bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of selection signals by large-scale whole-genome resequencing of cashmere goats
Authors: Li Xiaokai , Su Rui , Wan Wenting , Zhang Wenguang , Jiang Huaizhi , Qiao Xian , Fan Yixing , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Ruijun , Liu Zhihong , Wang Zhiying , Liu Bin , Ma Yuehui , Zhang Hongping , Zhao Qianjun , Zhong Tao , Di Ran , Jiang Yu , Chen Wei , Wang Wen , Dong Yang , Li Jinquan 
Published: November 2017

AbstractInner Mongolia and Liaoning cashmere goats are two outstanding Chinese multipurpose breeds that adapt well to the semi-arid temperate grassland. These two breeds are characterized by their soft cashmere fibers, thus making them great models to identify genomic regions that are associated with cashmere fiber traits. Whole-genome sequencing of 70 cashmere goats produced more than 5.52 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms and 710,600 short insertions and deletions. Further analysis of these genetic variants showed some population-specific molecular markers for the two cashmere goat breeds that are otherwise phenotypically similar. By analyzing FST and θπ outlier values, we identified 135 genomic regions that were associated with cashmere fiber traits within the cashmere goat populations. These selected genomic regions contained genes, which are potential involved in the production of cashmere fiber, such as FGF5, SGK3, IGFBP7, OXTR, and ROCK1. Gene ontology enrichment analysis of identified short insertions and deletions also showed enrichment in keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal cell differentiation. These findings demonstrate that this genomic resource will facilitate the breeding of cashmere goat and other Capra species in future.
The independent effects of vitamin D deficiency and house dust mite exposure on lung function are sex-specific
Authors: Nuñez Nailê K. , Bennett Ellen , Chen Ling , Pitrez Paulo Márcio , Zosky Graeme R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractVitamin D deficiency is increasing around the world and has been associated with the development of asthma. This study aims to evaluate the effect of dietary vitamin D deficiency at different life stages on lung function using a murine model of allergic airways disease. BALB/c mice were challenged intranasally with HDM or saline alone for 10 days. Twenty four hours after the last challenge, mice were anesthetized and lung function was measured using the forced oscillation technique (FOT). Mice were euthanized for assessment of inflammation in the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and total collagen content in lung homogenates by ELISA. Vitamin D deficiency impaired lung function in both male and female mice, increasing tissue damping and elastance, however had no effect on HDM induced inflammation. The impact of vitamin D deficiency was more evident in females. HDM also decreased airway distensibility, but only in females and this response was not altered by vitamin D deficiency. Our data suggest that vitamin D deficiency and HDM exposure have independent effects on lung mechanics and that females are more susceptible to these effects. Vitamin D deficiency may exacerbate lung function deficits by having a direct, but independent, effect on parenchymal mechanics.
Insecticidal effects of dsRNA targeting the Diap1 gene in dipteran pests
Authors: Powell Michelle , Pyati Prashant , Cao Min , Bell Howard , Gatehouse John A. , Fitches Elaine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) gene Diap1 encodes a protein referred to as DIAP1 (DrosophilaInhibitor of Apoptosis Protein 1) that acts to supress apoptosis in “normal” cells in the fly. In this study we investigate the use of RNA interference (RNAi) to control two dipteran pests, Musca domestica and Delia radicum, by disrupting the control of apoptosis. Larval injections of 125–500 ng of Diap1 dsRNA resulted in dose-dependent mortality which was shown to be attributable to down-regulation of target mRNA. Insects injected with Diap1 dsRNA have approx. 1.5-2-fold higher levels of caspase activity than controls 24 hours post injection, providing biochemical evidence that inhibition of apoptotic activity by the Diap1 gene product has been decreased. By contrast adults were insensitive to injected dsRNA. Oral delivery failed to induce RNAi effects and we suggest this is attributable to degradation of ingested dsRNA by intra and extracellular RNAses. Non-target effects were demonstrated via mortality and down-regulation of Diap1 mRNA levels in M. domestica larvae injected with D. radicum Diap1 dsRNA, despite the absence of 21 bp identical sequence regions in the dsRNA. Here we show that identical 15 bp regions in dsRNA are sufficient to trigger non-target RNAi effects.
