bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facing the partner influences exchanges in force
Authors: Takagi Atsushi , Bagnato Carlo , Burdet Etienne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany studies in psychology have documented how the behaviour of verbally communicating pairs is affected by social factors such as the partner’s gaze. However, few studies have examined whether physically interacting pairs are influenced by social factors. Here, we asked two partners to exchange forces with one another, where the goal was to accurately replicate the force back onto the other. We first measured an individual’s accuracy in reproducing a force from a robot. We then tested pairs who knowingly exchanged forces whilst separated by a curtain. These separated pairs exchanged forces as two independent individuals would, hence the force reproduction accuracy of partners is not affected by knowingly reproducing a force onto a nonvisible partner. On the other hand, pairs who exchanged forces whilst facing one another consistently under-reproduced the partner’s force in comparison to separated partners. Thus, the force reproduction accuracy of subjects is strongly biased by facing a partner.
Lithography Assisted Fiber-Drawing Nanomanufacturing
Authors: Gholipour Behrad , Bastock Paul , Cui Long , Craig Christopher , Khan Khouler , Hewak Daniel W. , Soci Cesare 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe present a high-throughput and scalable technique for the production of metal nanowires embedded in glass fibres by taking advantage of thin film properties and patterning techniques commonly used in planar microfabrication. This hybrid process enables the fabrication of single nanowires and nanowire arrays encased in a preform material within a single fibre draw, providing an alternative to costly and time-consuming iterative fibre drawing. This method allows the combination of materials with different thermal properties to create functional optoelectronic nanostructures. As a proof of principle of the potential of this technique, centimetre long gold nanowires (bulk Tm = 1064 °C) embedded in silicate glass fibres (Tg = 567 °C) were drawn in a single step with high aspect ratios (>104); such nanowires can be released from the glass matrix and show relatively high electrical conductivity. Overall, this fabrication method could enable mass manufacturing of metallic nanowires for plasmonics and nonlinear optics applications, as well as the integration of functional multimaterial structures for completely fiberised optoelectronic devices.
Quantitative analysis of protease recognition by inhibitors in plasma using microscale thermophoresis
Authors: Dau T. , Edeleva E. V. , Seidel S. A. I. , Stockley R. A. , Braun D. , Jenne D. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHigh abundance proteins like protease inhibitors of plasma display a multitude of interactions in natural environments. Quantitative analysis of such interactions in vivo is essential to study diseases, but have not been forthcoming, as most methods cannot be directly applied in a complex biological environment. Here, we report a quantitative microscale thermophoresis assay capable of deciphering functional deviations from in vitro inhibition data by combining concentration and affinity measurements. We obtained stable measurement signals for the substrate-like interaction of the disease relevant inhibitor α-1-antitrypsin (AAT) Z-variant with catalytically inactive elastase. The signal differentiates between healthy and sick AAT-deficient individuals suggesting that affinity between AAT and elastase is strongly modulated by so-far overlooked additional binding partners from the plasma.
A Conserved Structural Signature of the Homeobox Coding DNA in HOX genes
Authors: Fongang Bernard , Kong Fanping , Negi Surendra , Braun Werner , Kudlicki Andrzej 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe homeobox encodes a DNA-binding domain found in transcription factors regulating key developmental processes. The most notable examples of homeobox containing genes are the Hox genes, arranged on chromosomes in the same order as their expression domains along the body axis. The mechanisms responsible for the synchronous regulation of Hox genes and the molecular function of their colinearity remain unknown. Here we report the discovery of a conserved structural signature of the 180-base pair DNA fragment comprising the homeobox. We demonstrate that the homeobox DNA has a characteristic 3-base-pair periodicity in the hydroxyl radical cleavage pattern. This periodic pattern is significant in most of the 39 mammalian Hox genes and in other homeobox-containing transcription factors. The signature is present in segmented bilaterian animals as evolutionarily distant as humans and flies. It remains conserved despite the fact that it would be disrupted by synonymous mutations, which raises the possibility of evolutionary selective pressure acting on the structure of the coding DNA. The homeobox coding DNA may therefore have a secondary function, possibly as a regulatory element. The existence of such element may have important consequences for understanding how these genes are regulated.
