bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Veratridine delays apoptotic neuronal death induced by NGF deprivation through a Na+‐dependent mechanism in cultured rat sympathetic neurons
Authors: Tanaka S. , Koike T. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractSuperior‐cervical ganglion (SCG) cells dissociated from newborn rats depend on nerve growth factor (NGF) for survival. Membrane depolarization with elevated K+ is known to prevent neuronal death following NGF deprivation and/or to promote survival via a Ca2+‐dependent mechanism. Here we have exploited the possibility of whether or not a Na+‐dependent pathway for neuronal survival is present in these cells. Veratridine (ec50=40 nM), a voltage‐dependent Na+ channel activator, significantly delayed the onset of apoptotic cell death in NGF‐deprived SCG neurons that had been cultured for 7 days in the presence of NGF. This effect was blocked completely by Na+ channel blockers including tetrodotoxin (TTX, 1 μM), benzamil (25 μM) and flunarizine (1 μM), but was not attenuated by nimodipine (1 μM), an L‐type Ca2+ channel blocker. The saving effect of veratridine on cultured neurons was observed even in low Ca2+ media (0–1.0 mM), but was completely abolished in a low Na+ medium (38 mM). Sodium‐binding benzofuran isophthalate was employed as a fluorescent probe for monitoring the level of cytoplasmic free Na+, which revealed a sustained increase in its level (12.9 mM, 307% of that of control) in response to veratridine (0.75 μM). The TTX or flunarizine completely blocked veratridine‐induced Na+ influx in these cultured neurons. Moreover, no appreciable increase in intracellular Ca2+ was detected under these conditions. Though Na+ channels were effectual in SCG neurons which were freshly isolated from newborn rats, the Na+‐dependent saving effect of veratridine was not observed in these young neurons. These lines of evidence suggest that the death‐suppressing effect of veratridine on cultured SCG neurons depends on the Na+ influx via voltage‐dependent Na+ channels, and suggests the presence of Na+‐dependent regulatory mechanism(s) in neuronal survival.
Simultaneous measurement of [18F]FDOPA metabolism and cerebral blood flow in newborn piglets
Authors: Brust P. , Bauer R. , Walter B. , Bergmann R. , FÜchtner F. , Vorwieger G. , Steinbach J. , Johannsen B. , Zwiener U. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractAvailable information on the dopamine (DA) metabolism of the immature brain is rare. In order to establish a useful animal model we have performed PET experiments in anesthetized neonatal pigs using 6‐[18F]‐fluoro‐L‐DOPA (FDOPA) as tracer. In this study, we have simultaneously determined the cerebral blood flow and the rate constant of FDOPA conversion by the aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, the ultimate enzyme in the synthesis of dopamine. The estimated values of FDOPA decarboxylation in the basal ganglia were similar to values calculated in adult animals and humans. However, in contrast to those studies a significant decarboxylation was also found in the frontal cortex and the cerebellum. HPLC analysis of brain samples also revealed extensive and rapid metabolism of FDOPA in the five investigated brain regions. At 8 min after tracer injection about 80% of FDOPA was already converted to FDA and its metabolites. Surprisingly, a rather high fraction (16−21%) of [18F]‐fluoro‐3‐methoxytyramine was found which may indicate a low storage capacity of vesicular DA at this perinatal stage. It is suggested that the findings are related to the ontogenetic development of the dopaminergic system. The knowledge of the regulation of the DA metabolism in the immature brain may have implications for the understanding of neurodevelopmental effects of perinatal oxygen deprivation.
