bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐dependent activity of de novo methyltransferase 3 (Tudnmt3) in the two‐spotted mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch
Authors: Yang S.‐X. , Guo C. , Xu M. , Sun J.‐T. , Hong X‐Y. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractDNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism for regulating developmental and other important processes in eukaryotes. Several components of the DNA methylation machinery have been identified, such as DNA methyltransferases. However, little is known about DNA methyltransferases in chelicerates, which is the second largest arthropod group. Epigenetics are expected to have a crucial role in the metabolism and development of this group. Here, we investigated the role of DNA methyltransferase 3 in the development of Tetranychus urticae Koch. In silico analyses clearly showed that this enzyme possesses the necessary conserved motifs for the catalytic activity of de novo methylation of DNA. Real‐time PCR revealed that T. urticae de novo methyltransferase 3 (Tudnmt3) is expressed ubiquitously and throughout the life cycle of the two‐spotted spider mite. However, the pattern of Tudnmt3 expression was sex‐dependent during the adult stage. Whole in situ hybridization provided supportive evidence that Tudnmt3 is linked to the differentiation of the gonads in adult females and males. Methylation‐sensitive amplification polymorphism analyses of 119 loci showed that the status of DNA methylation is partially different between adult females and males, raising the possibility that this sex‐dependent DNA methylation pattern is mediated by different methylation activity of Tudnmt3.
Wolbachia endosymbiont of Brugia malayi elicits a T helper type 17‐mediated pro‐inflammatory immune response through Wolbachia surface protein
Authors: Pathak Manisha , Verma Meenakshi , Srivastava Mrigank , Misra‐Bhattacharya Shailja 
Published: July 2014

SummaryWolbachia is an endosymbiotic bacterium of the filarial nematode Brugia malayi. The symbiotic relationship between Wolbachia and its filarial host is dependent on interactions between the proteins of both organisms. However, little is known about Wolbachia proteins that are involved in the inflammatory pathology of the host during lymphatic filariasis. In the present study, we cloned, expressed and purified Wolbachia surface protein (r‐wsp) from Wolbachia and administered it to mice, either alone or in combination with infective larvae of B. malayi (Bm‐L3) and monitored the developing immune response in infected animals. Our results show that spleens and mesenteric lymph nodes of mice immunized with either r‐wsp or infected with Bm‐L3 show increased percentages of CD4+ T helper type 17 (Th17) cells and Th1 cytokines like interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) along with decreased percentages of regulatory T cells, Th2 cytokines like IL‐4 and IL‐10 and transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) levels in culture supernatants of splenocytes. These observations were stronger in mice immunized with r‐wsp alone. Interestingly, when mice were first immunized with r‐wsp and subsequently infected with Bm‐L3, percentages of CD4+ Th17 cells and Th1 cytokines increased even further while that of regulatory T cells, Th2 cytokines and TGF‐β levels decreased. These results for the first time show that r‐wsp acts synergistically with Bm‐L3 in promoting a pro‐inflammatory response by increasing Th17 cells and at the same time diminishes host immunological tolerance by decreasing regulatory T cells and TGF‐β secretion.
Critical Evaluation and Thermodynamic Modeling of the Mg–Mn–O (MgO–MnO–MnO2) System
Authors: Panda Sourav Kumar , Jung In‐Ho 
Published: July 2014

All phase diagram and thermodynamic data of the MgO–MnO and MgO–MnO–MnO2 systems were critically evaluated and thermodynamically optimized to obtain one set of thermodynamic model parameters. The MgMn2O4–Mn3O4 spinel solutions were modeled with two sublattices Compound Energy Formalism by considering the cation distribution between tetrahedral and octahedral sites. The slag phase and monoxide solid solution were also described using the Modified Quasichemical Model and Bragg–Williams random mixing model, respectively. The optimized thermodynamic model parameters can be used with a Gibbs energy minimization routine to calculate the phase diagram and thermodynamic properties of the system at oxygen partial pressures between metal saturation and 1 atm.