Collapsed Reticular Network and its Possible Mechanism during the Initiation and/or Progression of Hepatic Fibrosis
Authors: Wen Shi-Lei , Feng Shi , Tang Shi-Hang , Gao Jin-Hang , Zhang Lin-hao , Tong Huan , Yan Zhao-Ping , Fang Ding Zhi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAmong the researches on hepatic fibrosis, great attention was paid to both hepatocytes and extracellular matrix (ECM). However, little focus was drawn on reticular fibrous network, which is important for demarcation and support of hepatocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate the change pattern of reticular fibers in hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis and its underlying mechanism. In this study, thioacetamide (TAA) and bile duct ligation (BDL) were utilized to induce rat hepatic fibrosis respectively, and Human liver cirrhotic microassay was analyzed with IHC to confirm the results in animal experiment and to detect the metalloproteinases (MMPs) expressions. As a result, the reticular fibers decreased markedly after 1 week in TAA and 1 day in BDL treated rats. Multiple representative regulators of MMPs and MMPs increased significantly in their expressions and activities. Further more, in human liver cirrhotic microassay, MMPs expressions also showed similar patterns as that of animal experiment. In Conclusions: Degradation or collapse of reticular fibers in hepatic sinusoid can be considered as a pathological feature during the initiation and/or progression of hepatic fibrosis. Moreover, such degradation is associated with and probably caused by the over/dysregulated expression of MMPs.
A novel IRS-1-associated protein, DGKζ regulates GLUT4 translocation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Liu TingYu , Yu BuChin , Kakino Mamoru , Fujimoto Hitoshi , Ando Yasutoshi , Hakuno Fumihiko , Takahashi Shin-Ichiro 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInsulin receptor substrates (IRSs) are major targets of insulin receptor tyrosine kinases. Here we identified diacylglycerol kinase zeta (DGKζ) as an IRS-1-associated protein, and examined roles of DGKζ in glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) translocation to the plasma membrane. When DGKζ was knocked-down in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation was inhibited without affecting other mediators of insulin-dependent signaling. Similarly, knockdown of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate 5-kinase 1α (PIP5K1α), which had been reported to interact with DGKζ, also inhibited insulin-induced GLUT4 translocation. Moreover, DGKζ interacted with IRS-1 without insulin stimulation, but insulin stimulation decreased this interaction. Over-expression of sDGKζ (short-form DGKζ), which competed out DGKζ from IRS-1, enhanced GLUT4 translocation without insulin stimulation. Taking these results together with the data showing that cellular PIP5K activity was correlated with GLUT4 translocation ability, we concluded that IRS-1-associated DGKζ prevents GLUT4 translocation in the absence of insulin and that the DGKζ dissociated from IRS-1 by insulin stimulation enhances GLUT4 translocation through PIP5K1α activity.
Ratiometric ultrasensitive electrochemical immunosensor based on redox substrate and immunoprobe
Authors: Tang Zhongxue , Ma Zhanfang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn this work, we presented a ratiometric electrochemical immunosensor based on redox substrate and immunoprobe. Carboxymethyl cellulose-Au-Pb2+(CMC-Au-Pb2+) and carbon-Au-Cu2+(C-Au-Cu2+) nanocomposites were firstly synthesized and implemented as redox substrate and immunoprobe with strong current signals at −0.45 V and 0.15 V, respectively. Human immunoglobulin G (IgG) was used as a model analyte to examine the analytical performance of the proposed method. The current signals of CMC-Au-Pb2+(Isubstrate) and C-Au-Cu2+(Iprobe) were monitored. The effect of redox substrate and immunoprobe behaved as a better linear relationship between Iprobe/Isubstrateand Lg CIgG(ng mL−1). By measuring the signal ratio Iprobe/Isubstrate, the sandwich immunosensor for IgG exhibited a wide linear range from 1 fg mL−1to 100 ng mL−1, which was two orders of magnitude higher than other previous works. The limit of detection reached 0.26 fg mL−1. Furthermore, for human serum samples, the results from this method were consistent with those of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), demonstrating that the proposed immunoassay was of great potential in clinical diagnosis.