The combined effects of trkB and trkC mutations on the innervation of the inner ear
Authors: Fritzsch Bernd , Barbacid Mariano , Silos‐santiago Inmaculada 
Published: July 2002

AbstractPrevious research has demonstrated that only the two neurotrophins and their cognate receptors are necessary for the support of the inner ear innervation. However, detailed analyses of patterns of innervation in various combinations of neurotrophin receptor mutants are lacking. We provide here such an analysis of the distribution of afferent and efferent fibers to the ear in various combinations of neurotrophin receptor mutants using the lipophilic tracer DiI. In the vestibular system, trkC+/− heterozygosity aggravates the trkB−/− mutation effect and causes almost complete loss of vestibular neurons. In the cochlea innervation, various mutations are each characterized by specific topological absence of spiral neurons in Rosenthals canal of the cochlea. trkC−/− mutation alone or in combination with trkB+/− heterozygosity causes absence of all basal turn spiral neurons and afferent fibers extend from the middle turn to the basal turn along inner hair cells with little or no contribution to outer hair cells. Both types of basal turn spiral neurons appear to develop and project via radial fibers to inner and, more sparingly, outer hair cells. Simple trkB−/− mutations show a reduction of fibers to outer hair cells in the apex and, less obvious, in the basal turn. Basal turn spiral neurons may be the only neurons present at birth in the cochlea of a trkB−/− mutant mouse combined with trkC+/− heterozygosity. In addition, the trkB−/− mutation combined with trkC+/− heterozygosity has a patchy and variable loss of middle turn spiral neurons in mice of different litters. Comparisons of patterns of innervation of afferent and efferent fibers show a striking similarity of absence of fibers to topologically corresponding areas. For example, in trkC−/− mutants afferents reach the basal turn, spiraling along the cochlea, rather than through radial fibers and efferent fibers follow the same pathway rather than emanating from intraganglionic spiral fibers. The data presented suggest that there are regional specific effects with some bias towards a specific spiral ganglion type : trkC is essential for support of basal turn spiral neurons whereas trkB appears to be more important for middle and apical turn spiral neurons.
Sex and age differences of neurons expressing gaba‐immunoreactivity in the rat bed nucleus of the stria terminalis
Authors: Stefanova Nadya , Bozhilova‐pastirova Anastassia , Ovtscharoff Wladimir 
Published: July 2002

AbstractNeurons, containing GABA were visualised immunohistochemically in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. Young prepubertal (20 days of age) and postpubertal (3 months and 1 year of age) Sprague‐Dawley rats were used. Quantitative studies revealed greater density of GABA‐immunoreactive perikarya in female than in male bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. This difference was not due to distribution in different volumes, since the volumes of the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis in the three ages studied did not differ by gender. Castration of new‐born male rats caused elevation of the density of GABA‐immunoreactive neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis to female levels on the third month of life. The percentage of nerve cells, expressing detectable amounts of GABA increased with age in the rat bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. The sexual dimorphism of GABA‐immunoreactive neurons in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis may contribute to the formation of reproductive behavior. The elevation of GABA expression with age might reflect change of the cellular activity in this part of the limbic circuitry.
Are beta‐blockers effective in patients who develop heart failure soon after myocardial infarction? A meta‐regression analysis of randomised trials
Authors: Houghton Timothy , Freemantle Nick , Cleland John G.F. 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:The great majority of post‐infarction studies of beta‐blockers were conducted in an era when these agents were widely held to be contra‐indicated for the management of heart failure. We now know that beta‐blockers are highly effective for the management of patients with chronic stable heart failure. However, there remains uncertainty about their role in the setting of post‐infarction heart failure and ventricular dysfunction.Aim:the primary objective in this paper, was to investigate the extent to which heart failure or evidence of major cardiac dysfunction influenced outcome in previous trials of beta‐blockers in heart failure after myocardial infarction.Methods:We assessed the extent to which the inclusion of patients with heart failure or major cardiac dysfunction influenced outcome in randomised trials of long‐term use of beta‐blockade after myocardial infarction. The primary analysis was to assess the extent to which the proportion of patients included in each trial with heart failure influenced the relative odds of all‐cause mortality in the trials. All randomised trials without crossover with treatment lasting more than one month and with 50 or more patients were considered. All those that provided information on the proportion of patients with heart failure or major cardiac dysfunction in the original or subsequent articles were included in the analysis.Results:Overall treatment with a beta‐blocker was associated with a 22.6% reduction in the odds of death (95% C1 11‐32.3%). There were very few data on the effects of beta‐blockers after myocardial infarction in patients with documented left ventricular systolic dysfunction. In the analysis that included heart failure as a factor, treatment with a beta‐blocker was associated with a non‐significant interaction with the presence of heart failure. However, because the group including heart failure patients were at higher risk, the absolute benefit of treatment with beta‐blockers appeared greater in this group.Conclusions:This analysis suggests that the relative benefit of beta‐blockers on mortality after a myocardial infarction is similar in the presence or absence of heart failure but that the absolute benefit may be greater in the former. However, as current clinical practice has changed radically from the time when the majority of these trials were conducted, further trial evidence would be desirable.
