bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic functional connectivity reduces after first-time exposure to short-term gravitational alterations induced by parabolic flight
Authors: Van Ombergen Angelique , Wuyts Floris L. , Jeurissen Ben , Sijbers Jan , Vanhevel Floris , Jillings Steven , Parizel Paul M. , Sunaert Stefan , Van de Heyning Paul H. , Dousset Vincent , Laureys Steven , Demertzi Athena 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSpaceflight severely impacts the human body. However, little is known about how gravity and gravitational alterations affect the human brain. Here, we aimed at measuring the effects of acute exposure to gravity transitions. We exposed 28 naïve participants to repetitive alterations between normal, hyper- and microgravity induced by a parabolic flight (PF) and measured functional MRI connectivity changes. Scans were acquired before and after the PF. To mitigate motion sickness, PF participants received scopolamine prior to PF. To account for the scopolamine effects, 12 non-PF controls were scanned prior to and after scopolamine injection. Changes in functional connectivity were explored with the Intrinsic Connectivity Contrast (ICC). Seed-based analysis on the regions exhibiting localized changes was subsequently performed to understand the networks associated with the identified nodes. We found that the PF group was characterized by lower ICC scores in the right temporo-parietal junction (rTPJ), an area involved in multisensory integration and spatial tasks. The encompassed network revealed PF-related decreases in within- and inter-hemispheric anticorrelations between the rTPJ and the supramarginal gyri, indicating both altered vestibular and self-related functions. Our findings shed light on how the brain copes with gravity transitions, on gravity internalization and are relevant for the understanding of bodily self-consciousness.
Mathematical modeling and stability analysis of Pine Wilt Disease with optimal control
Authors: Khan M. A. , Ali K. , Bonyah E. , Okosun K. O. , Islam S. , Khan A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis paper presents and examine a mathematical system of equations which describes the dynamics of pine wilt disease (PWD). Firstly, we examine the model with constant controls. Here, we investigate the disease equilibria and calculate the basic reproduction number of the disease. Secondly, we incorporate time dependent controls into the model and then analyze the conditions that are necessary for the disease to be controlled optimally. Finally, the numerical results for the model are presented.
Fusaric Acid immunotoxicity and MAPK activation in normal peripheral blood mononuclear cells and Thp-1 cells
Authors: Dhani Shanel , Nagiah Savania , Naidoo Dhaneshree B. , Chuturgoon Anil A. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractFusaric acid (FA), a food-borne mycotoxin, is a potent divalent metal chelator. The human immune system is complex and susceptible to environmental insult however, the immunotoxity of FA remains unknown. We investigated the immunotoxicity of FA on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and Thp-1 cells. FA was cytotoxic to PBMCs (IC50-240.8 μg/ml) and Thp-1 (IC50-107.7 μg/ml) cells at 24 h. FA induced early apoptosis but significantly decreased caspase activity in PBMCs, a characteristic of paraptosis. In Thp-1 cells, FA induced apoptosis and increased caspase −9 and −3/7 activities. In PBMCs, FA maintained mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased protein expression of Bax whilst increasing expression of p-Bcl-2; FA induced oxidative stress and depleted ATP levels in both cell types. In Thp-1 cells, FA increased mitochondrial membrane depolarization and decreased p-Bcl-2 expression. In PBMCs, FA significantly up-regulated the MAPK protein expression of p-ERK and p-JNK but down-regulated p-p38 expression. In Thp-1 cells, FA up-regulated MAPK protein expression of p-ERK whilst p-JNK and p-p38 expression were down-regulated. In conclusion FA induced programmed cell death and altered MAPK signaling in healthy PBMCs and Thp-1 cells strongly suggesting a possible mechanism of FA induced immunotoxicity in vitro.
