bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Larval Dispersal of Spodoptera frugiperda Strains on Bt Cotton: A Model for Understanding Resistance Evolution and Consequences for its Management
Authors: Malaquias José B. , Godoy Wesley A. C. , Garcia Adriano G. , Ramalho Francisco de S. , Omoto Celso 
Published: November 2017

AbstractHigh dispersal of Lepidoptera larvae between non-Bt and Bt cotton plants can favour the evolution of insect resistance; however, information on host acceptance of neonates in tropical transgenic crops is scarce. Therefore, the purposes of this study were as follows: (i) to investigate the feeding behaviour of susceptible and Cry1F-resistant strains ofSpodoptera frugiperda(J.E. Smith) on Bt and non-Bt cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) varieties and (ii) to understand the possible effects of cotton field contamination on the dispersal and infestation capacity ofS.frugiperdalarvae by using an individual-based model. The main results of this paper are as follows: (1) the highest post-feeding larval dispersal of the Cry1F-resistant strain occurred at an exposure time of 18–24 h; (2) via video tracking assays, we found that the least distance moved was by larvae resistant to Cry1F on non-Bt cotton; and (3) the model indicated differences in mobility capacity between Bt and non-Bt cotton. We conclude that resistant neonates exhibit sedentary behaviour. Our report represents the first findings concerning the fitness cost of larval behaviour traits ofS.frugiperdaassociated with Cry1F resistance in Brazilian populations.
Prognostic Value of Long Non-Coding RNA HULC and MALAT1 Following the Curative Resection of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Sonohara Fuminori , Inokawa Yoshikuni , Hayashi Masamichi , Yamada Suguru , Sugimoto Hiroyuki , Fujii Tsutomu , Kodera Yasuhiro , Nomoto Shuji 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLong non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were shown to be the crucial regulators of the many diseases. In this study, the expressions of lncRNAs were investigated in resected 158 hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) to evaluate the effects of their expression levels on prognosis. The expression levels of HULC and MALAT1 were shown to be significantly higher in the normal background tissue of HCC than those in the normal liver tissue of metastatic liver tumor without hepatitis (HULC: fold change 14.9, P = 1.7e-06; MALAT1: fold change 17.5, P = 1.2e-06. The formation of capsule was shown to be correlated with the increased expression of HULC (P = 0.041), while the size of HCC under 2 cm was correlated with a decrease in MALAT1 expression (P = 0.019). The levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein above 20 ng/mL indicated a decreased expression of both HULC and MALAT1 (HULC: P = 0.017; MALAT1: P = 0.0036). The increase in the expression levels of MALAT1 in HCC tissues was significantly correlated with better overall survival (HULC: P = 0.099, MALAT1: P = 0.028). Thus, the expression of these lncRNAs in HCC potentially correlates with the HCC malignancy and they represent potential prognostic biomarkers of the resected HCC.
Biofunctional analysis of Vitellogenin and Vitellogenin receptor in citrus red mites, Panonychus citri by RNA interference
Authors: Ali Muhammad Waqar , Zhang Zhen-yu , Xia Shuang , Zhang Hongyu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPanonychus citri is one of the most damaging pests of horticultural crops. Conventional control of this pest population through pesticides has led to the enhanced pest resistance. Management of P. citri population through RNAi, is still largely unknown. In oviparous organisms, fabrication and development of yolk protein play a vital role in the reproduction. Vitellin (Vn) is the source of eggs storage that helps in proper functioning of Vitellogenin (Vg) and Vitellogenin receptor (VgR). VgR is very compulsory protein for the development of Vg into oocytes. In the current study, Vg (PcVg) and VgR (PcVgR) genes were studied and their expressions at different developmental stages were quantified by RT-qPCR. Females treated with dsRNA of PcVg and PcVgR genes exhibited reduction in gene expression. Down regulation of target genes significantly effected oviposition and reduced the egg laying capacity up to 48% as compared to control (ds-egfp). Synergistic effect of target gene’s dsRNA was also accessed that reduced the egg laying up to 60.42%. Furthermore, combination of target dsRNA on deutonymph and protonymph also resulted in 67% and 70% reduction in eggs, respectively. Synergistic effect of dsRNA at 1000 ng/ul resulted in longer life span as compared to control treatments. This study suggests to develop a new strategy of P. citri population control by reducing its reproduction.