Net primary productivity and its partitioning in response to precipitation gradient in an alpine meadow
Authors: Zhang Fangyue , Quan Quan , Song Bing , Sun Jian , Chen Youjun , Zhou Qingping , Niu Shuli 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe dynamics of net primary productivity (NPP) and its partitioning to the aboveground versus belowground are of fundamental importance to understand carbon cycling and its feedback to climate change. However, the responses of NPP and its partitioning to precipitation gradient are poorly understood. We conducted a manipulative field experiment with six precipitation treatments (1/12 P, 1/4 P, 1/2 P, 3/4 P, P, and 5/4 P, P is annual precipitation) in an alpine meadow to examine aboveground and belowground NPP (ANPP and BNPP) in response to precipitation gradient in 2015 and 2016. We found that changes in precipitation had no significant impact on ANPP or belowground biomass in 2015. Compared with control, only the extremely drought treatment (1/12 P) significantly reduced ANPP by 37.68% and increased BNPP at the depth of 20–40 cm by 80.59% in 2016. Across the gradient, ANPP showed a nonlinear response to precipitation amount in 2016. Neither BNPP nor NPP had significant relationship with precipitation changes. The variance in ANPP were mostly due to forbs production, which was ultimately caused by altering soil water content and soil inorganic nitrogen concentration. The nonlinear precipitation-ANPP relationship indicates that future precipitation changes especially extreme drought will dramatically decrease ANPP and push this ecosystem beyond threshold.
Enamel Resistance to Demineralization After Bracket Debonding Using Fluoride Varnish
Authors: Vicente Ascensión , Ortiz Ruiz Antonio José , García López Miriam , Martínez Beneyto Yolanda , Bravo-González Luis-Alberto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the elemental content and morphology of enamel subjected to demineralization cycles after bracket debonding, adhesive remnant removal, and application of a fluoride varnish. 125 bovine teeth were divided into five groups (n = 25): 1) Intact enamel; 2) Intact enamel + demineralization cycles (DC); 3) Enamel after adhesive removal; 4)Enamel after adhesive removal + DC; 5) Enamel after adhesive removal + Profluorid + DC. The weight percentages of calcium (Ca), phosphorous (P) and fluoride (F) were calculated using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Samples were observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test. The weight percentages of Ca and P in Group 1 were significantly higher than Groups 2, 4, and 5. The weight percentages of Ca and P in Group 2 were significantly higher than Groups 4 and 5. Group 3 presented significantly higher percentages of Ca and P than Group 4. Group 5 showed a significantly higher percentage of Ca than Group 4. The presence of F was detected in Group 5. SEM images showed more signs of demineralization in Group 4 than Group 5. Fluoride varnish application may protect enamel from demineralization after bracket debonding.
Engineering ‘cell robots’ for parallel and highly sensitive screening of biomolecules under in vivo conditions
Authors: Song Lifu , Zeng An-Ping 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCells are capable of rapid replication and performing tasks adaptively and ultra-sensitively and can be considered as cheap “biological-robots”. Here we propose to engineer cells for screening biomolecules in parallel and with high sensitivity. Specifically, we place the biomolecule variants (library) on the bacterial phage M13. We then design cells to screen the library based on cell-phage interactions mediated by a specific intracellular signal change caused by the biomolecule of interest. For proof of concept, we used intracellular lysine concentration in E. coli as a signal to successfully screen variants of functional aspartate kinase III (AK-III) under in vivo conditions, a key enzyme in L-lysine biosynthesis which is strictly inhibited by L-lysine. Comparative studies with flow cytometry method failed to distinguish the wild-type from lysine resistance variants of AK-III, confirming a higher sensitivity of the method. It opens up a new and effective way of in vivo high-throughput screening for functional molecules and can be easily implemented at low costs.
