bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonsurgical deep uterine transfer of vitrified, in vivo-derived, porcine embryos is as effective as the default surgical approach
Authors: Martinez Emilio A. , Martinez Cristina A , Nohalez Alicia , Sanchez-Osorio Jonatan , Vazquez Juan M. , Roca Jordi , Parrilla Inmaculada , Gil Maria A. , Cuello Cristina 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSurgical procedures are prevalent in porcine embryo transfer (ET) programs, where the use of vitrified embryos is quasi non-existent. This study compared the effectiveness of surgical vs nonsurgical deep uterine (NsDU) ET using vitrified, in vivo-derived embryos (morulae and blastocysts) on the reproductive performance and welfare of the recipients. The recipient sows (n = 122) were randomly assigned to one of the following groups: surgical ET with 30 vitrified-warmed embryos (S-30 group, control); NsDU-ET with 30 vitrified-warmed embryos (NsDU-30 group) and NsDU-ET with 40 vitrified-warmed embryos (NsDU-40 group). Regardless of embryo stage, the NsDU-ET with 40 embryos presented similar rates of farrowing (72.7%) and litter size (9.9 ± 2.1 piglets) as the customary surgical procedure (75.0% and 9.6 ± 2.7 piglets). Numbers of ET-embryos appeared relevant, since the NsDU-ET with 30 embryos resulted in a decrease (P < 0.05) in farrowing rates (38.9%) and litter sizes (5.7 ± 2.4 piglets). In conclusion, we demonstrate for the first time that farrowing rate and litter size following a NsDU-ET procedure increase in function of a larger number of transferred vitrified embryos, with fertility equalizing that obtained with the invasive surgical approach. The results open new possibilities for the widespread use of non-invasive ET in pigs.
Randomizing bipartite networks: the case of the World Trade Web
Authors: Saracco Fabio , Di Clemente Riccardo , Gabrielli Andrea , Squartini Tiziano 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWithin the last fifteen years, network theory has been successfully applied both to natural sciences and to socioeconomic disciplines. In particular, bipartite networks have been recognized to provide a particularly insightful representation of many systems, ranging from mutualistic networks in ecology to trade networks in economy, whence the need of a pattern detection-oriented analysis in order to identify statistically-significant structural properties. Such an analysis rests upon the definition of suitable null models, i.e. upon the choice of the portion of network structure to be preserved while randomizing everything else. However, quite surprisingly, little work has been done so far to define null models for real bipartite networks. The aim of the present work is to fill this gap, extending a recently-proposed method to randomize monopartite networks to bipartite networks. While the proposed formalism is perfectly general, we apply our method to the binary, undirected, bipartite representation of the World Trade Web, comparing the observed values of a number of structural quantities of interest with the expected ones, calculated via our randomization procedure. Interestingly, the behavior of the World Trade Web in this new representation is strongly different from the monopartite analogue, showing highly non-trivial patterns of self-organization.
Bottom-up-then-up-down Route for Multi-level Construction of Hierarchical Bi2S3 Superstructures with Magnetism Alteration
Authors: Wei Chengzhen , Wang Lanfang , Dang Liyun , Chen Qun , Lu Qingyi , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA bottom-up-then-up-down route was proposed to construct multi-level Bi2S3 hierarchical architectures assembled by two-dimensional (2D) Bi2S3 sheet-like networks. BiOCOOH hollow spheres and flower-like structures, which are both assembled by 2D BiOCOOH nanosheets, were prepared first by a “bottom-up” route through a “quasi-emulsion” mechanism. Then the BiOCOOH hierarchical structures were transferred to hierarchical Bi2S3 architectures through an “up-down” route by an ion exchange method. The obtained Bi2S3 nanostructures remain hollow-spherical and flower-like structures of the precursors but the constructing blocks are changed to 2D sheet-like networks interweaving by Bi2S3 nanowires. The close matching of crystal lattices between Bi2S3 and BiOCOOH was believed to be the key reason for the topotactic transformation from BiOCOOH nanosheets to 2D Bi2S3 sheet-like nanowire networks. Magnetism studies reveal that unlike diamagnetism of comparative Bi2S3 nanostructures, the obtained multi-level Bi2S3 structures display S-type hysteresis and ferromagnetism at low field which might result from ordered structure of 2D networks.
