bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural persistence of the coastal plant Glehnia littoralis along temperate sandy coasts
Authors: Yang Hong-Xiao , Chu Jian-Min , Liu Xiao-Shan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe studied germination behaviors and persistence mechanism of wildGlehnia littoralis, a typical coastal species at temperate sandy coasts of the North Pacific Ocean, and tested the hypothesis that the coastal plants may have evolved special seeds adapting to the coasts, by which they recruit and persist easily, occupying the coasts as ideal habitats. In the Shandong Peninsula, China, we investigated temperature and moisture conditions of coast sand in relation to germination and evaluated effects of sand burial, seawater immersion and sowing time on germination. When germination began, daily dawn temperatures of sand were about 10 °C and daily noon temperatures were about 25 °C; the temperatures were not different in the sand <8 cm deep. The sand at these depths showed a significant difference in moisture contents. The seeds exhibited large germination rates if sand burial was at depths >= 3 cm and winter freezing was kept longer than 2.5 months. Seeds experiencing seawater immersion were able to germinate well. These evidences suggest thatG. littoralishas evolved special seeds adapting to seawater dispersal and specific season rhythm. By the seeds,G. littoralisoccupies temperate sandy coasts as ideal habitats to persist.
Association of Female Reproductive Factors with Hypertension, Diabetes and LQTc in Chinese Women
Authors: Xu Bayi , Chen Yequn , Xiong Jianping , Lu Nan , Tan Xuerui 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe association of female reproductive factors (FRFs) with cardiovascular risk factors among different population was variable and inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine the association between FRFs and hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM), and long heart-rate-corrected QT interval (LQTc) in Chinese post-menopausal women (Post-MW). A total of 8046 Post-MW from the China Chaoshan Biobank Cohort Study were included for analysis. Logistic regression and general linear regression models were used to estimate the association between FRFs and hypertension, DM, and LQTc. Compared with women with 0 or 1 live birth, increasing risk of hypertension (odds ratio [OR], 1.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.16–1.96), DM (OR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.22–2.22), and LQTc (OR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.01–2.09) were observed in women who had five or more live births. Further analysis demonstrated that the association between parity and hypertension, DM, and LQTc was mediated by lifestyle and dyslipidemia. Women with more live births had increased body mass index and waist circumstance, and were inclined to consume more salty food, animal fat, and alcohol, but less meat, vegetable, fish, plant oil, and tea, compared with that had fewer live births (all P < 0.05).
The Enforcement of Moral Boundaries Promotes Cooperation and Prosocial Behavior in Groups
Authors: Simpson Brent , Willer Robb , Harrell Ashley 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe threat of free-riding makes the marshalling of cooperation from group members a fundamental challenge of social life. Where classical social science theory saw the enforcement of moral boundaries as a critical way by which group members regulate one another’s self-interest and build cooperation, moral judgments have most often been studied as processes internal to individuals. Here we investigate how the interpersonal expression of positive and negative moral judgments encourages cooperation in groups and prosocial behavior between group members. In a laboratory experiment, groups whose members could make moral judgments achieved greater cooperation than groups with no capacity to sanction, levels comparable to those of groups featuring costly material sanctions. In addition, members of moral judgment groups subsequently showed more interpersonal trust, trustworthiness, and generosity than all other groups. These findings extend prior work on peer enforcement, highlighting how the enforcement of moral boundaries offers an efficient solution to cooperation problems and promotes prosocial behavior between group members.
PEDF mediates pathological neovascularization by regulating macrophage recruitment and polarization in the mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy
Authors: Gao Sha , Li Changwei , Zhu Yanji , Wang Yanuo , Sui Ailing , Zhong Yisheng , Xie Bing , Shen Xi 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMacrophages have been demonstrated to play a proangiogenic role in retinal pathological vascular growth. Pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) works as a powerful endogenous angiogenesis inhibitor, but its role in macrophage recruitment and polarization is largely unknown. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we first evaluated macrophage polarization in the retinas of the oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) mouse model. Compared to that in normal controls, M1- and M2-like macrophages were all abundantly increased in the retinas of OIR mice. In addition, both M1 and M2 subtypes significantly promoted neovascularization in vitro and in vivo. In addition, we found that PEDF inhibited retinal neovascularization by dampening macrophage recruitment and polarization. Furthermore, PEDF inhibited macrophage polarization through adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) by regulating the activation of MAPKs and the Notch1 pathway, as we found that the phosphorylation of MAPKs, including p38MAPK, JNK and ERK, as well as the accumulation of Notch1 were essential for hypoxia-induced macrophage polarization, while PEDF significantly dampened M1 subtype-related iNOS and M2 subtype-related Arg-1 expression by inhibiting hypoxia-induced activation of Notch1 and MAPKs through ATGL. These findings reveal a protective role of PEDF against retinal neovascularization by regulating macrophage recruitment and polarization.
The propensity of the bacterial rodlin protein RdlB to form amyloid fibrils determines its function in Streptomyces coelicolor
Authors: Yang Wen , Willemse Joost , Sawyer Elizabeth B. , Lou Fei , Gong Weibin , Zhang Hong , Gras Sally L. , Claessen Dennis , Perrett Sarah 
Published: February 2017