Comparative virulence studies and transcriptome analysis of Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from animals
Authors: Iqbal Zahid , Seleem Mohamed N. , Hussain Hafiz Iftikhar , Huang Lingli , Hao Haihong , Yuan Zonghui 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSeveral studies have been conducted to check the prevalence of methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in animals and animal-derived food products but limited data are available regarding their virulence and associated gene expression profile. In the present study, antibiotic resistance and virulence of MRSA and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus animal isolates were determined in vitro by agar dilution, biofilm formation, adhesion, invasion and intracellular survivability assays. In addition, the pathogenicity of these isolates was examined in a murine model of S. aureus sepsis. MRSA1679a, a strain isolated from chicken, was observed to be highly virulent, in cell culture and in mouse model, and exhibited extensive resistant profile. Comparative gene expression profile of MRSA1679a and the reference human MRSA strain (ATCC 29213) was performed using Illumina-based transcriptome and RT-qPCR analyses. Several virulence elements including 22 toxin genes were detected in MRSA animal-isolate. In addition, we observed enhanced expression of crucial virulence regulators, such as sarA and KdpDE in MRSA animal-isolate compared to the human isolate. Collectively, gene expression profile including several virulence and drug-resistance factors confirmed the unique and highly virulent determinants of the MRSA strain of poultry origin which warrants further attention due to significant threat to public health.
S. aureus blocks efferocytosis of neutrophils by macrophages through the activity of its virulence factor alpha toxin
Authors: Cohen Taylor S. , Jones-Nelson Omari , Hotz Meghan , Cheng Lily , Miller Lloyd S. , Suzich JoAnn , Stover C. Kendall , Sellman Bret R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBacterial pneumonia, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, is associated with an influx of inflammatory neutrophils into the lung tissue and airways. Regulation and clearance of recruited neutrophils is essential for preventing tissue damage by “friendly fire”, a responsibility of macrophages in a process called efferocytosis. We hypothesized that S. aureus impairs efferocytosis by alveolar macrophages (AMs) through the activity of the secreted virulence factor alpha toxin (AT), which has been implicated in altering the antimicrobial function of AMs. Infection of mice lacking AMs resulted in significantly increased numbers of neutrophils in the lung, while clearance of neutrophils delivered intranasally into uninfected mice was reduced in AM depleted animals. In vitro, sublytic levels of AT impaired uptake of apoptotic neutrophils by purified AMs. In vivo, the presence of AT reduced uptake of neutrophils by AMs. Differential uptake of neutrophils was not due to changes in either the CD47/CD172 axis or CD36 levels. AT significantly reduced lung expression of CCN1 and altered AM surface localization of DD1α, two proteins known to influence efferocytosis. We conclude that AT may contribute to tissue damage during S. aureus pneumonia by inhibiting the ability of AM to clear neutrophils at the site of infection.
The effects of hypoxia on the stemness properties of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs)
Authors: Ahmed Nermeen El-Moataz Bellah , Murakami Masashi , Kaneko Satoru , Nakashima Misako 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated that culture under hypoxia has beneficial effects on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). However, there are limitations to achieving a stable condition in conventional hypoxic CO2 incubators. DPSCs are a unique type of MSCs which are promising in many regenerative therapies. In this study, we investigated the ideal hypoxic culture environment for DPSCs using a new system that can provide controlled O2 environment. The effects of hypoxia (3%, 5%) on the stemness properties of DPSCs. Their morphology, proliferation rate, expression of stem cell markers, migration ability, mRNA expression of angiogenic/neurotrophic factors and immunomodulatory genes were evaluated and compared. Additionally, the effect of the discrete secretome on proliferation, migration, and neurogenic induction was assessed. Hypoxic DPSCs were found to be smaller in size and exhibited larger nuclei. 5% O2 significantly increased the proliferation rate, migration ability, expression of stem cell markers (CXCR4 and G-CSFR), and expression of SOX2, VEGF, NGF, and BDNF genes of DPSCs. Moreover, secretome collected from 5%O2 cultures displayed higher stimulatory effects on proliferation and migration of NIH3T3 cells and on neuronal differentiation of SH-SY5Y cells. These results demonstrate that 5%O2 may be ideal for enhancing DPSCs growth, stem cell properties, and secretome trophic effect.