Effects of CO2-induced pH reduction on the exoskeleton structure and biophotonic properties of the shrimp Lysmata californica
Authors: Taylor Jennifer R. A. , Gilleard Jasmine M. , Allen Michael C. , Deheyn Dimitri D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe anticipated effects of CO2-induced ocean acidification on marine calcifiers are generally negative and include dissolution of calcified elements and reduced calcification rates. Such negative effects are not typical of crustaceans for which comparatively little ocean acidification research has been conducted. Crustaceans, however, depend on their calcified exoskeleton for many critical functions. Here, we conducted a short-term study on a common caridean shrimp, Lysmata californica, to determine the effect of CO2-driven reduction in seawater pH on exoskeleton growth, structure and mineralization and animal cryptic coloration. Shrimp exposed to ambient (7.99 ± 0.04) and reduced pH (7.53 ± 0.06) for 21 days showed no differences in exoskeleton growth (percent increase in carapace length), but the calcium weight percent of their cuticle increased significantly in reduced pH conditions, resulting in a greater Ca:Mg ratio. Cuticle thickness did not change, indicating an increase in the mineral to matrix ratio, which may have mechanical consequences for exoskeleton function. Furthermore, there was a 5-fold decrease in animal transparency, but no change in overall shrimp coloration (red). These results suggest that even short-term exposure to CO2-induced pH reduction can significantly affect exoskeleton mineralization and shrimp biophotonics, with potential impacts on crypsis, physical defense and predator avoidance.
Genome-Wide Mining, Characterization and Development of Microsatellite Markers in Gossypium Species
Authors: Wang Qiong , Fang Lei , Chen Jiedan , Hu Yan , Si Zhanfeng , Wang Sen , Chang Lijing , Guo Wangzhen , Zhang Tianzhen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAlthough much research has been conducted to characterize microsatellites and develop markers, the distribution of microsatellites remains ambiguous and the use of microsatellite markers in genomic studies and marker-assisted selection is limited. To identify microsatellites for cotton research, we mined 100,290, 83,160 and 56,937 microsatellites with frequencies of 41.2, 49.1 and 74.8 microsatellites per Mb in the recently sequencedGossypiumspecies:G. hirsutum,G. arboreum,andG. raimondii,respectively. The distributions of microsatellites in their genomes were non-random and were positively and negatively correlated with genes and transposable elements, respectively. Of the 77,996 developed microsatellite markers, 65,498 were physically anchored to the 26 chromosomes ofG. hirsutumwith an average marker density of 34 markers per Mb. We confirmed 67,880 (87%) universal and 7,705 (9.9%) new genic microsatellite markers. The polymorphism was estimated in above three species byin silicoPCR and validated with 505 markers inG. hirsutum. We further predicted 8,825 polymorphic microsatellite markers withinG. hirsutumacc. TM-1 andG. barbadensecv. Hai7124. In our study, genome-wide mining and characterization of microsatellites and marker development were very useful for the saturation of the allotetraploid genetic linkage map, genome evolution studies and comparative genome mapping.
Ultra-flexible nonvolatile memory based on donor-acceptor diketopyrrolopyrrole polymer blends
Authors: Zhou Ye , Han Su-Ting , Yan Yan , Zhou Li , Huang Long-Biao , Zhuang Jiaqing , Sonar Prashant , Roy V. A. L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFlexible memory cell array based on high mobility donor-acceptor diketopyrrolopyrrole polymer has been demonstrated. The memory cell exhibits low read voltage, high cell-to-cell uniformity and good mechanical flexibility and has reliable retention and endurance memory performance. The electrical properties of the memory devices are systematically investigated and modeled. Our results suggest that the polymer blends provide an important step towards high-density flexible nonvolatile memory devices.
Log-normal diameter distribution of Pd-based metallic glass droplet and wire
Authors: Yaginuma S. , Nakajima C. , Kaneko N. , Yokoyama Y. , Nakayama K. S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe have studied the formation of Pd42.5Cu30Ni7.5P20 metallic glass droplets and wires in the gas atomization process. We demonstrate that the sizes of droplets and wires can be distinguished by the Ohnesorge number (Oh), which is the proportion of the spinnability to the capillary instability and the diameter distributions follow a log-normal distribution function, implying cascade fragmentation. For droplets, the number significantly increases at Oh < 1 but the diameter gradually decreases. For wires, the number greatly increases at Oh > 1 while the diameter steadies below 400 nm. Further, the wire diameter is quadrupled at Oh = 16 due to the high viscosity which suppresses both capillary breakup and ligament elongation.