Cotargeting of miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p inhibits PIK3R2 and PTEN, reducing lung cancer growth and metastasis by blocking AKT and CXCR4 signalling
Authors: Di Paolo Daniela , Pontis Francesca , Moro Massimo , Centonze Giovanni , Bertolini Giulia , Milione Massimo , Mensah Mavis , Segale Miriam , Petraroia Ilaria , Borzi Cristina , Suatoni Paola , Brignole Chiara , Perri Patrizia , Ponzoni Mirco , Pastorino Ugo , Sozzi Gabriella , Fortunato Orazio 
Published: June 2021

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer‐related death worldwide. Late diagnosis and metastatic dissemination contribute to its low survival rate. Since microRNA (miRNA) deregulation triggers lung carcinogenesis, miRNAs might represent an interesting therapeutic tool for lung cancer management. We identified seven miRNAs, including miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p, that are deregulated in tumours compared with normal tissues in a series of 38 non‐small‐cell lung cancer patients. A negative correlation between these two miRNAs was associated with poor patient survival. Concomitant miR‐126‐3p replacement and miR‐221‐3p inhibition, but not modulation of either miRNA alone, reduced lung cancer cell viability by inhibiting AKT signalling. PIK3R2 and PTEN were validated as direct targets of miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p, respectively. Simultaneous miRNA modulation reduced metastatic dissemination of lung cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo through CXCR4 inhibition. Systemic delivery of a combination of miR‐126‐3p mimic and miR‐221‐3p inhibitor encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles reduced lung cancer patient‐derived xenograft growth through blockade of the PIK3R2–AKT pathway. Our findings reveal that cotargeting miR‐126‐3p and miR‐221‐3p to hamper both tumour growth and metastasis could be a new therapeutic approach for lung cancer.
Toddlers' expectations of third‐party punishments and rewards following an act of aggression
Authors: Geraci Alessandra , Surian Luca 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRewarding someone who defends the victim of an unjust aggression and punishing someone who chose not to defend her may be very important acts of reciprocation in social life. This study investigates whether 21‐month‐olds have some expectations concerning such punishing and rewarding actions. Infants were shown simple puppet shows and were tested using the violation‐of‐expectation paradigm. In Experiment 1, we found that infants looked longer when they saw a bystander puppet punishing the puppet who defended the victim rather than the puppet who did not defend her. This pattern of looking times was reversed when the punishing action was replaced with a rewarding action (Experiment 2). These findings reveal early‐emerging expectations about punitive and reward motivations in third‐party contexts, and provide some support for theoretical claims about the hardwiring of the human mind for cooperation and prosociality.
Adaptive finite‐time tracking control for parameterized nonlinear systems with full state constraints
Authors: Wu Ziwen , Zhang Tianping 
Published: June 2021

SummaryIn this article, the issue of adaptive finite‐time dynamic surface control (DSC) is discussed for a class of parameterized nonlinear systems with full state constraints. Using the property of logarithmic function, a one‐to‐one nonlinear mapping is constructed to transform a constrained system into an unconstrained system with the same structure. The nonlinear filter is constructed to replace the first‐order linear filter in the traditional DSC, and the demand on the filter time constant is reduced. Based on finite‐time stable theory and using modified DSC, the finite‐time controller is designed via DSC. Theoretical analysis shows that all the signals in the closed‐loop system are semiglobal practical finite‐time stable. Furthermore, none of the states are outside the defined open set. In the end, simulation results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control schemes with both linear filters and nonlinear filters.