Wavelength Tailorability of Broadband Near‐Infrared Luminescence in Cr4+‐Activated Transparent Glass‐Ceramics
Authors: Zhuang Yixi , Tanabe Setsuhisa , Qiu Jianrong 
Published: July 2014

Four Cr4+‐activated transparent glass‐ceramics containing different species of silicate nano‐crystals (Zn2SiO4, Mg2SiO4, Li2ZnSiO4, and Li2MgSiO4) were successfully prepared. Absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectra, lifetime decay curves, and quantum yield of these transparent glass‐ceramics were measured. According to the crystal field strength of Cr4+‐incorporated tetrahedral sites, the broadband near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence of Cr4+ can be tailored from 1130 to 1350 nm and the lifetime of Cr4+ luminescence can be prolonged from 6 to 100 μs. Quantum yield in the transparent glass‐ceramics containing Li2ZnSiO4 nano‐crystals reached at 17%, which is the highest value of NIR luminescence in transition‐metal‐activated glass materials.
Novel Synthesis Method and Characterization of Porous Calcium Hexa‐Aluminate Ceramics
Authors: Liu Xueyin , Yang Dexin , Huang Zhaohui , Yi Shuai , Ding Hao , Fang Minghao , Zhang Shaowei , Liu Yan‐gai 
Published: July 2014

Porous calcium hexa‐aluminate (CA6) ceramics were in‐situ synthesized by heated CaCO3 and α‐Al2O3 in a NaCl‐based salt at 1400°C for 3 h, and then characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, (SEM) and mercury porosimetry. The size and morphology of the CA6 crystals and pores were gradually changed with the increase of NaCl addition in the raw material, indicating that the molten salt not only provided a liquid environment for synthesis of CA6, but also generated considerable pores.
Fabrication of Chromium (III) Oxide (Cr2O3) Coating by Electrophoretic Deposition
Authors: Zhang Daixiong , Li Xueming , Qin Bo , Li Xiaolin , Guo Xiaogang , Lai Chuan 
Published: July 2014

Chromium (III) oxide has been widely used as a coating material for corrosion resistance. In this study, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of nano chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3) particle (60 nm) was investigated to develop coatings with potential applications of anticorrosive material. The stable suspension of Nano‐Cr2O3 particles were obtained in the mixture of acetylacetone and ethanol containing 0.00025 M nitric acid. The coating growth rate was studied with using different deposition times in the range of 1–30 min at voltages of 50–150 V with various concentrations of suspension. The electrophoretic Cr2O3 coating was sintered at 1000°C and 1200°C for 2 h. The micro‐morphology of coating was qualitatively characterized by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB/SEM). The SEM micrographs obviously showed that the electrophoretic Cr2O3 coating has formed a uniform and dense ultrathin layer after sintering at 1200°C. We demonstrated that nano‐Cr2O3 coating could be easily obtained by EPD for the surface modification of metallic materials for potential interest in hard wear‐resistant and/or low‐friction coatings.
Ca2+‐Doped LaCrO3: A Novel Energy‐Saving Material with High Infrared Emissivity
Authors: Han Zhao , Liu Jun , Li Xiao‐Wei , Chen Yi‐Xiang , Liu Guang‐Hua , Li Jiang‐Tao 
Published: July 2014

The present study describes the successful synthesis of a Ca2+‐doped LaCrO3 ceramic with high infrared (IR) emissivity, which is important for high‐temperature applications for significant energy saving. It is demonstrated that 20 mol% Ca2+‐doped LaCrO3, i.e., La0.8Ca0.2CrO3, exhibited an IR emissivity as high as 0.95 in the spectral region of 3–5 μm, which was 33.8% higher than that of LaCrO3. By using La0.8Ca0.2CrO3 as IR radiation agent in surface coating of heating unit, the radiative heat transfer could be enhanced significantly. The mechanism of the high IR emissivity of La0.8Ca0.2CrO3 was attributed to the following aspects: Ca2+ doping introduced an impurity energy level of Cr4+ into LaCrO3 and increased the hole carrier concentration, enhancing both impurity absorption and hole carrier absorption in the IR region; moreover, the doping caused lattice distortion enhanced the lattice vibration absorption. This novel high IR emissivity ceramic shows a promising future in high‐temperature applications for the purpose of energy‐saving.
