bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing the methods for quantifying the culm surface area of bamboo, Phyllostachys pubescens
Authors: Inoue Akio , Sakamoto Masahiro 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe compared several methods for quantifying the culm surface area (S) of one of the most common bamboos in Japan, Phyllostachys pubescens Mazel ex Houz. Nine sample culms of P. pubescens were felled, and the true S was determined by the fine resolution analysis of the culm form (SFRA). The S was then calculated independently with the sectional measurement method from the successive diameters measured at equal intervals of one‐twentieth (S20), one‐tenth (S10), one‐fifth (S5) and one‐half (S2) of the total culm length. The S was also quantified geometrically from the total culm length and the diameter at breast height or at base by assuming that the culm form could be approximated by a cone (SDBH and SDAB). The SFRA was compared with each of the computed S values. For S10, S5 and S2, both the mean relative bias (%BIAS) and relative root mean square error (%RMSE) decreased with an increase in the number of measured diameters. The %BIAS and %RMSE of the S10 were, respectively, comparable and smaller compared to those of S20. The bias of the SDBH and SDAB suggested that the cone assumption of the culm form was violated. In conclusion, we recommend that the S should be quantified from the successive diameters measured at equal intervals of one‐tenth of the total culm length using the sectional measurement method.
Omics Approaches to Identify Potential Biomarkers of Inflammatory Diseases in the Focal Adhesion Complex
Authors: Brooks Johanne , Watson Alastair , Korcsmaros Tamas 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) require recurrent invasive tests, including blood tests, radiology, and endoscopic evaluation both to diagnose and assess disease activity, and to determine optimal therapeutic strategies. Simple ‘bedside’ biomarkers could be used in all phases of patient management to avoid unnecessary investigation and guide further management. The focal adhesion complex (FAC) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple inflammatory diseases, including IBD, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Utilizing omics technologies has proven to be an efficient approach to identify biomarkers from within the FAC in the field of cancer medicine. Predictive biomarkers are paving the way for the success of precision medicine for cancer patients, but inflammatory diseases have lagged behind in this respect. This review explores the current status of biomarker prediction for inflammatory diseases from within the FAC using omics technologies and highlights the benefits of future potential biomarker identification approaches.
Food restriction affects Y‐maze spatial recognition memory in developing mice
Authors: Fu Yu , Chen Yanmei , Li Liane , Wang Yumei , Kong Xiangyang , Wang Jianhong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe ambiguous effects of food restriction (FR) on cognition in rodents have been mostly explored in the aged brain by a variety of paradigms, in which either rewards or punishments are involved. This study aims to examine the effects of chronic and acute FR with varying intensities on spatial recognition memory in developing mice. We have used a Y‐maze task that is based on the innate tendency of rodents to explore novel environments. In chronic FR, mice had 70–30% chow of control for seven weeks. In acute FR, mice were food restricted for 12–48 h before the tests. We found that chronic FR had no effect on the preference of mice for novelty in the Y‐maze, but severe FR (50–30% of control) caused impairment on spatial recognition memory. The impairment significantly correlated with the slow weight growth induced by FR. Acute FR also did not affect the novelty preference of mice, but either improved or impaired the memory retention. These data suggest chronic FR impairs Y‐maze spatial recognition memory in developing mice depending on FR intensity and individual tolerability of the FR. Moreover, acute FR exerts diverse effects on the memory, either positive or negative. Our findings have revealed new insights on the effects of FR on spatial recognition memory in developing animals.
C-Tactile Mediated Erotic Touch Perception Relates to Sexual Desire and Performance in a Gender-Specific Way
Authors: Bendas Johanna , Georgiadis Janniko R. , Ritschel Gerhard , Olausson Håkan , Weidner Kerstin , Croy Ilona 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackgroundUnmyelinated low-threshold mechanoreceptors—the so-called C-tactile (CT) afferents—play a crucial role in the perception and conduction of caressing and pleasant touch sensations and significantly contribute to the concept of erotic touch perception.AimTo investigate the relations between sexual desire and sexual performance and the perception of touch mediated by CT afferents.MethodsSeventy healthy participants (28 men, 42 women; mean age ± SD = 24.84 ± 4.08 years, range = 18–36 years) underwent standardized and highly controlled stroking stimulation that varied in the amount of CT fiber stimulation by changing stroking velocity (CT optimal = 1, 3 and 10 cm/s; CT suboptimal = 0.1, 0.3, and 30 cm/s). Participants rated the perceived pleasantness, eroticism, and intensity of the applied tactile stimulation on a visual analog scale, completed the Sexual Desire Inventory, and answered questions about sexual performance.OutcomesRatings of perceived eroticism of touch were related to self-report levels of sexual desire and sexual performance.ResultsPleasantness and eroticism ratings showed similar dependence on stroking velocity that aligned with the activity of CT afferents. Erotic touch perception was related to sexual desire and sexual performance in a gender-specific way. In women, differences in eroticism ratings between CT optimal and suboptimal velocities correlated positively with desire for sexual interaction. In contrast, in men, this difference correlated to a decreased frequency and longer duration of partnered sexual activities.Clinical ImplicationsThe present results lay the foundation for future research assessing these relations in patients with specific impairments of sexual functioning (eg, hypoactive sexual desire disorder).Strengths and LimitationsThe strength of the study is the combination of standardized neurophysiologic methods and behavioral data. A clear limitation of the study design is the exclusion of exact data on the female menstrual cycle and the recruitment of an inhomogeneous sample concerning sexual orientation.ConclusionThe present results provide further evidence that unmyelinated CT afferents play a role in the complex mechanism of erotic touch perception. The ability to differentiate between CT optimal and suboptimal stimuli relates to sexual desire and performance in a gender-specific way.
Biomarkers of Inflammation Mediate an Association Between Sexual Activity and Quality of Life in Older Adulthood
Authors: Allen Mark S. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
Inflammatory processes underlie biological mechanisms responsible for age-related disease and quality of life. Psychological stress can activate acute-phase reactants associated with inflammation, and sexual activity can assist in the management of stress.