A new phase from compression of carbon nanotubes with anisotropic Dirac fermions
Authors: Dong Xiao , Hu Meng , He Julong , Tian Yongjun , Wang Hui-Tian 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSearching for novel functional carbon materials is an enduring topic of scientific investigations, due to its diversity of bonds, including sp-, sp2- and sp3-hybridized bonds. Here we predict a new carbon allotrope, bct-C12 with the body-centered tetragonal I4/mcm symmetry, from the compression of carbon nanotubes. In particular, this structure behaviors as the Dirac fermions in the kz direction and the classic fermions in the kx and ky directions. This anisotropy originates from the interaction among zigzag chains, which is inherited from (n, n)-naotubes.
Preparation and Gas Sensing Properties of In2O3/Au Nanorods for Detection of Volatile Organic Compounds in Exhaled Breath
Authors: Xing Ruiqing , Xu Lin , Song Jian , Zhou Chunyang , Li Qingling , Liu Dali , Wei Song Hong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA series of In2O3/Au nanorods (NRs) were fabricated and characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X–ray diffractometer (XRD) and X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The length to diameter ratios of In2O3/Au NRs was periodically modulated in the range of 2.9–4.5 through controlling the initial content of indium salt and reaction time. Their gas sensing properties to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were carefully studied and then applied in exhaled breath detection. The results demonstrate that In2O3/Au NRs gas sensor can effectively detect acetone at 250 °C and ethanol at 400 °C. The corresponding actual detection limit is as low as 0.1 ppm to acetone and 0.05 ppm to ethanol, respectively. Moreover, by using humidity compensation method, In2O3/Au NRs gas sensor can clearly distinguish the acetone and ethanol biomarkers in human breath. The main reason of the enhanced gas sensing properties was attributed to the “spillover effects” between Au and In2O3 NRs. The excellent sensing performance indicates that In2O3/Au NRs is a promising functional material to actual application in monitoring and detecting diabetes and safe driving area in a noninvasive and more accurate way.
3, 4-dihydroxyl-phenyl lactic acid restores NADH dehydrogenase 1 α subunit 10 to ameliorate cardiac reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Xiao-Yuan , He Ke , Pan Chun-Shui , Li Quan , Liu Yu-Ying , Yan Li , Wei Xiao-Hong , Hu Bai-He , Chang Xin , Mao Xiao-Wei , Huang Dan-Dan , Wang Li-Jun , Hu Shui-Wang , Jiang Yong , Wang Guo-Cheng , Fan Jing-Yu , Fan Tai-Ping , Han Jing-Yan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe present study aimed to detect the role of 3, 4-dihydroxyl-phenyl lactic acid (DLA) during ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) induced myocardial injury with emphasis on the underlying mechanism of DLA antioxidant. Male Spragu-Dawley (SD) rats were subjected to left descending artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Treatment with DLA ameliorated myocardial structure and function disorder, blunted the impairment of Complex I activity and mitochondrial function after I/R. The results of 2-D fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis revealed that DLA prevented the decrease in NDUFA10 expression, one of the subunits of Complex I. To find the target of DLA, the binding affinity of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) to DLA and DLA derivatives with replaced two phenolic hydroxyls was detected using surface plasmon resonance and bilayer interferometry. The results showed that DLA could activate SIRT1 after I/R probably by binding to this protein, depending on phenolic hydroxyl. Moreover, the importance of SIRT1 to DLA effectiveness was confirmed through siRNA transfection in vitro. These results demonstrated that DLA was able to prevent I/R induced decrease in NDUFA10 expression, improve Complex I activity and mitochondrial function, eventually attenuate cardiac structure and function injury after I/R, which was possibly related to its ability of binding to and activating SIRT1.