Endothelial cell-surface tissue transglutaminase inhibits neutrophil adhesion by binding and releasing nitric oxide
Authors: Lai Thung-S. , Lindberg Robert A. , Zhou Hua-Lin , Haroon Zishan A. , Dewhirst Mark W. , Hausladen Alfred , Juang Y.-L. , Stamler Jonathan S. , Greenberg Charles S. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) produced by endothelial cells in response to cytokines displays anti-inflammatory activity by preventing the adherence, migration and activation of neutrophils. The molecular mechanism by which NO operates at the blood-endothelium interface to exert anti-inflammatory properties is largely unknown. Here we show that on endothelial surfaces, NO is associated with the sulfhydryl-rich protein tissue transglutaminase (TG2), thereby endowing the membrane surfaces with anti-inflammatory properties. We find that tumor necrosis factor-α-stimulated neutrophil adherence is opposed by TG2 molecules that are bound to the endothelial surface. Alkylation of cysteine residues in TG2 or inhibition of endothelial NO synthesis renders the surface-bound TG2 inactive, whereas specific, high affinity binding of S-nitrosylated TG2 (SNO-TG2) to endothelial surfaces restores the anti-inflammatory properties of the endothelium, and reconstitutes the activity of endothelial-derived NO. We also show that SNO-TG2 is present in healthy tissues and that it forms on the membranes of shear-activated endothelial cells. Thus, the anti-inflammatory mechanism that prevents neutrophils from adhering to endothelial cells is identified with TG2 S-nitrosylation at the endothelial cell-blood interface.
Plasmonic enhanced low-threshold random lasing from dye-doped nematic liquid crystals with TiN nanoparticles in capillary tubes
Authors: Wan Yuan , An Yashuai , Deng Luogen 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe report a plasmonic enhanced low-threshold random lasing from dye-doped nematic liquid crystals with titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NPDDNLC) in capillary tubes. The NPDDNLC sample yields a coherent random laser with about 0.3 nm in the full width at half maximum (FWHM). We find the laser threshold is decreased by introducing the TiN NPs into the dye-doped nematic liquid crystal sample. The laser threshold decreases with increasing the number density of TiN nanoparticles from 5.613 × 1010/ml to 5.314 × 1011/ml. We suggest that the low-threshold random laser is caused by the cooperative effect of the recurrent multiple scattering and field enhancement in the vicinity of TiN nanoparticles. The localized electric field near the TiN nanoparticles enhances the energy absorption of the dye and strengthens the fluorescence amplification. Moreover, we provide a new parameter (the relative efficiency of the stimulated radiation photons) to quantify the quality of the random laser, and we give expressions for the wavelength, mode, and whole emission spectrum. Finally, we find the emission spectrum depends strongly on the emission angle and we discuss the reasons. These findings provide a simple and efficient way for the realization of low-threshold random lasers with low cost.
Body representation disturbances in visual perception and affordance perception persist in eating disorder patients after completing treatment
Authors: Engel Manja M. , Keizer Anouk 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBody image disturbances (BID) are a key feature of eating disorders (ED). Clinical experience shows that BID exists in patients who Completed their Eating Disorder Treatment (CEDT), however studies concerning BID in CEDT patients are often limited to cognition and affect, measured by interviews and questionnaires. The current study is the first systematic study investigating the full scope of the mental body representation, including bodily attitudes, visual perception of body size, tactile perception, and affordance perception in CEDT patients. ED patients (N = 22), CEDT patients (N = 39) and healthy controls (HC; N = 30) were compared on BID tasks including the Body Attitude Test (BAT), Visual Size Estimation (VSE), Tactile Estimation Task (TET), and Hoop Task (HT). Results on the BAT show higher scores for ED patients compared to CEDT patients and HC but no difference between CEDT patients and HC. Both ED and CEDT patients show larger overestimations on the VSE and HT compared to HC, where ED patients show the largest overestimations. No group differences were found on the TET. The results indicate the existence of disturbances in visual perception and affordance perception in CEDT patients. Research focussing on more effective treatments for ED addressing multiple (sensory) modalities is advised.