AbstractStreptomyces bacteria form reproductive aerial hyphae that are covered with a pattern of pairwise aligned fibrils called rodlets. The presence of the rodlet layer requires two homologous rodlin proteins, RdlA and RdlB, and the functional amyloid chaplin proteins, ChpA-H. In contrast to the redundancy shared among the eight chaplins, both RdlA and RdlB are indispensable for the establishment of this rodlet structure. By using a comprehensive biophysical approach combined with in vivo characterization we found that RdlB, but not RdlA, readily assembles into amyloid fibrils. The marked difference in amyloid propensity between these highly similar proteins could be largely attributed to a difference in amino acid sequence at just three sites. Further, an engineered RdlA protein in which these three key amino acids were replaced with the corresponding residues from RdlB could compensate for loss of RdlB and restore formation of the surface-exposed amyloid layer in bacteria. Our data reveal that RdlB is a new functional amyloid and provide a biophysical basis for the functional differences between the two rodlin proteins. This study enhances our understanding of how rodlin proteins contribute to formation of an outer fibrillar layer during spore morphogenesis in streptomycetes.
Visualisation of abscisic acid and 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid in immature Phaseolus vulgaris L. seeds using desorption electrospray ionisation-imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Enomoto Hirofumi , Sensu Takuya , Sato Kei , Sato Futoshi , Paxton Thanai , Yumoto Emi , Miyamoto Koji , Asahina Masashi , Yokota Takao , Yamane Hisakazu 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and the jasmonic acid related-compound 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid (OPDA) play crucial roles in seed development, dormancy, and germination. However, a lack of suitable techniques for visualising plant hormones has restricted the investigation of their biological mechanisms. In the present study, desorption electrospray ionisation-imaging mass spectrometry (DESI-IMS), a powerful tool for visualising metabolites in biological tissues, was used to visualise ABA and OPDA in immature Phaseolus vulgaris L. seed sections. The mass spectra, peak values and chemical formulae obtained from the analysis of seed sections were consistent with those determined for ABA and OPDA standards, as were the precursor and major fragment ions observed in tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) imaging. Furthermore, the precursor and fragment ion images showed similar distribution patterns. In addition, the localisation of ABA and OPDA using DESI-IMS was confirmed using liquid chromatography-MS/MS (LC-MS/MS). The results indicated that ABA was mainly distributed in the radical and cotyledon of the embryo, whereas OPDA was distributed exclusively in external structures, such as the hilum and seed coat. The present study is the first to report the visualisation of plant hormones using IMS, and demonstrates that DESI-IMS is a promising technique for future plant hormone research.
Maternal Bonding through Pregnancy and Postnatal: Findings from an Australian Longitudinal Study
Authors: Rossen Larissa , Hutchinson Delyse , Wilson Judy , Burns Lucinda , Allsop Steve , Elliott Elizabeth , Jacobs Sue , Macdonald Jacqui , Olsson Craig , Mattick Richard 
Published: February 2017