Improving randomness characterization through Bayesian model selection
Authors: Díaz Hernández Rojas Rafael , Solís Aldo , Angulo Martínez Alí M. , U’Ren Alfred B. , Hirsch Jorge G. , Marsili Matteo , Pérez Castillo Isaac 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRandom number generation plays an essential role in technology with important applications in areas ranging from cryptography to Monte Carlo methods, and other probabilistic algorithms. All such applications require high-quality sources of random numbers, yet effective methods for assessing whether a source produce truly random sequences are still missing. Current methods either do not rely on a formal description of randomness (NIST test suite) on the one hand, or are inapplicable in principle (the characterization derived from the Algorithmic Theory of Information), on the other, for they require testing all the possible computer programs that could produce the sequence to be analysed. Here we present a rigorous method that overcomes these problems based on Bayesian model selection. We derive analytic expressions for a model’s likelihood which is then used to compute its posterior distribution. Our method proves to be more rigorous than NIST’s suite and Borel-Normality criterion and its implementation is straightforward. We applied our method to an experimental device based on the process of spontaneous parametric downconversion to confirm it behaves as a genuine quantum random number generator. As our approach relies on Bayesian inference our scheme transcends individual sequence analysis, leading to a characterization of the source itself.
Measuring multisensory integration: from reaction times to spike counts
Authors: Colonius Hans , Diederich Adele 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA neuron is categorized as “multisensory” if there is a statistically significant difference between the response evoked, e.g., by a crossmodal stimulus combination and that evoked by the most effective of its components separately. Being responsive to multiple sensory modalities does not guarantee that a neuron has actually engaged in integrating its multiple sensory inputs: it could simply respond to the stimulus component eliciting the strongest response in a given trial. Crossmodal enhancement is commonly expressed as a proportion of the strongest mean unisensory response. This traditional index does not take into account any statistical dependency between the sensory channels under crossmodal stimulation. We propose an alternative index measuring by how much the multisensory response surpasses the level obtainable by optimally combining the unisensory responses, with optimality defined as probability summation under maximal negative stochastic dependence. The new index is analogous to measuring crossmodal enhancement in reaction time studies by the strength of violation of the “race model inequality’, a numerical measure of multisensory integration. Since the new index tends to be smaller than the traditional one, neurons previously labeled as “multisensory’ may lose that property. The index is easy to compute and it is sensitive to variability in data.
Characterizing haploinsufficiency of SHELL gene to improve fruit form prediction in introgressive hybrids of oil palm
Authors: Teh Chee-Keng , Muaz Siti Dalila , Tangaya Praveena , Fong Po-Yee , Ong Ai-Ling , Mayes Sean , Chew Fook-Tim , Kulaveerasingam Harikrishna , Appleton David 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe fundamental trait in selective breeding of oil palm (Eleais guineensis Jacq.) is the shell thickness surrounding the kernel. The monogenic shell thickness is inversely correlated to mesocarp thickness, where the crude palm oil accumulates. Commercial thin-shelled tenera derived from thick-shelled dura × shell-less pisifera generally contain 30% higher oil per bunch. Two mutations, sh
MPOB
(M1) and sh
AVROS
(M2) in the SHELL gene – a type II MADS-box transcription factor mainly present in AVROS and Nigerian origins, were reported to be responsible for different fruit forms. In this study, we have tested 1,339 samples maintained in Sime Darby Plantation using both mutations. Five genotype-phenotype discrepancies and eight controls were then re-tested with all five reported mutations (sh
AVROS
, sh
MPOB
, sh
MPOB2
, sh
MPOB3
and sh
MPOB4
) within the same gene. The integration of genotypic data, pedigree records and shell formation model further explained the haploinsufficiency effect on the SHELL gene with different number of functional copies. Some rare mutations were also identified, suggesting a need to further confirm the existence of cis-compound mutations in the gene. With this, the prediction accuracy of fruit forms can be further improved, especially in introgressive hybrids of oil palm. Understanding causative variant segregation is extremely important, even for monogenic traits such as shell thickness in oil palm.