Aim
To test whether inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein [CRP], fibrinogen, and white blood cell [WBC] count) would mediate an association between frequency of sexual activity and quality of life in older adulthood.

Methods
Older adults from England (N = 4,554; 2,049 men, 2,505 women; mean age = 66.25 ± 8.89 years) provided blood samples and completed self-report questionnaires on sexual activity, quality of life, and health-related behavior.

Outcomes
CRP (milligrams per liter), fibrinogen (grams per liter), WBC count (109 cells/L), and quality of life (self-report).

Results
Frequency of sexual activity had a negative association with CRP and fibrinogen. An age-moderated effect also showed that frequency of sexual activity had a negative association with WBC count in older participants in the sample (&gt;70 years of age). CRP mediated a positive association between frequency of sexual activity and quality of life. An age-moderated mediation effect also showed that WBC count mediated the association between sexual activity and quality of life in the oldest participants in the sample. All analyses controlled for demographic, anthropometric, and health-related factors.

Clinical Translation
More frequent sexual activity might be a useful auxiliary approach to lowering stress-related inflammation and improving quality of life.

Strengths and Limitations
Strengths of this study include the large sample and multiple control variables. Limitations include the cross-sectional nature of the data and some loss in sample representativeness.

Conclusion
Findings provide evidence that more sexually active older adults exhibit an anti-inflammatory status associated with a perception of higher quality of life. Further research using prospective designs and natural experimental methods is encouraged.
Nonlinear waves with a threefold rotational symmetry in pipe flow: influence of a strongly shear-thinning rheology
Authors: Plaut Emmanuel , Roland Nicolas , Nouar Chérif 
Published: April 2017