Background Mother-infant bonding provides the foundation for secure attachment through the lifespan and organizes many facets of infant social-emotional development, including later parenting.
Aims To describe maternal bonding to offspring across the pregnancy and postnatal periods, and to examine a broad range of sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors of the maternal-offspring bond.
Methods Data were drawn from a sample of 372 pregnant women participating in an Australian population-based longitudinal study of postnatal health and development. Participants completed maternal bonding questionnaires at each trimester and 8 weeks postnatal. Data were collected on a range of sociodemographic and psychosocial factors.
Results Bonding increased significantly through pregnancy, in quality and intensity. Regression analyses indicated that stronger antenatal bonding at all time points (trimesters 1 through 3) predicted stronger postnatal bonding. Older maternal age, birth mother being born in a non-English speaking country, mother not working full time, being a first-time mother, breast-feeding problems, and baby's crying behavior all predicted poorer bonding at 8 weeks postpartum.
Conclusion These novel findings have important implications for pregnant women and their infant offspring, and for health care professionals working in perinatal services. Importantly, interventions to strengthen maternal-fetal bonding would be beneficial during pregnancy to enhance postnatal bonding and infant health outcomes.
Distance-dependent gradient in NMDAR-driven spine calcium signals along tapering dendrites
Authors: Walker Alison S. , Neves Guilherme , Grillo Federico , Jackson Rachel E. , Rigby Mark , O’Donnell Cian , Lowe Andrew S. , Vizcay-Barrena Gema , Fleck Roland A. , Burrone Juan 
Published: February 2017

Significance
Neurons in the brain extend long dendrites that are packed with small protrusions, or spines, responsible for receiving information from presynaptic axons. Although we know much about the workings of spines, we know little about the large-scale distribution of the properties of these compartments along dendritic trees. Here, we provide a map of the structure and function of spines along dendrites. We find that synapses are not randomly distributed, but show a gradual decrease in size with distance along a dendrite, which is matched by an increase in the amplitude of neurotransmitter-evoked calcium signals. This distance-dependent gradient in calcium signals will have important implications for neuronal integration of synaptic information and for the rules behind the calcium-driven plasticity of spines.
Evidence for environmental and ecological selection in a microbe with no geographic limits to gene flow
Authors: Whittaker Kerry A. , Rynearson Tatiana A. 
Published: February 2017