Sleep and vigilance linked to melanism in wild barn owls
Authors: Scriba M. F. , Rattenborg N. C. , Dreiss A. N. , Vyssotski A. L. , Roulin A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the function of variation in sleep requires studies in the natural ecological conditions in which sleep evolved. Sleep has an impact on individual performance and hence may integrate the costs and benefits of investing in processes that are sensitive to sleep, such as immunity or coping with stress. Because dark and pale melanic animals differentially regulate energy homeostasis, immunity and stress hormone levels, the amount and/or organization of sleep may covary with melanin‐based colour. We show here that wild, cross‐fostered nestling barn owls (Tyto alba) born from mothers displaying more black spots had shorter non‐REM (rapid eye movement) sleep bouts, a shorter latency until the occurrence of REM sleep after a bout of wakefulness and more wakefulness bouts. In male nestlings, the same sleep traits also correlated with their own level of spotting. Because heavily spotted male nestlings and the offspring of heavily spotted biological mothers switched sleep–wakefulness states more frequently, we propose the hypothesis that they could be also behaviourally more vigilant. Accordingly, nestlings from mothers displaying many black spots looked more often towards the nest entrance where their parents bring food and towards their sibling against whom they compete. Owlets from heavily spotted mothers might invest more in vigilance, thereby possibly increasing associated costs due to sleep fragmentation. We conclude that different strategies of the regulation of brain activity have evolved and are correlated with melanin‐based coloration.
Positive effect of the yellow morph on female reproductive success in the flower colour polymorphic Iris lutescens (Iridaceae), a deceptive species
Authors: Imbert E. , Wang H. , Conchou L. , Vincent H. , Talavera M. , Schatz B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe deceptive Iris lutescens (Iridaceae) shows a heritable and striking flower colour polymorphism, with both yellow‐ and purple‐flowered individuals growing sympatrically. Deceptive species with flower colour polymorphism are mainly described in the family Orchidaceae and rarely found in other families. To explain the maintenance of flower colour polymorphism in I. lutescens, we investigated female reproductive success in natural populations of southern France, at both population and local scales (within populations). Female reproductive success was positively correlated with yellow morph frequency, at both the population scale and the local scale. Therefore, we failed to observe negative frequency‐dependent selection (NFDS), a mechanism commonly invoked to explain flower colour polymorphism in deceptive plant species. Flower size and local flower density could also affect female reproductive success in natural populations. Pollinator behaviour could explain the positive effect of the yellow morph, and our results suggest that flower colour polymorphism might not persist in I. lutescens, but alternative explanations not linked to pollinator behaviour are discussed. In particular, NFDS, although an appealingly simple explanation previously demonstrated in orchids, may not always contribute to maintaining flower colour polymorphism, even in deceptive species.
Vacuum Drying Optimization and Simulation as a Preservation Method of Antioxidants in Apple Pomace
Authors: Almeida‐Trasviña F. , Medina‐González S. , Ortega‐Rivas E. , Salmerón‐Ochoa I. , Pérez‐Vega S. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractVacuum drying optimum conditions and lowest energy consumption were investigated by surface response methodology and process simulation in Aspen Plus. Temperature, time and vacuum pressure effects on moisture, effective diffusivity, polyphenols and antioxidant capacity were evaluated. As a result, temperature was the most significant variable controlling the different responses. Optimum drying conditions were 68.33C, 46.33 kPa (abs) and 4.27 h. Dried apple pomace was obtained with 10% final moisture, 2.44 mg gallic acid equivalent/g as total polyphenolic content and 98.59 μmol Trolox equivalent/g as oxygen radical absorbance capacity. From simulation results, lower energy demand (1.2 kWh/kg of pomace) was obtained compared with other drying methods. Sensitivity analyses showed that apple pomace inlet temperature and apple pomace moisture content impacted energy requirements, whereas pressure and temperature adjustments inside the dryer did not. As a result, vacuum drying might be a feasible alternative to preserve antioxidants in apple pomace.Practical ApplicationsCurrently, there is an interest for developing economically feasible processes capable of recovering polyphenols from apple pomace in order to use such compounds in the food industry. Research has been performed regarding the optimization of polyphenols' solvent extraction. Preservation operations such as drying are critical before extraction. Vacuum drying is known as an efficient technique when processing temperature‐sensitive materials such as polyphenols. So far, there is no research available regarding vacuum drying effects in apple pomace polyphenols and antioxidant capacity. Because of this, this paper contributes to fill this gap, so the industry can implement this kind of process in the near future with the minimum negative effects in the polyphenolic and antioxidant capacity available; all this while having an efficient vacuum drying process.
