimicrobial resistance data, in the absence of regional comparators, US and Canadian indices were aggregated and compared to existing national and state estimates. Measures of variability of antimicrobial susceptibility were determined for the United States and Canada to evaluate magnitudes of differences within countries.

Results
Over 850 resistance indices globally were identified and abstracted, totaling &gt;5 million isolates, from 340 unique locations. Resistance index coverage spanned 41 countries, 6 continents, 43 of 50 US states, and 8 of 10 Canadian provinces. When compared to reported values, aggregated resistance values for the United States and Canada during 2013 and 2014 demonstrated agreements ranging from 94% to 97%. For the United States, state-specific resistance estimates demonstrated an agreement of 92%. Large differences in antimicrobial susceptibility were seen within countries.

Conclusions
Using existing nontraditional data sources, we have developed a Web-based platform for aggregating antimicrobial resistance indices to support monitoring of regional antimicrobial resistance patterns.
Influenza C incidence and herd immunity in Lancaster, UK, in the winter of 2014-2015
Authors: Atkinson Kate V , Bishop Lisa A , Rhodes Glenn , Salez Nico , McEwan Neil R , Hegarty Matthew J , Robey Julie , Harding Nicola , Wetherell Simon , Lauder Robert M , Pickup Roger W , Wilkinson Mark , Gatherer Derek 
Published: November 2016

AbstractInfluenza C is not included in the annual seasonal influenza vaccine, and has historically been regarded as a minor respiratory pathogen. However, recent work has highlighted its potential role as a cause of pneumonia in infants. We performed nasopharyngeal or nasal swabbing and/or serum sampling (n=148) in Lancaster, UK, over the winter of 2014-2015. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), we estimated a seropositivity of 77%. By contrast, only 2 individuals, both asymptomatic adults, were influenza C-positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Deep sequencing of nasopharyngeal samples produced partial sequences for 4 genome segments in one of these patients. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the influenza C genome from this individual is evolutionarily distant to those sampled in recent years and represents a novel genome constellation, indicating that it is a product of a decades-old reassortment event. Although we find no evidence that influenza C was a significant respiratory pathogen during the winter of 2014-2015 in Lancaster, we confirm previous observations of seropositivity in the majority of the population. We calculate that this level of herd immunity would be sufficient to suppress epidemics of influenza C and restricts the virus to sporadic endemic spread.