SignificanceMarine microbes exhibit enormous genetic diversity and drive global biogeochemical processes. Diatoms are some of the most diverse and ecologically influential marine microbes, generating about 40% of global marine primary production. The physical and ecological processes that maintain diversity in marine microbes are widely debated. Here, using empirical evidence from a diatom species, we show that geographic distance between sites does not correlate with genetic divergence. Instead, environmental and ecological selection likely exert a stronger influence than dispersal on the divergence and connectivity of diatom populations throughout the globe. Understanding mechanisms driving divergence and selection of marine microbial populations has enormous potential for improving predictions of global productivity in response to a rapidly changing marine environment.
Turkish and Turkic complex noun phrase constructions
Authors: Kornfilt Jaklin , Vinokurova Nadezhda 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
We propose an account for two different language types, with data from two Turkic languages. One type (Sakha) allows NMCCs with loose semantic and formal connections between the noun and the clause. The other type (Turkish) does not allow such constructions. In Turkish-type Turkic, the head’s semantic features in NMCCs impose requirements on the morpho-syntax of a complement clause; in RCs, the subjecthood versus non-subjecthood of the target dictates different morphological properties onto the clause’s predicate. The Sakha type languages do not exhibit such constraints, given the clause’s status as an adjunct in both constructions. We further show that not only Turkish-type languages, but also Sakha-type languages obey syntactic island constraints, as adjuncts are more opaque for extractions than complements; hence even this type of language can be sensitive to islands.
Ab initio computational study of reaction mechanism of peptide bond formation on HF/6-31G(d,p) level
Authors: Siahaan P , Lalita M N T , Cahyono B , Laksitorini M D , Hildayani S Z 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPeptide plays an important role in modulation of various cell functions. Therefore, formation reaction of the peptide is important for chemical reactions. One way to probe the reaction of peptide synthesis is a computational method. The purpose of this research is to determine the reaction mechanism for peptide bond formation on Ac-PV-NH2and Ac-VP-NH2synthesis from amino acid proline and valine by ab initio computational approach. The calculations were carried out by theory and basis set HF/6-31G(d,p) for four mechanisms (path 1 to 4) that proposed in this research. The results show that the highest of the rate determining step between reactant and transition state (TS) for path 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 163.06 kJ.mol-1, 1868 kJ.mol-1, 5685 kJ.mol-1, and 1837 kJ.mol-1. The calculation shows that the most preferred reaction of Ac-PV-NH2and Ac-VP-NH2synthesis from amino acid proline and valine are on the path 1 (initiated with the termination of H+in proline amino acid) that produce Ac-PV-NH2.
Mesenchymal stromal cells and autoimmunity
Authors: Pistoia Vito , Raffaghello Lizzia 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are committed progenitors of mesodermal origin that are found virtually in every organ and exhibit multilineage differentiation into osteocytes, adipocytes and chondrocytes. MSCs also mediate a wide spectrum of immunoregulatory activities that usually dampen innate and adaptive immune responses. These features have attracted interest in the perspective of developing novel cell therapies for autoimmune disease. However, depending on the microenvironmental conditions, MSCs may show a plastic behavior and switch to an immunostimulatory phenotype. After thorough characterization of the effects of MSCs on the immune system, MSC cell therapy has been tested in animal models of autoimmunity using different cell sources, protocols of in vitro expansion and routes and schedules of administration. The pre-clinical results have been encouraging in some models [e.g. Crohn’s disease (CD), multiple sclerosis] and heterogeneous in others (e.g. graft-versus-host disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis). Clinical trials have been carried out and many are ongoing. As discussed, the results obtained are too preliminary to draw any conclusion, with the only exception of topical administration of MSCs in CD that has proven efficacious. The mechanism of action of infused MSCs is still under investigation, but the apparent paradox of a therapeutic effect achieved in spite of the very low number of cells reaching the target organ has been solved by the finding that MSC-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) closely mimic the therapeutic activity of MSCs in pre-clinical models. These issues are critically discussed in view of the potential clinical use of MSC-derived EVs.
Adding Examples to the ASA-Physical Status Classification Improves Correct Assignment to Patients
Authors: Hurwitz Erin E. , Simon Michelle , Vinta Sandhya R. , Zehm Charles F. , Shabot Sarah M. , Minhajuddin Abu , Abouleish Amr E. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

Background
Despite its widespread use, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)-Physical Status Classification System has been shown to result in inconsistent assignments among anesthesiologists. The ASA-Physical Status Classification System is also used by nonanesthesia-trained clinicians and others. In 2014, the ASA developed and approved examples to assist clinicians in determining the correct ASA-Physical Status Classification System assignment. The effect of these examples by anesthesia-trained and nonanesthesia-trained clinicians on appropriate ASA-Physical Status Classification System assignment in hypothetical cases was examined.

Methods
Anesthesia-trained and nonanesthesia-trained clinicians were recruited via email to participate in a web-based questionnaire study. The questionnaire consisted of 10 hypothetical cases, for which respondents were first asked to assign ASA-Physical Status using only the ASA-Physical Status Classification System definitions and a second time using the newly ASA-approved examples.