Transgenic overexpression of GTP cyclohydrolase 1 in cardiomyocytes ameliorates post-infarction cardiac remodeling
Authors: Liu Yanan , Baumgardt Shelley L. , Fang Juan , Shi Yang , Qiao Shigang , Bosnjak Zeljko J. , Vásquez-Vivar Jeannette , Xia Zhengyuan , Warltier David C. , Kersten Judy R. , Ge Zhi-Dong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractGTP cyclohydrolase 1 (GCH1) and its product tetrahydrobiopterin play crucial roles in cardiovascular health and disease, yet the exact regulation and role of GCH1 in adverse cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction are still enigmatic. Here we report that cardiac GCH1 is degraded in remodeled hearts after myocardial infarction, concomitant with increases in the thickness of interventricular septum, interstitial fibrosis, and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and decreases in left ventricular anterior wall thickness, cardiac contractility, tetrahydrobiopterin, the dimers of nitric oxide synthase, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, and the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling proteins. Intriguingly, transgenic overexpression of GCH1 in cardiomyocytes reduces the thickness of interventricular septum and interstitial fibrosis and increases anterior wall thickness and cardiac contractility after infarction. Moreover, we show that GCH1 overexpression decreases phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and elevates tetrahydrobiopterin levels, the dimerization and phosphorylation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase, sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling proteins in post-infarction remodeled hearts. Our results indicate that the pivotal role of GCH1 overexpression in post-infarction cardiac remodeling is attributable to preservation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ handling proteins, and identify a new therapeutic target for cardiac remodeling after infarction.
Targeting Bacillus anthracis toxicity with a genetically selected inhibitor of the PA/CMG2 protein-protein interaction
Authors: Male Abigail L. , Forafonov Fedor , Cuda Francesco , Zhang Gong , Zheng Siqi , Oyston Petra C. F. , Chen Peng R. , Williamson E. Diane , Tavassoli Ali 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe protein-protein interaction between the human CMG2 receptor and the Bacillus anthracis protective antigen (PA) is essential for the transport of anthrax lethal and edema toxins into human cells. We used a genetically encoded high throughput screening platform to screen a SICLOPPS library of 3.2 million cyclic hexapeptides for inhibitors of this protein-protein interaction. Unusually, the top 3 hits all contained stop codons in the randomized region of the library, resulting in linear rather than cyclic peptides. These peptides disrupted the targeted interaction in vitro; two act by binding to CMG2 while one binds PA. The efficacy of the most potent CMG2-binding inhibitor was improved through the incorporation of non-natural phenylalanine analogues. Cell based assays demonstrated that the optimized inhibitor protects macrophages from the toxicity of lethal factor.
A Comprehensive Prediction Model of Hydraulic Extended-Reach Limit Considering the Allowable Range of Drilling Fluid Flow Rate in Horizontal Drilling
Authors: Li Xin , Gao Deli , Chen Xuyue 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHydraulic extended-reach limit (HERL) model of horizontal extended-reach well (ERW) can predict the maximum measured depth (MMD) of the horizontal ERW. The HERL refers to the well’s MMD when drilling fluid cannot be normally circulated by drilling pump. Previous model analyzed the following two constraint conditions, drilling pump rated pressure and rated power. However, effects of the allowable range of drilling fluid flow rate (Q
min
≤ Q ≤ Q
max
) were not considered. In this study, three cases of HERL model are proposed according to the relationship between allowable range of drilling fluid flow rate and rated flow rate of drilling pump (Q
r
). A horizontal ERW is analyzed to predict its HERL, especially its horizontal-section limit (L
h
). Results show that when Q
min
≤ Q
r
≤ Q
max
(Case I), L
h
depends both on horizontal-section limit based on rated pump pressure (L
h1
) and horizontal-section limit based on rated pump power (L
h2
); when Q
min
< Q
max
< Q
r
(Case II), L
h
is exclusively controlled by L
h1
; while L
h
is only determined by L
h2
when Q
r
< Q
min
< Q
max
(Case III). Furthermore, L
h1
first increases and then decreases with the increase in drilling fluid flow rate, while L
h2
keeps decreasing as the drilling fluid flow rate increases. The comprehensive model provides a more accurate prediction on HERL.