Light scattering as an intrinsic indicator for pancreatic islet cell mass and secretion
Authors: Ilegems E. , van Krieken P. P. , Edlund P. K. , Dicker A. , Alanentalo T. , Eriksson M. , Mandic S. , Ahlgren U. , Berggren P.-O. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe pancreatic islet of Langerhans is composed of endocrine cells producing and releasing hormones from secretory granules in response to various stimuli for maintenance of blood glucose homeostasis. In order to adapt to a variation in functional demands, these islets are capable of modulating their hormone secretion by increasing the number of endocrine cells as well as the functional response of individual cells. A failure in adaptive mechanisms will lead to inadequate blood glucose regulation and thereby to the development of diabetes. It is therefore necessary to develop tools for the assessment of both pancreatic islet mass and function, with the aim of understanding cellular regulatory mechanisms and factors guiding islet plasticity. Although most of the existing techniques rely on the use of artificial indicators, we present an imaging methodology based on intrinsic optical properties originating from mature insulin secretory granules within endocrine cells that reveals both pancreatic islet mass and function. We demonstrate the advantage of using this imaging strategy by monitoring in vivo scattering signal from pancreatic islets engrafted into the anterior chamber of the mouse eye and how this versatile and noninvasive methodology permits the characterization of islet morphology and plasticity as well as hormone secretory status.
A new target region for changing the substrate specificity of amine transaminases
Authors: Guan Li-Jun , Ohtsuka Jun , Okai Masahiko , Miyakawa Takuya , Mase Tomoko , Zhi Yuehua , Hou Feng , Ito Noriyuki , Iwasaki Akira , Yasohara Yoshihiko , Tanokura Masaru 
Published: June 2015

Abstract(R)-stereospecific amine transaminases (R-ATAs) are important biocatalysts for the production of (R)-amine compounds in a strict stereospecific manner. An improved R-ATA, ATA-117-Rd11, was successfully engineered for the manufacture of sitagliptin, a widely used therapeutic agent for type-2 diabetes. The effects of the individual mutations, however, have not yet been demonstrated due to the lack of experimentally determined structural information. Here we describe three crystal structures of the first isolated R-ATA, its G136F mutant and engineered ATA-117-Rd11, which indicated that the mutation introduced into the 136th residue altered the conformation of a loop next to the active site, resulting in a substrate-binding site with drastically modified volume, shape and surface properties, to accommodate the large pro-sitagliptin ketone. Our findings provide a detailed explanation of the previously reported molecular engineering of ATA-117-Rd11 and propose that the loop near the active site is a new target for the rational design to change the substrate specificity of ATAs.
Nanodiamond Finding in the Hyblean Shallow Mantle Xenoliths
Authors: Simakov S. K. , Kouchi A. , Mel’nik N.N. , Scribano V. , Kimura Y. , Hama T. , Suzuki N. , Saito H. , Yoshizawa T. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMost of Earth’s diamonds are connected with deep-seated mantle rocks; however, in recent years, μm-sized diamonds have been found in shallower metamorphic rocks and the process of shallow-seated diamond formation has become a hotly debated topic. Nanodiamonds occur mainly in chondrite meteorites associated with organic matter and water. They can be synthesized in the stability field of graphite from organic compounds under hydrothermal conditions. Similar physicochemical conditions occur in serpentinite-hosted hydrothermal systems. Herein, we report the first finding of nanodiamonds, primarily of 6 and 10 nm, in Hyblean asphaltene-bearing serpentinite xenoliths (Sicily, Italy). The discovery was made by electron microscopy observations coupled with Raman spectroscopy analyses. The finding reveals new aspects of carbon speciation and diamond formation in shallow crustal settings. Nanodiamonds can grow during the hydrothermal alteration of ultramafic rocks, as well as during the lithogenesis of sediments bearing organic matter.
Express penetration of hydrogen on Mg(10͞13) along the close-packed-planes
Authors: Ouyang Liuzhang , Tang Jiajun , Zhao Yujun , Wang Hui , Yao Xiangdong , Liu Jiangwen , Zou Jin , Zhu Min 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMetal atoms often locate in energetically favorite close-packed planes, leading to a relatively high penetration barrier for other atoms. Naturally, the penetration would be much easier through non-close-packed planes, i.e. high-index planes. Hydrogen penetration from surface to the bulk (or reversely) across the packed planes is the key step for hydrogen diffusion, thus influences significantly hydrogen sorption behaviors. In this paper, we report a successful synthesis of Mg films in preferential orientations with both close- and non-close-packed planes, i.e. (0001) and a mix of (0001) and (10"Equation missing"3), by controlling the magnetron sputtering conditions. Experimental investigations confirmed a remarkable decrease in the hydrogen absorption temperature in the Mg (10"Equation missing"3), down to 392 K from 592 K of the Mg film (0001), determined by the pressure-composition-isothermal (PCI) measurement. The ab initio calculations reveal that non-close-packed Mg(10"Equation missing"3) slab is advantageous for hydrogen sorption, attributing to the tilted close-packed-planes in the Mg(10"Equation missing"3) slab.