Results
With ASA-approved examples, both anesthesia-trained and nonanesthesia-trained clinicians improved in mean number of correct answers (out of possible 10) compared to ASA-Physical Status Classification System definitions alone (P < 0.001 for all). However, with examples, nonanesthesia-trained clinicians improved more compared to anesthesia-trained clinicians. With definitions only, anesthesia-trained clinicians (5.8 ± 1.6) scored higher than nonanesthesia-trained clinicians (5.4 ± 1.7; P = 0.041). With examples, anesthesia-trained (7.7 ± 1.8) and nonanesthesia-trained (8.0 ± 1.7) groups were not significantly different (P = 0.100).

Conclusions
The addition of examples to the definitions of the ASA-Physical Status Classification System increases the correct assignment of patients by anesthesia-trained and nonanesthesia-trained clinicians.
Sustained Resolution of Macular Retinoschisis After Trabeculectomy in a Patient With Progressive Glaucoma
Authors: Woo Rany , Akil Handan , Koulisis Nicole , Olmos de Koo Lisa C. , Tan James C.H. 
Published: February 2017

Purpose:
To evaluate the clinical characteristics of a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma in whom macular retinoschisis resolved completely after trabeculectomy consistently lowered intraocular pressure (IOP).

Methods:
A single case report.

Results:
We report a case of retinoschisis involving the macula in a patient with primary open-angle glaucoma in the absence of myopic maculopathy, optic nerve anomaly, or x-linked retinoschisis. The patient’s glaucoma was associated with progressive visual field loss in the setting of IOP fluctuations related to posture. A trabeculectomy reduced IOP and posture-related IOP fluctuations with subsequent resolution of macular retinoschisis. In the 1-year postoperative period following trabeculectomy, the patient has remained without retinoschisis and visual fields have been stable.

Conclusions:
Improved IOP control resulting in resolution of retinoschisis may distinguish retinoschisis associated with glaucoma from other forms of retinoschisis.
Predictor of Hand Radiological Progression in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Receiving TNF Antagonist Therapy by Change in Grayscale Synovitis—A Preliminary Study
Authors: Chen Ying-Chou , Su Fu-Mei , Hsu Shih-Wei , Chen Jia-Feng , Cheng Tien-Tsai , Lai Han-Ming , Chiu Wen-Chan 
Published: February 2017

Objectives
This prospective study aimed to compare synovial ultrasound scores to conventional measures (DAS28, CRP levels) in predicting radiographic progression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis under TNF antagonist therapy.

Methods
Patients with RA who received TNF antagonist therapy were enrolled, all of whom underwent clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic assessments with grayscale and power Doppler assessments of bilateral elbows (anterior and posterior recess), wrists (dorsal, palmar, and ulnar aspects), second and third MCP joints (dorsal and palmar recess), and PIP II and III (dorsal and palmar) at baseline and at 1, 3 months. Hand radiographic damage was evaluated using van der Heijde modified Total Sharp Score (TSS) at baseline and 12 months.

Results
Thirty-two patients (384 joints, 832 synovial sites) continued the same treatment regimen for 12 months and completed the study, 41.6% of whom showed radiographic progression during the study period. Baseline DAS28 (P = 0.123), CRP level (P = 0.177), grayscale synovitis (P = 0.092), and power Doppler synovitis (P = 0.120) could not predict radiological damage in the TNF antagonist therapy group. However, ΔTSS was significantly related to changes in grayscale synovitis between baseline and 1 month (P = 0.011), but not at 3 months (P = 0.591), and was not related to changes in the power Doppler score at 1 (P = 0.634) and 3 months (P = 0.298).

Conclusions
Our data confirm that delayed improvement in grayscale synovitis between baseline and 1 month more accurately reflects 1-year radiological damage than conventional measures such as DAS28 score and CRP level. Therefore, we recommend serial ultrasound follow-up of patients with RA receiving TNF antagonist therapy.