Separation of Oleoresin from Ginger Rhizome Powder Using Green Processing Technologies
Authors: Said P.P. , Arya O.P. , Pradhan R.C. , Singh R.S. , Rai B.N. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGinger oleoresin is an important condiment in food and pharmaceutical industries because of its antioxidant and polyphenolic compounds. The effects of various extraction methods on yield parameters were presented in this article. The ultrasound treatment showed its potential to increase oleoresin extraction rate. The ultrasound‐assisted supercritical carbon dioxide extraction was found to be the best method of extraction with the highest oleoresin yield of 8.15 ± 0.06% at 35°C temperature and 25 MPa pressure. The supercritical carbon dioxide extraction had 6.87% oleoresin yield at 25 MPa pressure, 40°C and 15 g/min CO2 flow rate. The signal‐to‐noise ratio showed that pressure and temperature had significant effect on the oleoresin yield, but their effect on flow rate was not significant. The ultrasound‐assisted solvent extraction was 1.75 times faster than simple soxhlet extraction.Practical ApplicationsSupercritical carbon dioxide extraction is an environment‐friendly technology that separates pure compound from natural resource. Limitations of the solvent extraction method and steam distillation, such as residual organic solvent in product and degradation of thermally liable compounds, respectively, are major factors toward supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method gaining much attention in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors. Ginger consists of specific oleoresin because of the presence of phenolic compounds. It has significant use in some foods and medicines as well. Hence, the optimization of the process to separate this oleoresin is an uphill task because of lack of literature. The orthogonal array design is a tool to reduce the number of experiments, and can become a useful tool in optimizing the experiment. This reduces the time of the experimentation, the cost on research, while obtaining better results. In this regard, the study was conducted to extract ginger oleoresin using supercritical carbon dioxide and orthogonal array design.
Girdin, an actin‐binding protein, is critical for migration, adhesion, and invasion of human glioblastoma cells
Authors: Gu Feng , Wang Li , He Jia , Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Huikun , Li Wenliang , Fu Li , Ma Yongjie 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGirdin, an actin‐binding protein, possesses versatile functions in a multitude of cellular processes. Although several studies have shown that Girdin is involved in the cell DNA synthesis, actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, and cell motility, the molecular mechanisms of Girdin in tumor development and progression remain elusive. In this study, through over‐expression and siRNA experiments, we found that Girdin increased migration of LN229 human glioblastoma cells. On the other hand, reducing Girdin impaired F‐actin polymerization, which is essential for cell morphogenesis and motility. Matrix metalloproteinase 2, critical in human glioma migration and invasion, was down‐regulated upon Girdin reduction and led to decreased invasion in vitro and in vivo. In addition, silencing Girdin expression impaired the phosphorylation of two important adhesion molecules, integrin β1 and focal adhesion kinase, resulting in cell adhesion defects. Our immunohistochemical study on human gliomas tissue sections indicated that Girdin expression was positively related with glioma malignancy, supporting the in vitro and in vivo results from cell lines. Collectively, our findings suggest a critical role for Girdin in glioma infiltration.
image
We show that reduction of Girdin, an actin‐binding protein, leads to impaired F‐actin polymerization and down‐regulated expression of matrix metallopeptidase protein 2 (MMP‐2), phosphorylated integrin β1, and phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which resulted in decreased migration, adhesion, and invasion of glioblastoma cells. Girdin was positively correlated with glioma malignancy and negatively associated with clinical prognosis, suggesting Girdin as a critical regulator in glioma infiltration.