Magnetism in Na-filled Fe-based skutterudites
Authors: Xing Guangzong , Fan Xiaofeng , Zheng Weitao , Ma Yanming , Shi Hongliang , Singh David J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe interplay of superconductivity and magnetism is a subject of ongoing interest, stimulated most recently by the discovery of Fe-based superconductivity and the recognition that spin-fluctuations near a magnetic quantum critical point may provide an explanation for the superconductivity and the order parameter. Here we investigate magnetism in the Na filled Fe-based skutterudites using first principles calculations. NaFe4Sb12 is a known ferromagnet near a quantum critical point. We find a ferromagnetic metallic state for this compound driven by a Stoner type instability, consistent with prior work. In accord with prior work, the magnetization is overestimated, as expected for a material near an itinerant ferromagnetic quantum critical point. NaFe4P12 also shows a ferromagnetic instability at the density functional level, but this instability is much weaker than that of NaFe4Sb12, possibly placing it on the paramagnetic side of the quantum critical point. NaFe4As12 shows intermediate behavior. We also present results for skutterudite FeSb3, which is a metastable phase that has been reported in thin film form.
Collective ordering of microscale matters in natural analogy
Authors: Ahn Sungsook , Joon Lee Sang 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCollective interaction occurs in many natural and artificial matters in broad scales. In a biological system, collective spatial organization of live individuals in a colony is important for their viability determination. Interactive motions between a single individual and an agglomerate are critical for whole procedure of the collective behaviors, but few has been clarified for these intermediate range behaviors. Here, collective interactions of microscale matters are investigated with human cells, plant seeds and artificial microspheres in terms of commonly occurring spatial arrangements. Human cancer cells are inherently attractive to form an agglomerate by cohesive motion, while plant chia seeds are repulsive by excreting mucilage. Microsphere model is employed to investigate the dynamic assembly equilibrated by an attraction and repulsion. There is a fundamental analogy in terms of an onset of regular pattern formation even without physical contact of individuals. The collective interactions are suggested to start before the individual components become physically agglomerated. This study contributes to fundamental understanding on the microscale particulate matters and natural pattern formation which are further useful for various applications both in academic and industrial areas.
Mechanical competence of ovariectomy-induced compromised bone after single or combined treatment with high-frequency loading and bisphosphonates
Authors: Camargos G. V. , Bhattacharya P. , van Lenthe G. H. , Del Bel Cury A. A. , Naert I. , Duyck J. , Vandamme K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractOsteoporosis leads to increased bone fragility, thus effective approaches enhancing bone strength are needed. Hence, this study investigated the effect of single or combined application of high-frequency (HF) loading through whole body vibration (WBV) and alendronate (ALN) on the mechanical competence of ovariectomy-induced osteoporotic bone. Thirty-four female Wistar rats were ovariectomized (OVX) or sham-operated (shOVX) and divided into five groups: shOVX, OVX-shWBV, OVX-WBV, ALN-shWBV and ALN-WBV. (Sham)WBV loading was applied for 10 min/day (130 to 150 Hz at 0.3g) for 14 days and ALN at 2 mg/kg/dose was administered 3x/week. Finite element analysis based on micro-CT was employed to assess bone biomechanical properties, relative to bone micro-structural parameters. HF loading application to OVX resulted in an enlarged cortex, but it was not able to improve the biomechanical properties. ALN prevented trabecular bone deterioration and increased bone stiffness and bone strength of OVX bone. Finally, the combination of ALN with HF resulted in an increased cortical thickness in OVX rats when compared to single treatments. Compared to HF loading, ALN treatment is preferred for improving the compromised mechanical competence of OVX bone. In addition, the association of ALN with HF loading results in an additive effect on the cortical thickness.