Ischemic Postconditioning Protects Against Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via the HIF-1α/miR-21 Axis
Authors: Jia Zhongzhi , Lian Weishuai , Shi Haifeng , Cao Chuanwu , Han Shilong , Wang Kai , Li Maoquan , Zhang Xiaoping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIntestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) can lead to tissue damage associated with inflammation and mucosal apoptosis. Ischemic postconditioning (IPostC), a series of repeated, brief, intermittent periods of ischemia and reperfusion, has beneficial effects against I/R-induced injury in the heart and intestine, although the underlying mechanisms for these effects remain unclear. We evaluated the involvement of microRNA-21 (miR-21) in the protective effects of IPostC in a rat model of I/R induced by superior mesenteric artery occlusion and reopening. IPostC decreased I/R injury and suppressed apoptosis in the intestinal tissues concomitant with the induction of hypoxia inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α) and the upregulation of miR-21. In vitro experiments in the intestinal epithelial cell line IEC-6 showed that hypoxia induced miR-21 and this effect was abolished by silencing HIF1-α, confirming the induction of miR-21 by HIF1-α, HIF1-α or miR-21 inhibition exacerbated I/R induced apoptosis, and programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) and Fas-L was involved in miR-21 mediated anti-apoptotic effects on intestinal epithelial cells. Knockdown of miR-21 or inhibition of HIF1-α abolished the IPostC-mediated attenuation of intestinal injury and apoptosis and the downregulation of PDCD4 and Fas-L. A potential mechanism underlying the protective effect of IPostC may therefore involve the induction of miR-21 by HIF1-α and the attenuation of apoptosis via the downregulation of PDCD4 and Fas-L.
Second messenger analogues highlight unexpected substrate sensitivity of CD38: total synthesis of the hybrid “L-cyclic inosine 5′-diphosphate ribose”
Authors: Watt Joanna M. , Graeff Richard , Thomas Mark P. , Potter Barry V. L. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe multifunctional, transmembrane glycoprotein human CD38 catalyses the synthesis of three key Ca2+-mobilising messengers, including cyclic adenosine 5′-diphosphate ribose (cADPR), and CD38 knockout studies have revealed the relevance of the related signalling pathways to disease. To generate inhibitors of CD38 by total synthesis, analogues based on the cyclic inosine 5′-diphosphate ribose (cIDPR) template were synthesised. In the first example of a sugar hybrid cIDPR analogue, “L-cIDPR”, the natural “northern” N1-linked D-ribose of cADPR was replaced by L-ribose. L-cIDPR is surprisingly still hydrolysed by CD38, whereas 8-Br-L-cIDPR is not cleaved, even at high enzyme concentrations. Thus, the inhibitory activity of L-cIDPR analogues appears to depend upon substitution of the base at C-8; 8-Br-L-cIDPR and 8-NH2-L-cIDPR inhibit CD38-mediated cADPR hydrolysis (IC50 7 μM and 21 µM respectively) with 8-Br-L-cIDPR over 20-fold more potent than 8-Br-cIDPR. In contrast, L-cIDPR displays a comparative 75-fold reduction in activity, but is only ca 2-fold less potent than cIDPR itself. Molecular modelling was used to explore the interaction of the CD38 catalytic residue Glu-226 with the “northern” ribose. We propose that Glu226 still acts as the catalytic residue even for an L-sugar substrate. 8-Br-L-cIDPR potentially binds non-productively in an upside-down fashion. Results highlight the key role of the “northern” ribose in the interaction of cADPR with CD38.