Specific Light-Up System for Protein and Metabolite Targets Triggered by Initiation Complex Formation
Authors: Fujita Hiroto , Kataoka Yuka , Nagano Remi , Nakajima Yasuyo , Yamada Masanobu , Sugimoto Naoki , Kuwahara Masayasu 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGene regulation systems are mimicked by simple quantitative detection of non-nucleic acid molecular targets such as protein and metabolite. Here, we describe a one-tube, one-step real-time quantitative detection methodology for isothermal signal amplification of those targets. Using this system, real-time quantitative detection of thrombin and streptomycin, which were used as examples for protein and metabolite targets, was successfully demonstrated with detection limits of at most 50 pM and 75 nM, respectively. Notably, the dynamic range of target concentrations could be obtained for over four orders of magnitude. Thus, our method is expected to serve as a point-of-care or on-site test for medical diagnosis and food and environmental hygiene.
Tratamiento de la Disociación Escafolunar mediante tenodesis y ligamentoplastia con el Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis por un único abordaje
Authors: Barreiro G. , Bestilleiro A. , Trobajo M. , Vázquez J. 
Published: November 2017

ResumenPuede decirse que el conocimiento de la etiología, fisiopatología y estados evolutivos de la Disociación Escafolunar (DEL) actualmente es amplio, pero continúa existiendo mucha controversia en cuanto a su tratamiento, siendo ésta una cuestión de la patología carpiana aún no resuelta. En este artículo presentamos una nueva técnica quirúrgica basada en la perfecta reducción de la diástasis y en el mantenimiento del escafoides y semilunar en su posición idónea mediante una tenodesis en el escafoides y una ligamentoplastia entre éste y el semilunar. Con la ventaja de que para ambos fines se emplea el tendón del extensor carpi radialis brevis por una única vía de abordaje y con una técnica sencilla.
A Comparison of the Nulliparous-Term-Singleton-Vertex and Society of Maternal–Fetal Medicine Cesarean Birth Metrics Based on Hospital Size
Authors: Walker Suzan , Hedriana Herman , Wiesner Suzanne , Pelletreau Barbara , Hitti Jane , Benedetti Thomas , Shields Laurence 
Published: November 2017

Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the nulliparous-term-singleton-vertex (NTSV) and the Society of Maternal–Fetal Medicine (SMFM) cesarean birth metrics as tools for quality improvement efforts based on hospital size.
Materials and Methods Cesarean birth rates from 275 hospitals from six states were used to evaluate the NTSV metric and 81 hospitals from four states for the SMFM metric. Data were assessed based on delivery volume, their use as an effective tool for ongoing quality improvement programs, and their ability to serve as performance-based payline indicators.
Results The average NTSV and SMFM cesarean birth rates were 25.6 and 13.0%, respectively. The number of deliveries included in the NTSV metric was stable across all hospital sizes (33.1–36.2%). With the SMFM metric, there was a progressive decline in the number of deliveries included, 90.0 versus 69.6%, in relatively small to large facilities. Variability was less and precision increased with the SMFM metric, which reduced the number of hospitals that could be incorrectly categorized when using performance-based predefined cesarean birth rate paylines.
Conclusion The SMFM metric appears to be better suited as a tool for rapid process improvement programs aimed at reducing cesarean birth rates in low-risk patients.
Gait Retraining From Rearfoot Strike to Forefoot Strike does not change Running Economy
Authors: Roper Jenevieve , Doerfler Deborah , Kravitz Len , Dufek Janet , Mermier Christine 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGait retraining is a method for management of patellofemoral pain, which is a common ailment among recreational runners. The present study investigated the effects of gait retraining from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike on running economy, heart rate, and respiratory exchange ratio immediately post-retraining and one-month post-retraining in recreational runners with patellofemoral pain. Knee pain was also measured. Sixteen participants (n=16) were randomly placed in the control (n=8) or experimental (n=8) group. A 10-minute treadmill RE test was performed by all subjects. The experimental group performed eight gait retraining running sessions where foot strike pattern was switched from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike, while the control group received no intervention. There were no significant differences for running economy (p=0.26), respiratory exchange ratio (p=0.258), or heart rate (p=0.248) between the groups. Knee pain reported on a visual analog scale was also significantly reduced (p<0.05) as a result of retraining. The present study demonstrates that retraining from rearfoot strike to forefoot strike did not affect running economy up to one-month post-retraining while reducing running-related patellofemoral pain.