Ceramide metabolism analysis in a model of binge drinking reveals both neuroprotective and toxic effects of ethanol
Authors: Bae Mihyun , Bandaru Veera Venkata Ratnam , Patel Neha , Haughey Norman J. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBinge drinking is a common form of alcohol abuse that involves repeated rounds of intoxication followed by withdrawal. The episodic effects of binge drinking and withdrawal on brain resident cells are thought to contribute to neural remodeling and neurological damage. However, the molecular mechanisms for these neurodegenerative effects are not understood. Ethanol (EtOH) regulates the metabolism of ceramide, a highly bioactive lipid that is enriched in brain. We used a mouse model of binge drinking to determine the effects of EtOH intoxication and withdrawal on brain ceramide metabolism. Intoxication and acute alcohol withdrawal were each associated with distinct changes in ceramide regulatory genes and metabolic products. EtOH intoxication was accompanied by decreased concentrations of multiple ceramides, coincident with reductions in the expression of enzymes involved in the production of ceramides, and increased expression of ceramide‐degrading enzymes. EtOH withdrawal was associated with specific increases in ceramide C16:0, C18:0, and C20:0 and increased expression of enzymes involved with ceramide production. These data suggest that EtOH intoxication may evoke a ceramide phenotype that is neuroprotective, whereas EtOH withdrawal results in a metabolic shift that increases the production of potentially toxic ceramide species.
imageWe used a mouse model of binge drinking – a common form of alcohol abuse – to directly compare the effects of ethanol (EtOH) during intoxication and acute withdrawal on brain ceramide metabolism. Gene and metabolite analysis suggest that intoxication is associated with a protective phenotype, as evidenced by reductions in several ceramides. By contrast, acute withdrawal was associated with a degenerative phenotype that was manifested by the elevations in several ceramide species. These data suggest that neural damage may occur during the acute EtOH withdrawal phase and may involve increased production of neurotoxic ceramide species. The image depicts primary metabolic pathways regulated during EtOH intoxication (green) and those most active during withdrawal (red). SMase, Sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase; SGMS, sphingomyelin synthase; CerS, ceramid synthase; S1P, sphingosine‐1P; sphK, sphingosine kinase.
A private affair: children's experiences prior to colonoscopy
Authors: Vejzovic Vedrana , Wennick Anne , Idvall Ewa , Bramhagen Ann‐Cathrine 
Published: July 2014

Aims and objectivesTo illuminate children's experiences prior to colonoscopy.BackgroundIt is well known that children need to be well prepared before undergoing stressful medical procedures, and the goal of such preparations should focus on minimising their level of anxiety. The clinical investigation of children with suspected inflammatory bowel disease involves several steps, with colonoscopy being routinely used to investigate the colon and the lower part of the small intestine. To minimise children's anxiety during various medical procedures, it is important that information about their experiences is obtained directly from the children themselves.DesignA qualitative study.MethodThe study was designed as a qualitative interview study involving 17 children aged 10–17 years undergoing colonoscopy at a children's university hospital in Sweden. Verbatim transcripts were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe children's experiences prior to colonoscopy were identified as belonging to an overall theme, aprivate affair,and to four categories:preparing yourself, mastering the situation, reluctantly participatingandfeeling emotional support.ConclusionThis study shows that children's experiences prior to colonoscopy are a private affair and that the preparation needs to be individually adapted for the ‘preprocedural’ preparation to be comprehended.Relevance to clinical practiceThe children's experiences ascertained in this study can contribute to a greater understanding of children's needs prior to a colonoscopy and may provide professional care staff with the basis for future nursing assessments.