Synthesis of porous polymer/tissue paper hybrid membranes for switchable oil/water separation
Authors: Cao Cong-Xiao , Yuan Jiayin , Cheng Jin-Pei , Han Bao-Hang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe unusually broad physical and chemical property window of ionic liquids allows for a wide range of applications, which gives rise to the recent spring-up of ionic liquid-based functional materials. Via solvothermal copolymerization of a monomeric ionic liquid and divinylbenzene in the presence of a tissue paper in autoclave, we fabricated a flexible porous polymer/paper hybrid membrane. The surface areas of the hybrid membranes depend on the weight fraction of the copolymer impregnated inside the tissue paper. The as-prepared hybrid membrane shows controlled surface wettability in terms of ethanol wetting and ethanol removal by harsh drying condition. This unique property provides the hybrid membrane with switchable oil/water separation function, thus of practical values for real life application.
Booster immunizations with DNA plasmids encoding HER-2/neu prevent spontaneous mammary cancer in HER-2/neu transgenic mice over life span
Authors: Provinciali Mauro , Barucca Alessandra , Orlando Fiorenza , Pierpaoli Elisa 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCancer vaccines are less effective at old than at young age because of immunosenescence. Besides, in preliminary observations we showed that the immunization with HER-2/neu DNA plasmid in transgenic young mice (standard immunization, SI) delays but not abrogate spontaneous mammary tumours progressively appearing during aging. In this study we evaluated whether booster immunizations (BI) of HER-2/neu transgenic mice with HER-2/neu DNA plasmids every 6 (ECD6), 3 (ECD3), or 1.5 (ECD1.5) months after SI induce a protective immunity that could be maintained over life span. The long term BI significantly improved the effect of SI increasing the number of tumour free mice at 110 weeks of age from 13% (SI) to 58% (BI). Both the number and the volume of tumour masses were reduced in BI than in SI groups. The protective effect of BI was associated with increased antibody production with isotype switching to IgG2a, augmented CD4 T cells, and increased in vivo cytotoxicity of HER-2/neu specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes, mainly in ECD1.5 and ECD3 groups. The transfer of sera from ECD1.5 mice to untreated HER-2/neu mice highly protected against tumour development than sera from SI mice. We conclude that BI induce a protective immunity effective over life span.
Mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction and metabolic dysfunction from a novel mitochondrial tRNAMet 4467 C>A mutation in a Han Chinese family with maternally inherited hypertension
Authors: Liu Yuqi , Li Yang , Zhu Chao , Tian Liuyang , Guan Minxin , Chen Yundai 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTo investigate the relationship between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and hypertension as well as the mechanism involved in mitochondrial metabolic dysfunction. We identified a novel tRNAMet C4467A mutation in a Han Chinese family with hypertension. The maternal members presented with increased glucose, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and serum sodium as well as decreased potassium compared with non-maternal members (P < 0.05). Segregation analysis showed this mutation was maternally inherited. We analyzed lymphocyte cell lines derived from three maternal and three non-maternal family members. Reactive oxygen species production in the mutant cell lines was 114.5% higher compared with that in controls (P < 0.05) while ATP was 26.4% lower. The mitochondrial membrane potential of the mutated cell lines was 26.2% lower than that in controls (P < 0.05). Oxygen consumption rates were decreased in the mutant cell lines (P < 0.05). The activation of caspase-3/7 was 104.1% higher in the mutant cell lines compared with controls (P < 0.05). The expression of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), Bax and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) in the mutant cell lines was higher compared with that in controls, with the increased colocalization of VDAC and Bax. Therefore, this mutation contributes to oxidative stress and mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction, which may be involved in the pathogenesis of hypertension.
Preparing local strain patterns in graphene by atomic force microscope based indentation
Authors: Nemes-Incze Péter , Kukucska Gergő , Koltai János , Kürti Jenő , Hwang Chanyong , Tapasztó Levente , Biró László P. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPatterning graphene into various mesoscopic devices such as nanoribbons, quantum dots, etc. by lithographic techniques has enabled the guiding and manipulation of graphene’s Dirac-type charge carriers. Graphene, with well-defined strain patterns, holds promise of similarly rich physics while avoiding the problems created by the hard to control edge configuration of lithographically prepared devices. To engineer the properties of graphene via mechanical deformation, versatile new techniques are needed to pattern strain profiles in a controlled manner. Here we present a process by which strain can be created in substrate supported graphene layers. Our atomic force microscope-based technique opens up new possibilities in tailoring the properties of graphene using mechanical strain.