Microsatellite Loci Analysis Reveals Post-bottleneck Recovery of Genetic Diversity in the Tibetan Antelope
Authors: Du Yurong , Zou Xiaoyan , Xu Yongtao , Guo Xinyi , Li Shuang , Zhang Xuze , Su Mengyu , Ma Jianbin , Guo Songchang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Tibetan antelope (chiru, Pantholops hodgsoni) is one of the most endangered mammals native to the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. The population size has rapidly declined over the last century due to illegal hunting and habitat damage. In the past 10 years, the population has reportedly been expanding due to conservation efforts. Several lines of evidence suggest that the Tibetan antelope has undergone a demographic bottleneck. However, the consequences of the bottleneck on genetic diversity and the post-bottleneck genetic recovery remain unknown. In this study, we investigate the genetic variation of 15 microsatellite loci from two Tibetan antelope populations sampled in 2003 (Pop2003) and 2013 (Pop2013). A higher level of genetic diversity (NA, 13.286; He, 0.840; PIC, 0.813; I, 2.114) was detected in Pop2013, compared to Pop2003 (NA, 12.929; He, 0.818; PIC, 0.789; I, 2.033). We observe that despite passing through the bottleneck, the Tibetan antelope retains high levels of genetic diversity. Furthermore, our results show significant or near significant increases in genetic diversity (He, PIC and I) in Pop2013 compared with Pop2003, which suggests that protection efforts did not arrive too late for the Tibetan antelope.
Autotaxin-mediated lipid signaling intersects with LIF and BMP signaling to promote the naive pluripotency transcription factor program
Authors: Kime Cody , Sakaki-Yumoto Masayo , Goodrich Leeanne , Hayashi Yohei , Sami Salma , Derynck Rik , Asahi Michio , Panning Barbara , Yamanaka Shinya , Tomoda Kiichiro 
Published: October 2016

Significance
Naive and primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) provide a potential source of cells for regenerative medicine. Although both cell types can contribute to all three germ layers, they differ in cell morphology, gene expression programs, and epigenetic modifications, such as the X chromosome inactivation status. Here, we report that lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) lipid signaling and the LPA-producing enzyme autotaxin are crucial in converting primed PSCs into naive PSCs. Our results reveal relationships between signaling pathways by cytokines and the lipids that, in conjunction with nutrients, synergistically induce a transcription factor circuit necessary for establishing naive pluripotency. Thus, our study provides insights into the extracellular stimuli and gene regulation to precisely control PSCs for regenerative medicine and cell biology.