Highly Sensitive Mechanoresponsive Smart Windows Driven by Shear Strain
Authors: Li Jianing , Lu Xuegang , Zhang Yin , Ke Xiaoqin , Wen Xiaoxiang , Cheng Fei , Wei Chaoping , Li Yanlin , Yao Kangkang , Yang Sen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdvanced optical materials with rational designs and tunable light transmission have been drawing increasing interest due to their great potential in energy‐efficient buildings and on‐demand optical devices. Mechanoresponsive smart windows (SWs) can modulate light transmittance by mechanical actuation, showing high energy efficiency, low cost, and chemical stability. However, current research mainly focuses on tensile strain‐responsive SWs that typically require a large strain to achieve optical transparency switching‐which causes great inconvenience to practical application and fatigue damage to matrix materials. Herein, a novel shear‐responsive SW with high strain sensitivity is fabricated by vertically fixing a Fe3O4@SiO2 nanochains (NCs) array in an elastic polyacrylamide matrix. The flexible SW exhibits optically transparent with all NCs standing vertically to the SW surface at initial relaxation state, which enables a good shielding effect, with NCs tilting along the shearing direction as the strain applied. Critically, a rather small shear displacement (1.5 mm) applied on the surface of SW gives rise to tunable optical states varying from the transparency state of 65% transmittance to the opaque state of 10%. The as‐prepared SW with novel tuning modulation, high shear strain sensitivity, and optical angle‐dependence holds promising potential in smart windows, optical switches, anti‐voyeurism, and etc.
Hydrogel‐Induced Cell Membrane Disruptions Enable Direct Cytosolic Delivery of Membrane‐Impermeable Cargo
Authors: Van Hoeck Jelter , Van de Vyver Thijs , Harizaj Aranit , Goetgeluk Glenn , Merckx Pieterjan , Liu Jing , Wels Mike , Sauvage Félix , De Keersmaecker Herlinde , Vanhove Christian , de Jong Olivier G. , Vader Pieter , Dewitte Heleen , Vandekerckhove Bart , Braeckmans Kevin , De Smedt Stefaan C. , Raemdonck Koen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntracellular delivery of membrane‐impermeable cargo offers unique opportunities for biological research and the development of cell‐based therapies. Despite the breadth of available intracellular delivery tools, existing protocols are often suboptimal and alternative approaches that merge delivery efficiency with both biocompatibility, as well as applicability, remain highly sought after. Here, a comprehensive platform is presented that exploits the unique property of cationic hydrogel nanoparticles to transiently disrupt the plasma membrane of cells, allowing direct cytosolic delivery of uncomplexed membrane‐impermeable cargo. Using this platform, which is termed Hydrogel‐enabled nanoPoration or HyPore, the delivery of fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)–dextran macromolecules in various cancer cell lines and primary bovine corneal epithelial cells is convincingly demonstrated. Of note, HyPore demonstrates efficient FITC‐dextran delivery in primary human T cells, outperforming state‐of‐the‐art electroporation‐mediated delivery. Moreover, the HyPore platform enables cytosolic delivery of functional proteins, including a histone‐binding nanobody as well as the enzymes granzyme A and Cre‐recombinase. Finally, HyPore‐mediated delivery of the MRI contrast agent gadobutrol in primary human T cells significantly improves their T1‐weighted MRI signal intensities compared to electroporation. Taken together, HyPore is proposed as a straightforward, highly versatile, and cost‐effective technique for high‐throughput, ex vivo manipulation of primary cells and cell lines.
Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Liposomes for Targeted Nitric Oxide Delivery to Mediate Anticancer Effects against Brain Glioma Tumors
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Xiao , Li Jing , Tang Jian , Li Bin , Zhang Yu , Gu Ning , Yang Fang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSpecifically targeting glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) blood vessels and actively enhancing the permeability of the brain–blood–tumor barrier (BBTB) are two extremely difficult challenges currently hindering the development of effective therapies against GBM. Herein, a liposome drug delivery system (S1P/JS‐K/Lipo) is described, which delivers the nitric oxide (NO) prodrug JS‐K, O2‐(2,4‐dinitrophenyl) 1‐[(4‐ethoxycarbonyl) piperazin‐1‐yl] diazen‐1‐ium‐1,2‐diolate, to GBM tumors using sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P)‐signaling molecules as active targeting lipid ligands. It is revealed that S1P/JS‐K/Lipo actively penetrates the BBTB, aided by caveolin‐1‐mediated transcytosis, and it is demonstrated that the system specifically interacts with S1P receptors (S1PRs), which are highly expressed on GBM cells. Nondestructive ultrasound imaging in GBM mouse models is also utilized to observe microsized NO bubble production from JS‐K, as catalyzed by the glutathione S‐transferases (GSTs) resident in GBM cells. Given that these NO bubbles strongly promote GBM cell death in vivo, the S1PR‐targeted liposome delivery system—which successfully achieves BBTB penetration and tumor targeted delivery of a complex multicomponent drug regimen—represents a promising approach for targeted therapies against GBM and other carcinomas characterized by elevated S1PR expression.