Widom Lines in Binary Mixtures of Supercritical Fluids
Authors: Raju Muralikrishna , Banuti Daniel T. , Ma Peter C. , Ihme Matthias 
Published: June 2017

AbstractRecent experiments on pure fluids have identified distinct liquid-like and gas-like regimes even under supercritical conditions. The supercritical liquid-gas transition is marked by maxima in response functions that define a line emanating from the critical point, referred to as Widom line. However, the structure of analogous state transitions in mixtures of supercritical fluids has not been determined, and it is not clear whether a Widom line can be identified for binary mixtures. Here, we present first evidence for the existence of multiple Widom lines in binary mixtures from molecular dynamics simulations. By considering mixtures of noble gases, we show that, depending on the phase behavior, mixtures transition from a liquid-like to a gas-like regime via distinctly different pathways, leading to phase relationships of surprising complexity and variety. Specifically, we show that miscible binary mixtures have behavior analogous to a pure fluid and the supercritical state space is characterized by a single liquid-gas transition. In contrast, immiscible binary mixture undergo a phase separation in which the clusters transition separately at different temperatures, resulting in multiple distinct Widom lines. The presence of this unique transition behavior emphasizes the complexity of the supercritical state to be expected in high-order mixtures of practical relevance.
Sequence variant at 4q25 near PITX2 associates with appendicitis
Authors: Kristjansson Ragnar P. , Benonisdottir Stefania , Oddsson Asmundur , Galesloot Tessel E. , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Aben Katja K. , Davidsson Olafur B. , Jonsson Stefan , Arnadottir Gudny A. , Jensson Brynjar O. , Walters G. Bragi , Sigurdsson Jon K. , Sigurdsson Snaevar , Holm Hilma , Arnar David O. , Thorgeirsson Gudmundur , Alexiusdottir Kristin , Jonsdottir Ingileif , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Jonsson Thorvaldur , Gudbjartsson Daniel F. , Rafnar Thorunn , Sulem Patrick , Stefansson Kari 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAppendicitis is one of the most common conditions requiring acute surgery and can pose a threat to the lives of affected individuals. We performed a genome-wide association study of appendicitis in 7,276 Icelandic and 1,139 Dutch cases and large groups of controls. In a combined analysis of the Icelandic and Dutch data, we detected a single signal represented by an intergenic variant rs2129979 [G] close to the gene PITX2 associating with increased risk of appendicitis (OR = 1.15, P = 1.8 × 10−11). We only observe the association in patients diagnosed in adulthood. The marker is close to, but distinct from, a set of markers reported to associate with atrial fibrillation, which have been linked to PITX2. PITX2 has been implicated in determination of right-left symmetry during development. Anomalies in organ arrangement have been linked to increased prevalence of gastrointestinal and intra-abdominal complications, which may explain the effect of rs2129979 on appendicitis risk.
Yolk removal generates hatching asynchrony in snake eggs
Authors: Aubret Fabien , Bignon Florent , Bouffet-Halle Alix , Blanvillain Gaëlle , Kok Philippe J. R. , Souchet Jérémie 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHatching synchrony is wide-spread amongst egg-laying species and is thought to enhance offspring survival, notably by diluting predation risks. Turtle and snake eggs were shown to achieve synchronous hatching by altering development rates (where less advanced eggs may accelerate development) or by hatching prematurely (where underdeveloped embryos hatch concurrently with full-term embryos). In Natricine snakes, smaller eggs tend to slow down metabolism throughout incubation in order to hatch synchronously with larger eggs. To explore the underlying mechanism of this phenomenon we experimentally manipulated six clutches, where half of the eggs were reduced in mass by removing 7.2% of yolk, and half were used as the control. The former experienced higher heart rates throughout the incubation period, hatched earlier and produced smaller hatchlings than the latter. This study supports the idea that developmental rates are related to egg mass in snake eggs and demonstrates that the relationship can be influenced by removing yolk after egg-laying. The shift in heart rates however occurred in the opposite direction to expected, with higher heart rates in yolk-removed eggs resulting in earlier hatching rather than lower heart rates resulting in synchronous hatching, warranting further research on the topic.