In order to model the transition to turbulence in pipe flow of non-Newtonian fluids, the influence of a strongly shear-thinning rheology on the travelling waves with a threefold rotational symmetry of Faisst & Eckhardt (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 91, 2003, 224502) and Wedin & Kerswell (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 508, 2004, pp. 333–371) is analysed. The rheological model is Carreau’s law. Besides the shear-thinning index $n_{C}$, the dimensionless characteristic time $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ of the fluid is considered as the main non-Newtonian control parameter. If $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=0$, the fluid is Newtonian. In the relevant limit $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}\rightarrow +\infty$, the fluid approaches a power-law behaviour. The laminar base flows are first characterized. To compute the nonlinear waves, a Petrov–Galerkin code is used, with continuation methods, starting from the Newtonian case. The axial wavenumber is optimized and the critical waves appearing at minimal values of the Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{w}$ based on the mean velocity and wall viscosity are characterized. As $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ increases, these correspond to a constant value of the Reynolds number based on the mean velocity and viscosity. This viscosity, close to the one of the laminar flow, can be estimated analytically. Therefore the experimentally relevant critical Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}_{wc}$ can also be estimated analytically. This Reynolds number may be viewed as a lower estimate of the Reynolds number for the transition to developed turbulence. This demonstrates a quantified stabilizing effect of the shear-thinning rheology. Finally, the increase of the pressure gradient in waves, as compared to the one in the laminar flow with the same mass flux, is calculated, and a kind of ‘drag reduction effect’ is found.
Appendages of an early Cambrian metadoxidid trilobite from Yunnan, SW China support mandibulate affinities of trilobites and artiopods
Authors: ZENG HAN , ZHAO FANGCHEN , YIN ZONGJUN , ZHU MAOYAN 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAppendage anatomy contributes crucial data for understanding the evolution and ecology of Euarthropoda. The Palaeozoic trilobites show a great diversity of exoskeletons in the fossil record. However, soft parts, especially appendages, have only been discovered from a few trilobite species. Here we report extraordinarily preserved appendages in the trilobite speciesHongshiyanaspis yiliangensisZhang & LininZhanget al. 1980 (Redlichiida, Metadoxididae) from a single mudstone layer of the Xiazhuang fossil assemblage within the Hongjingshao Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3) near Kunming, Yunnan, SW China. The appendages exhibit the common architecture revealed by other trilobites and artiopods by consisting of a pair of uniramous antennae followed by a series of paired homonomous biramous limbs. The antennae in holaspid individuals comprise up to 27 spinous podomeres and their ontogeny occurs by lengthening of the podomeres. The post-antennal biramous limbs are similar to those in other polymerid trilobites and artiopods by having a single-segmented protopodite and an endopodite comprising seven segments, but possess a unique wide tripartite exopodite with long setae. Sophisticated appendage anatomy, including the body–limb junction, fine setae, putative muscle bundles and duct-type tissues, are also revealed. Appendages of trilobites, artiopods and other upper stem-group euarthropods are compared and summarized. TheH. yiliangensisappendages highlight the high morphological disparity of exopodites and the conservativeness of endopodites in trilobites and artiopods. This morphological pattern, together with similar body patterning seen in crustaceans but not in chelicerates, supports the mandibulate affinities of trilobites and at least some artiopods.
Actualized Stigma: The historical formation of anti-Americanism in North Korea
Authors: KIM TAEWOO 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDuring the Open Port period and Japanese colonial period (1876–1945), Koreans generally had a positive image of the United States. This positive view of the United States held by Koreans persisted until after liberation from Japanese colonial rule in 1945. The United States was a ‘liberator’ that saved the Koreans, and was viewed as ‘a cooperator’ with whom Korea was to solve its national task of establishing a new country. However, the concept of ‘American imperialist warmonger’ had begun to be promoted in North Korea from 1948–49. It was a concept advanced by the Soviet Union and the North Korean leadership. The negative image of the United States, which spread throughout North Korea from the early years of the Cold War, was merely a perplexing stigma lacking substantiated grounds. However, the experiences of the Korean War actualized the image of the United States as a ‘warmonger’ in the hearts of the North Korean people. Alleged indiscriminate aerial bombings, mass slaughters, sexual assaults, and arson attacks against Korean civilians became the most important reason for the expansion of intense sentiment. Anti-Americanism began to be systemized and routinized in every aspect of North Korean life after the Korean War.
Impact of the location of the fenestration on Fontan circulation haemodynamics: a three-dimensional, computational model study
Authors: Sughimoto Koichi , Asakura Yuta , Brizard Christian P. , Liang Fuyou , Fujiwara Takashi , Miyaji Kagami , Liu Hao 
Published: April 2017