Efficient Luminescent Solar Concentrators Based on Environmentally Friendly Cd‐Free Ternary AIS/ZnS Quantum Dots
Authors: Dhamo Lorena , Carulli Francesco , Nickl Philip , Wegner Karl David , Hodoroaba Vasile‐Dan , Würth Christian , Brovelli Sergio , Resch‐Genger Ute 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLuminescent solar concentrators (LSC) allow to obtain renewable energy from building integrated photovoltaic systems. As promising efficient and long‐term stable LSC fluorophores semiconductor nanocrystals like quantum dots (QDs) with size and composition tunable optoelectronic properties have recently emerged. The most popular II/VI or IV/VI semiconductor QDs contain, however, potentially hazardous cadmium or lead ions, which is a bottleneck for commercial applications. A simple aqueous based, microwave‐assisted synthesis for environmentally friendly and highly emissive AgInS2/ZnS QDs is developed using 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) and glutathione (GSH) and their incorporation into polylaurylmethacrylate (PLMA) polymer slabs integrable in LSC devices (10.4 × 10.4 × 0.2 cm3, G = 12.98). With this simple approach, optical power efficiencies (OPE) of 3.8% and 3.6% and optical quantum efficiencies (OQE) of 24.1% and 27.4% are obtained, which are among the highest values yet reported.
Naturally Derived Organic Dyes for LED Lightings of High Color Rendering and Fidelity Index
Authors: Huang Yunping , Cohen Theodore A. , Luscombe Christine K. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractLight‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are a lighting technology with a huge and ascending market. Typically, LED backlights are often paired with inorganic phosphors made from rare‐earth elements (REEs) to tune the emission lineshapes for different applications. However, REE production is a resource‐intensive process with many negative environmental impacts. Herein organic hybrid LEDs are developed using organic dyes synthesized from an abundant and non‐toxic natural product (theobromine) to replace REE phosphors. The resulted hybrid LED generates continuous emission from 400–740 nm, resulting in a high color rendering index (the current industry standard) of 90 and a color fidelity index (the most advanced and comprehensive standard) of 92, challenging commercial LEDs based on REE phosphors. In addition, the light‐converting composite is made from 99 wt% SBS, an inexpensive industrial polymer, and 1 wt% theobromine dyes, reducing the cost of the light converter to ¢1.30 for a 1 W LED, compared to approximately ¢ 19.2 of commercial products. The light converting efficiency of the dye‐SBS composite is 82%. Excited state kinetics experiments are also conducted to provide guidance to further increase the light‐converting efficiency of the theobromine dyes while maintaining excellent color rendering and fidelity.
Farmer perspectives on benefits of and barriers to extended crop rotations in Iowa, USA
Authors: Weisberger David A. , McDaniel Marshall D. , Arbuckle J. G. , Liebman Matt 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe highly specialized maize (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production system that dominates midwestern U.S. agriculture has led to widespread on‐farm and off‐farm degradation of and damage to natural resources. The practice of extending maize–soybean rotations with small grains and forages has great potential to balance production and environmental goals, but adoption of these practices is low. Because little is known about farmers’ perspectives on extended rotations, we conducted social survey research with Iowa farmers to address this knowledge gap. Results show that farmers understand the potential benefits of extended rotations using small grains, but they perceive major barriers to use. The highest‐rated barriers were structural, such as lack of markets. Structural barriers cannot be easily addressed by individual farmers, indicating that efforts to address negative impacts of specialized commodity production through extended rotations with small grains will require transformative changes in agri‐food policies, programs, and ultimately markets.