Near-infrared and Mid-infrared Spectroscopic Techniques for a Fast and Nondestructive Quality Control of Thymi herba
Authors: Pezzei Cornelia , Schönbichler Stefan , Hussain Shah , Kirchler Christian , Huck-Pezzei Verena , Popp Michael , Krolitzek Justine , Bonn Günther , Huck Christian 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this study, novel near-infrared and attenuated total reflectance mid-infrared spectroscopic methods coupled with multivariate data analysis were established enabling the determination of thymol, rosmarinic acid, and the antioxidant capacity of Thymi herba. A new high-performance liquid chromatography method and UV-Vis spectroscopy were applied as reference methods. Partial least squares regressions were carried out as cross and test set validations. To reduce systematic errors, different data pretreatments, such as multiplicative scatter correction, 1st derivative, or 2nd derivative, were applied on the spectra. The performances of the two infrared spectroscopic techniques were evaluated and compared. In general, attenuated total reflectance mid-infrared spectroscopy demonstrated a slightly better predictive power (thymol: coefficient of determination = 0.93, factors = 3, ratio of performance to deviation = 3.94; rosmarinic acid: coefficient of determination = 0.91, factors = 3, ratio of performance to deviation = 3.35, antioxidant capacity: coefficient of determination = 0.87, factors = 2, ratio of performance to deviation = 2.80; test set validation) than near-infrared spectroscopy (thymol: coefficient of determination = 0.90, factors = 6, ratio of performance to deviation = 3.10; rosmarinic acid: coefficient of determination = 0.92, factors = 6, ratio of performance to deviation = 3.61, antioxidant capacity: coefficient of determination = 0.91, factors = 6, ratio of performance to deviation = 3.42; test set validation). The capability of infrared vibrational spectroscopy as a quick and simple analytical tool to replace conventional time and chemical consuming analyses for the quality control of T. herba could be demonstrated.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of KM-34, A Novel Synthetic Catechol, Against Oxidative Stress-Induced Neurotoxicity
Authors: Nuñez-Figueredo Yanier , Ramirez-Sanchez Jeney , Issac Yeniceis , Ochoa-Rodriguez Estael , Verdecia-Reyes Yamila , Delgado-Hernandez Rene , Souza Diogo , Andreu Gilberto 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFree radicals are important mediators in a number of neurodegenerative diseases and molecules capable of scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS) may be a feasible strategy for protecting neuronal cells. In this sense, polyphenols have been studied for their antioxidant effects, KM-34 (5-(3, 4-dydroxyl-benzylidene)-2, 2-dimethyl-1, 3-dioxane-4, 6-Dione) is a novel synthetic catechol with potential neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. We have assessed the antioxidant (as scavenging and iron-chelating compound) and neuroprotectant in vitro (in PC12 cell injury induced by H2O2, glutamate or FeSO4/AA) of KM-34. KM-34 was found to be a potent antioxidant, as shown by (i) inhibition of iron induced-brain lipid peroxidation, (ii) inhibition of 2-deoxyribose degradation, (iii) inhibition of superoxide radicals generation (IC50=11.04 μM) and (iv) inhibition of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical reduction (IC50=16.26 μM). The overall anti-oxidant action of KM-34 appears to be a combination of a direct reaction with free radicals and chelating the metal ions responsible for the production of ROS. Our work suggests that the antioxidant properties of KM-34 may provide future therapeutic approaches for neurodegenerative disorders.
Skilling the nation, empowering the citizen
Authors: Ng Carl Jon Way 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThis paper focuses on what is referred to as the SkillsFuture initiative as the most current crystallization of the Singapore government’s lifelong learning policy, and the state-sponsored discourse associated with it. Adopting a critical discourse-analytic approach, the study examines a data set that cuts across various genres and media (i.e. political speeches, Internet website, video clips), covering both linguistic and (moving) visual instantiations, involving semiotic features like pronouns, modality, image design parameters, and importantly, metaphor. The paper seeks to provide insight into the ideological foundations of Singapore’s education-labour policies as an indication of the ideal(ized) Singaporean citizen-subject promulgated by the state, and how these are semiotically instantiated in state-sponsored discourse. In so doing, the analysis also considers the contextual specificity of the neoliberal-oriented values purveyed, as the individualizing tropes of neoliberalism discursively interact with what might be considered a post-Confucian Singaporean communitarian/collective ethos.