Age-dependent and regional heterogeneity in the long-chain base of A-series gangliosides observed in the rat brain using MALDI Imaging
Authors: Caughlin Sarah , Maheshwari Shikhar , Weishaupt Nina , Yeung Ken K-C , Cechetto David Floyd , Whitehead Shawn Narain 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAlterations in the long chain base of the sphingosine moiety of gangliosides have been shown to play a role in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration. Indeed, the accumulation of d20:1 sphingosine has been referred to as a metabolic marker of aging in the brain, however, this remains to be shown in simple gangliosides GM2 and GM3. In this study, Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization Imaging Mass Spectrometry (MALDI IMS) was used to examine the neuroanatomical distribution of A-series gangliosides with either 18 or 20 carbon sphingosine chains (d18:1 or d20:1) in Fisher 344 rats across the lifespan. The ratio of d20:1/d18:1 species was determined across 11 regions of interest in the brain. Interestingly, a decrease in the d20:1/d18:1 ratio for GM2 and GM3 was observed during early development with the exception of the peri-ventricular corpus callosum, where an age-dependent increase was observed for ganglioside GM3. An age-dependent increase in d20:1 species was confirmed for complex gangliosides GM1 and GD1 with the most significant increase during early development and a high degree of anatomical heterogeneity during aging. The unique neuroanatomically-specific responses of d20:1 ganglioside abundance may lead to a better understanding of regional vulnerability to damage in the aging brain.
PDGFR Signaling Mediates Hyperproliferation and Fibrotic Responses of Subsynovial Connective Tissue Cells in Idiopathic Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Authors: Saito Yuki , Chikenji Takako , Ozasa Yasuhiro , Fujimiya Mineko , Yamashita Toshihiko , Gingery Anne , Iba Kousuke 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFibrosis of the subsynovial connective tissue (SSCT) is a pathognomonic change in carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Identification of molecular targets and anti-fibrotic therapies could provide new treatment strategies for CTS. The contribution of SSCT cells to fibrosis and the signaling pathways that initiate and aggravate fibrosis in CTS remain unknown. Here we report that platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα) positive ( + ) cells accumulate in CTS SSCT and that the presence of fibrotic growth factor, PDGF-AA, results in increased proliferation of PDGFRα+ cells via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Although PI3K inhibition decreased proliferation, there was no change in fibrosis-related gene expression. Indeed, protein levels of fibrosis signaling mediator TGF-β remained the same and the second messenger, Smad2/3, accumulated in the nucleus. In contrast AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which can be induced with metformin and AICAR inhibited proliferation, TGF-β expression, and altered cell morphology in SSCT cells. Further we show that AMPK activation by metformin reduced collagen III levels and the ratio of Collagen I to Collagen III. Both AICAR and metformin reduced F-actin and significantly reduced the fiber cross alignment. Our results suggest that PDGFRa signaling may be an important fibrosis target and that activators of AMPK, may be an important therapeutic approach for treating CTS.
Quantitative analysis of motor evoked potentials in the neonatal lamb
Authors: Joyeux Luc , Deprez Marjolijn , Khatoun Ahmad , Van Kuyck Kris , Pelsmaekers Kelly , Engels Alexander C. , Wang Hongmei , Monteiro Carvalho Mori da Cunha Marina Gabriela , De Vleeschauwer Stephanie , Mc Laughlin Myles , Deprest Jan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractEvoking motor potentials are an objective assessment method for neuromotor function, yet this was to our knowledge never done in neonatal lambs. There is neither a method for standardized quantification of motor evoked potentials (MEPs). We first aimed to evaluate the feasibility of MEP recording in neonatal lambs and test its validity. Second we aimed to develop an algorithm for its quantification and test its reliability since manual input is required. We recorded myogenic MEPs after transcranial motor cortex stimulation in 6 lambs aged 1–2 days. MEPs were also measured in one lamb undergoing Neuro-Muscular Blockade (NMB) and another undergoing lumbar spinal cord (SC) transection, both serving as controls. We computed 5 parameters using a custom-made algorithm: motor threshold, latency, area-under-the-curve, peak-to-peak amplitude and duration. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was analyzed. MEPs could be easily recorded, disappearing after NMB and SC transection. The algorithm allowed for analysis, hence physiologic readings of the parameters in all 4 limbs of all lambs were obtained. Our method was shown to have high intra- and inter-observer ( ≥70%) reliability for latency, area-under-the-curve and peak-to-peak amplitude. These results suggest that standardized MEP recording and analysis in neonatal lambs is feasible, and can reliably assess neuromotor function.