Effects of Seasonal Drawdowns on Fish Assemblages in Sections of an Impounded River–Canal System in Upstate New York
Authors: George Scott D. , Baldigo Barry P. , Wells Scott M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Mohawk River and New York State Barge Canal run together as a series of permanent and temporary impoundments for most of the distance between Rome and Albany, New York. The downstream or lower section is composed of two permanent impoundments, the middle section of a series of temporary (seasonal) impoundments, and the upper section of a series of permanent impoundments. In the middle section, movable dams are lifted from the water during winter and the wetted surface area decreases by 36–56%. We used boat electrofishing during spring 2014 and 2015 to compare the relative abundance of fish populations and the composition of fish assemblages between the permanently and seasonally impounded sections of the Barge Canal and to infer the effects of the two flow management practices. A total of 3,264 individuals from 38 species were captured, and total catch per unit effort (CPUE) ranged from 46.0 to 134.7 fish/h at sites in the seasonally impounded section, compared with 140.0–342.0 fish/h in the permanent lower section and 89.0–282.0 fish/h in the permanent upper section. The amount of drawdown explained 55% of the variation in total CPUE and was a highly significant predictor variable. Mean total CPUE in the seasonally impounded section was significantly lower (by about 50%) than that in either permanently impounded section, and the assemblage composition differed significantly between sections. The relative abundance of many lentic species was markedly lower in the seasonally impounded section, while the relative abundance of several native cyprinids and the percentage of individuals belonging to species that are native to the watershed was greater in this section. Overall, these findings suggest that winter dam removal in impounded rivers may reduce the abundance of fish but may also create more natural riverine conditions that favor some native species.Received January 28, 2016; accepted August 5, 2016 Published online October 14, 2016
Determining the Movements and Distribution of Anadromous Bering Ciscoes by Use of Otolith Strontium Isotopes
Authors: Padilla Andrew J. , Brown Randy J. , Wooller Matthew J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMethods for tracking the movements and distribution of fishes have often involved expensive field logistics, which is compounded in remote regions such as Alaska. An alternative approach is to use the chemical signatures preserved in the otoliths of teleost fish to track their movement history. We used the strontium isotope signature (87Sr/86Sr) preserved in the freshwater portion of otoliths taken from Bering Ciscoes Coregonus laurettae to identify their natal river of origin and their movements. Bering Ciscoes spawn in freshwater rivers and rear in coastal marine waters. Just three spawning rivers are known for this species worldwide: the Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Susitna rivers. Rearing commonly occurs in coastal estuaries and lagoons along the Arctic coast of Alaska, the Yukon–Kuskokwim (Y–K) delta, and (rarely) the Alaska Peninsula. We compiled a set (n = 127) of Bering Cisco otoliths from fish caught in coastal marine habitats within each of these rearing areas. We measured the 87Sr/86Sr values from the freshwater portions of the otoliths and compared them to an established baseline of signatures for Bering Ciscoes sampled from the known spawning rivers. We found that 96% of the unknown‐origin specimens from the three rearing groups (Alaska Arctic coast, Y–K delta, and Alaska Peninsula) had 87Sr/86Sr values that were consistent with a Yukon River origin. The dominance of Yukon River‐origin fish in all rearing groups suggests that this population is considerably larger than the Kuskokwim River or Susitna River population. These data also indicate a widespread coastal distribution of Bering Ciscoes, with some individuals estimated to have traveled over 4,900 km between coastal rearing locations and the spawning habitat. Our approach illustrates that strontium isotopes can be used to determine the natal river and migration behavior for anadromous Bering Ciscoes of unknown origin.Received April 4, 2016; accepted August 12, 2016 Published online October 14, 2016
Comparison of centre of gravity and centre of pressure patterns in the golf swing
Authors: Smith Aimée C. , Roberts Jonathan R. , Kong Pui Wah , Forrester Stephanie E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAnalysing the centre of pressure (COP) and centre of gravity (COG) could reveal stabilising strategies used by golfers throughout the golf swing. This study identified and compared golfers’ COP and COG patterns throughout the golf swing in medial–lateral (ML) and anterior–posterior (AP) directions using principal component analysis (PCA) and examined their relationship to clubhead velocity. Three‐dimensional marker trajectories were collected using Vicon motion analysis and force plate data from two Kistler force plates for 22 low‐handicap golfers during drives. Golfers’ COG and COP were expressed as a percentage distance between their feet. PCA was performed on COG and COP in ML and AP directions. Relationships between principal component (PC) scores were examined using Pearson correlation and regression analysis used to examine the relationship with clubhead velocity. ML COP movements varied in magnitude (PC1), rate of change and timing (PC2 and PC3). The COP and COG PC1 scores were strongly correlated in both directions (ML: r = 0.90, P < .05; AP: r = 0.81, P < .05). Clubhead velocity, explained by three PCs (74%), related to timing and rate of change in COPML near downswing (PC2 and PC3) and timing of COGML late backswing (PC2). The relationship between COPML and COGML PC1 scores identified extremes of COP and COG patterns in golfers and could indicate a golfer's dynamic balance. Golfers with earlier movement of COP to the front foot (PC2) and rate of change (PC3) patterns in ML COP, prior to the downswing, may be more likely to generate higher clubhead velocity.