The use of discourse markersbutandsoby native English speakers and Chinese speakers of English
Authors: Liu Binmei 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPrevious studies have found thatbutandsooccur frequently in native and non-native English speakers’ speech and that they are easy to acquire by non-native English speakers. The current study compared ideational and pragmatic functions ofbutandsoby native and non-native speakers of English. Data for the study were gathered using individual sociolinguistic interviews with five native English speakers and ten L1 Chinese speakers. The results suggest that even though the Chinese speakers of English acquired the ideational functions ofbutandsoas well as the native English speakers, they underused the pragmatic functions of them. The findings indicate that there is still a gap between native and non-native English speakers in communicative competence in the use ofbutandso. The present study also suggests that speakers’ L1 (Mandarin Chinese) and overall oral proficiency in oral discourse affect their use ofbutandso.
The essive in Estonian
Authors: Metslang Helle , Lindström Liina 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter presents an empirical study of the distribution of the essive marker in Standard Estonian and Estonian dialects. The use of the essive has changed considerably in Estonian: it almost vanished from North Estonian but was revived in the 19th century. In South Estonian, the essive ending has merged with that of the inessive. The description of the properties of the essive marker follows the questionnaire of the Uralic essive. The domains involved are non-verbal main predication, secondary predication, complementation, and manner, temporal, and circumstantial adverbial phrases. The study specifically investigates the opposition between permanent and impermanent state in non-verbal predications. The use of the marker in the essive sense is contrasted with that of the translative and also to other means of marking non-permanent state.
The essive in Ingrian
Authors: Markus Elena , Rozhanskiy Fedor 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter presents an empirical study of the distribution of a marker referred to as the ‘essive’ in Ingrian. The description of the properties of this marker follows the linguistic questionnaire that captures the contexts in which essive and/or translative markers may occur in the Uralic languages. The study specifically investigates the opposition between permanent and impermanent state in non-verbal predications. The linguistic domains involved are non-verbal main predication, secondary predication, complementation, and manner, temporal, and circumstantial adverbial phrases. The use of the marker in the essive sense (associated with state) is contrasted with its use in expressing the translative sense (associated with change). Finally, the syntactic position of elements marked by this form is discussed in relation to the position of focus constituents.
The essive in Veps
Authors: Grünthal Riho 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter presents an empirical study of the distribution of a marker referred to as the ‘essive’ in Veps. The description of the properties of this marker follows the linguistic questionnaire that captures the contexts in which essive and/or translative markers may occur in the Uralic languages. The study specifically investigates the opposition between permanent and impermanent state in non-verbal predications. The linguistic domains involved are non-verbal main predication, secondary predication, complementation, and manner, temporal, and circumstantial adverbial phrases. The use of the marker in the essive sense (associated with state) is contrasted with its use in expressing the translative sense (associated with change). Finally, the syntactic position of elements marked by this form is discussed in relation to the position of focus constituents.
The Udmurt essive and its functional counterparts
Authors: Edygarova Svetlana 
Published: November 2017

Abstract
This chapter describes forms and constructions in Udmurt, a language without an essive or translative case marker, where other Uralic languages may use the essive or translative. The description of the properties of these forms and constructions follows the linguistic questionnaire that captures the contexts in which essive and/or translative markers in the Uralic languages may occur. The study specifically investigates the opposition between permanent and impermanent state in non-verbal predications. The linguistic domains involved are non-verbal main predication, secondary predication, complementation, manner, temporal, and circumstantial adverbial phrases. The use of the marker in the essive sense (associated with state) is contrasted to that of the translative (associated with change). Finally, the syntactic position of elements marked by this form is discussed in relation to the position of focus constituents.