AbstractObjectivesThere is no consensus or theoretical explanation regarding the optimal location for the fenestration during the Fontan operation. We investigated the impact of the location of the fenestration on Fontan haemodynamics using a three-dimensional Fontan model in various physiological conditions.MethodsA three-dimensional Fontan model was constructed on the basis of CT images, and a 4-mm-diameter fenestration was located between the extracardiac Fontan conduit and the right atrium at three positions: superior, middle, and inferior part of the conduit. Haemodynamics in the Fontan route were analysed using a three-dimensional computational fluid dynamic model in realistic physiological conditions, which were predicted using a lumped parameter model of the cardiovascular system. The respiratory effect of the caval flow was taken into account. The flow rate through the fenestration, the effect of lowering the central venous pressure, and wall shear stress in the Fontan circuit were evaluated under central venous pressures of 10, 15, and 20 mmHg. The pulse power index and pulsatile energy loss index were calculated as energy loss indices.ResultsUnder all central venous pressures, the middle-part fenestration demonstrated the most significant effect on enhancing the flow rate through the fenestration while lowering the central venous pressure. The middle-part fenestration produced the highest time-averaged wall shear stress, pressure pulse index, and pulsatile energy loss index.ConclusionsDespite slightly elevated energy loss, the middle-part fenestration most significantly increased cardiac output and lowered central venous pressure under respiration in the Fontan circulation.
EcR recruits dMi-2 and increases efficiency of dMi-2-mediated remodelling to constrain transcription of hormone-regulated genes
Authors: Kreher Judith , Kovač Kristina , Bouazoune Karim , Mačinković Igor , Ernst Anna Luise , Engelen Erik , Pahl Roman , Finkernagel Florian , Murawska Magdalena , Ullah Ikram , Brehm Alexander 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGene regulation by steroid hormones plays important roles in health and disease. In Drosophila, the hormone ecdysone governs transitions between key developmental stages. Ecdysone-regulated genes are bound by a heterodimer of ecdysone receptor (EcR) and Ultraspiracle. According to the bimodal switch model, steroid hormone receptors recruit corepressors in the absence of hormone and coactivators in its presence. Here we show that the nucleosome remodeller dMi-2 is recruited to ecdysone-regulated genes to limit transcription. Contrary to the prevalent model, recruitment of the dMi-2 corepressor increases upon hormone addition to constrain gene activation through chromatin remodelling. Furthermore, EcR and dMi-2 form a complex that is devoid of Ultraspiracle. Unexpectedly, EcR contacts the dMi-2 ATPase domain and increases the efficiency of dMi-2-mediated nucleosome remodelling. This study identifies a non-canonical EcR-corepressor complex with the potential for a direct regulation of ATP-dependent nucleosome remodelling by a nuclear hormone receptor.
TGF-β induces phosphorylation of phosphatase and tensin homolog: implications for fibrosis of the trabecular meshwork tissue in glaucoma
Authors: Tellios Nikoleta , Belrose Jillian C. , Tokarewicz Alexander C. , Hutnik Cindy , Liu Hong , Leask Andrew , Motolko Michael , Iijima Miho , Parapuram Sunil K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFundamental cell signaling mechanisms that regulate dynamic remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in mechanically loaded tissues are not yet clearly understood. Trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue in the eye is under constant mechanical stress and continuous remodeling of ECM is crucial to maintain normal aqueous humor drainage and intraocular pressure (IOP). However, excessive ECM remodeling can cause fibrosis of the TM as in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients, and is characterized by increased resistance to aqueous humor drainage, elevated IOP, optic nerve degeneration and blindness. Increased levels of active transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2) in the aqueous humor is the main cause of fibrosis of TM in POAG patients. Herein, we report a novel finding that, in TM cells, TGF-β-induced increase in collagen expression is associated with phosphorylation of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) at residues Ser380/Thr382/383. Exogenous overexpression of a mutated form of PTEN with enhanced phosphatase activity prevented the TGF-β-induced collagen expression by TM cells. We propose that rapid alteration of PTEN activity through changes in its phosphorylation status could uniquely regulate the continuous remodeling of ECM in the normal TM. Modulating PTEN activity may have high therapeutic potential to alleviating the fibrosis of TM in POAG patients.