Solar energy converters based on multi-junction photoemission solar cells
Authors: Tereshchenko O. E. , Golyashov V. A. , Rodionov A. A. , Chistokhin I. B. , Kislykh N. V. , Mironov A. V. , Aksenov V. V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMulti-junction solar cells with multiple p–n junctions made of different semiconductor materials have multiple bandgaps that allow reducing the relaxation energy loss and substantially increase the power-conversion efficiency. The choice of materials for each sub-cell is very limited due to the difficulties in extracting the current between the layers caused by the requirements for lattice- and current-matching. We propose a new vacuum multi-junction solar cell with multiple p-n junctions separated by vacuum gaps that allow using different semiconductor materials as cathode and anode, both activated to the state of effective negative electron affinity (NEA). In this work, the compact proximity focused vacuum tube with the GaAs(Cs,O) photocathode and AlGaAs/GaAs-(Cs,O) anode with GaAs quantum wells (QWs) is used as a prototype of a vacuum single-junction solar cell. The photodiode with the p-AlGaAs/GaAs anode showed the spectral power-conversion efficiency of about 1% at V
bias
= 0 in transmission and reflection modes, while, at V
bias
= 0.5 V, the efficiency increased up to 10%. In terms of energy conservation, we found the condition at which the energy cathode-to-anode transition was close to 1. Considering only the energy conservation part, the NEA-cell power-conversion efficiency can rich a quantum yield value which is measured up to more than 50%.
Non-Invasive Placental Perfusion Imaging in Pregnancies Complicated by Fetal Heart Disease Using Velocity-Selective Arterial Spin Labeled MRI
Authors: Zun Zungho , Zaharchuk Greg , Andescavage Nickie N. , Donofrio Mary T. , Limperopoulos Catherine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe placenta is a vital organ for fetal growth and development during pregnancy. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Despite the parallel development of the placenta and fetal heart early in pregnancy, very few studies suggested an association between placental dysfunction and fetal CHD. In this study, we report placental perfusion of healthy pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by fetal CHD measured using advanced fetal MRI techniques. We studied forty-eight pregnant women (31 healthy volunteers and 17 with fetal CHD) that underwent fetal MRI during their second or third trimester of pregnancy. Placental perfusion imaging was performed using velocity-selective arterial spin labeling (VSASL) and 3D image acquisition with whole-placenta coverage. In pregnancies with fetal CHD, global placental perfusion significantly decreased and regional variation of placental perfusion significantly increased with advancing gestational age; however, no such correlation was found in healthy pregnancies. Also, global placental perfusion was significantly higher in fetal CHD versus controls, in the lateral side-lying patient position versus supine, and in the posterior placental position versus anterior placental position. This study reports for the first time non-invasive whole-placenta perfusion imaging in utero. These data suggest that placental VSASL may serve as a potential biomarker of placental dysfunction in fetuses diagnosed with CHD.
Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein in young patients with acute coronary syndrome in China
Authors: Huang Yuli , Wu Yu , Yang You , Li Wensheng , Lu Jianhua , Hu Yunzhao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractLipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is considered to be a risk factor for acute coronary syndrome (ACS), but this remains controversial. This study investigated the role of Lp-PLA2 in young Chinese patients with ACS. 228 young patients (aged ≤55 years) with ACS and 237 age-matched controls were included. Lp-PLA2 and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) levels were measured by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly correlated with smoking, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and ox-LDL levels (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that male sex (OR = 3.25, 95%CI = 1.26–8.38), smoking (OR = 3.50, 95%CI = 1.75–7.0), triglyceride (OR = 1.76, 95%CI = 1.08–2.87), high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (OR = 2.11, 95%CI = 1.14–3.90) and ox-LDL (OR = 2.98, 95%CI = 1.72–5.1) were independently associated with ACS risk in young patients. Lp-PLA2 was associated with risk of ACS in young patients when adjusted for traditional risk factors, including age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, smoking, TC, LDL-C, triglyceride and hs-CRP (OR = 1.98, 95%CI = 1.10–3.56). When further adjusted for ox-LDL levels, the association between Lp-PLA2 and ACS became insignificant (OR = 1.69, 95%CI = 0.90–3.17). Lp-PLA2 was a marker of oxidative stress and inflammation, rather than an independent risk factor for ACS in young Chinese patients.