Genetic dissection of yield traits in super hybrid rice Xieyou9308 using both unconditional and conditional genome-wide association mapping
Authors: Zhang Yingxin , Zhou Liyuan , Shen Xihong , Chen Daibo , Wu Weixun , Zhan Xiaodeng , Liu Qunen , Zhu Aike , Lou Xiangyang , Xu Haiming , Cheng Shihua , Cao Liyong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWith the development and application of super rice breeding, elite rice hybrids with super high-yielding potential have been widely developed in last decades in China. Xieyou9308 is one of the most famous super hybrid rice varieties. To uncover the genetic mechanism of Xieyou9308’s high yield potential, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from cross of XieqingzaoB and Zhonghui9308 was re-sequenced and investigated on the grain yield (GYD) and its three component traits, number of panicles per plant (NP), number of filled grains per panicle (NFGP), and grain weight (GW). Unconditional and conditional genome-wide association analysis, based on a linear mixed model with epistasis and gene-environment interaction effects, were conducted, using ~0.7 million identified SNPs. There were six, four, seven, and seven QTSs identified for GYD, NP, NFGP, and GW, respectively, with accumulated explanatory heritability varying from 43.06% to 48.36%; additive by environment interactions were detected for GYD, some minor epistases were detected for NP and NFGP. Further, conditional genetic mapping analysis for GYD given its three components revealed several novel QTSs associated with yield than that were suppressed in our unconditional mapping analysis.
Moderate lifelong overexpression of tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1) improves health and survival in mice
Authors: Zhang Hong-Mei , Diaz Vivian , Walsh Michael E. , Zhang Yiqiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe tuberous sclerosis complex 1/2 (TSC1/2) is an endogenous regulator of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). While mTOR has been shown to play an important role in health and aging, the role of TSC1/2 in aging has not been fully investigated. In the current study, a constitutive TSC1 transgenic (Tsc1
tg
) mouse model was generated and characterized. mTORC1 signaling was reduced in majority of the tissues, except the brain. In contrast, mTORC2 signaling was enhanced in Tsc1
tg
mice. Tsc1
tg
mice are more tolerant to exhaustive exercises and less susceptible to isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy at both young and advanced ages. Tsc1
tg
mice have less fibrosis and inflammation in aged as well as isoproterenol-challenged heart than age-matched wild type mice. The female Tsc1
tg
mice exhibit a higher fat to lean mass ratio at advanced ages than age-matched wild type mice. More importantly, the lifespan increased significantly in female Tsc1
tg
mice, but not in male Tsc1
tg
mice. Collectively, our data demonstrated that moderate increase of TSC1 expression can enhance overall health, particularly cardiovascular health, and improve survival in a gender-specific manner.
Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations of TERT Are Associated with Inferior Outcome in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Seynnaeve Brittani , Lee Seungjae , Borah Sumit , Park Yongseok , Pappo Alberto , Kirkwood John M. , Bahrami Armita 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProgression of melanoma to distant sites in adolescents and young adults (AYAs) is not reliably predicted by clinicopathologic criteria. TERT promoter mutations when combined with BRAF/NRAS mutations correlate with adverse outcome in adult melanoma. To determine the prognostic value of TERT alterations in AYA melanoma, we investigated the association of TERT promoter mutations, as well as promoter methylation, an epigenetic alteration also linked to TERT upregulation, with TERT mRNA expression and outcome using a well-characterized cohort of 27 patients with melanoma (ages 8–25, mean 20). TERT mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in tumors harboring TERT promoter mutation and/or hypermethylation than those without either aberration (P = 0.046). TERT promoter mutations alone did not predict adverse outcomes (P = 0.50), but the presence of TERT promoter methylation, alone or concurrent with promoter mutations, correlated with reduced recurrence-free survival (P = 0.001). These data suggest that genetic and epigenetic alterations of TERT are associated with TERT upregulation and may predict clinical outcomes in AYA melanoma. A more exhaustive understanding of the different molecular mechanisms leading to increased TERT expression may guide development of prognostic assays to stratify AYA melanoma patients according to clinical risk.