bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Sdf2l1 controls feeding-induced ER stress and regulates metabolism
Authors: Sasako Takayoshi , Ohsugi Mitsuru , Kubota Naoto , Itoh Shinsuke , Okazaki Yukiko , Terai Ai , Kubota Tetsuya , Yamashita Satoshi , Nakatsukasa Kunio , Kamura Takumi , Iwayama Kaito , Tokuyama Kumpei , Kiyonari Hiroshi , Furuta Yasuhide , Shibahara Junji , Fukayama Masashi , Enooku Kenichiro , Okushin Kazuya , Tsutsumi Takeya , Tateishi Ryosuke , Tobe Kazuyuki , Asahara Hiroshi , Koike Kazuhiko , Kadowaki Takashi , Ueki Kohjiro 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDynamic metabolic changes occur in the liver during the transition between fasting and feeding. Here we show that transient ER stress responses in the liver following feeding terminated by Sdf2l1 are essential for normal glucose and lipid homeostasis. Sdf2l1 regulates ERAD through interaction with a trafficking protein, TMED10. Suppression of Sdf2l1 expression in the liver results in insulin resistance and increases triglyceride content with sustained ER stress. In obese and diabetic mice, Sdf2l1 is downregulated due to decreased levels of nuclear XBP-1s, whereas restoration of Sdf2l1 expression ameliorates glucose intolerance and fatty liver with decreased ER stress. In diabetic patients, insufficient induction of Sdf2l1 correlates with progression of insulin resistance and steatohepatitis. Therefore, failure to build an ER stress response in the liver may be a causal factor in obesity-related diabetes and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, for which Sdf2l1 could serve as a therapeutic target and sensitive biomarker.
Bio-inspired nitric-oxide-driven nanomotor
Authors: Wan Mimi , Chen Huan , Wang Qi , Niu Qian , Xu Ping , Yu Yueqi , Zhu Tianyu , Mao Chun , Shen Jian 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCurrent chemical-fuel-driven nanomotors are driven by gas (e.g. H2, O2, NH3) which only provides motion ability, and can produce waste (e.g. Mg(OH)2, Pt). Here, inspired by endogenous biochemical reactions in the human body involving conversion of amino acid L-arginine to nitric oxide (NO) by NO synthase (NOS) or reactive oxygen species (ROS), we report on a nanomotor made of hyperbranched polyamide/L-arginine (HLA). The nanomotor utilizes L-arginine as fuel for the production of NO both as driving force and to provide beneficial effects, including promoting endothelialisation and anticancer effects, along with other beneficial by-products. In addition, the HLA nanomotors are fluorescent and can be used to monitor the movement of nanomotors in vivo in the future. This work presents a zero-waste, self-destroyed and self-imaging nanomotor with potential biological application for the treatment of various diseases in different tissues including blood vessels and tumours.
Promiscuous enzymatic activity-aided multiple-pathway network design for metabolic flux rearrangement in hydroxytyrosol biosynthesis
Authors: Chen Wei , Yao Jun , Meng Jie , Han Wenjing , Tao Yong , Chen Yihua , Guo Yixin , Shi Guizhi , He Yang , Jin Jian-Ming , Tang Shuang-Yan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGenetic diversity is a result of evolution, enabling multiple ways for one particular physiological activity. Here, we introduce this strategy into bioengineering. We design two hydroxytyrosol biosynthetic pathways using tyrosine as substrate. We show that the synthetic capacity is significantly improved when two pathways work simultaneously comparing to each individual pathway. Next, we engineer flavin-dependent monooxygenase HpaBC for tyrosol hydroxylase, tyramine hydroxylase, and promiscuous hydroxylase active on both tyrosol and tyramine using directed divergent evolution strategy. Then, the mutant HpaBCs are employed to catalyze two missing steps in the hydroxytyrosol biosynthetic pathways designed above. Our results demonstrate that the promiscuous tyrosol/tyramine hydroxylase can minimize the cell metabolic burden induced by protein overexpression and allow the biosynthetic carbon flow to be divided between two pathways. Thus, the efficiency of the hydroxytyrosol biosynthesis is significantly improved by rearranging the metabolic flux among multiple pathways.
Rationally designed carbohydrate-occluded epitopes elicit HIV-1 Env-specific antibodies
Authors: Zhu Cheng , Dukhovlinova Elena , Council Olivia , Ping Lihua , Faison Edgar M. , Prabhu Shamit S. , Potter E. Lake , Upton Stephen L. , Yin Guowei , Fay James M. , Kincer Laura P. , Spielvogel Ean , Campbell Sharon L. , Benhabbour S. Rahima , Ke Hengming , Swanstrom Ronald , Dokholyan Nikolay V. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn array of carbohydrates masks the HIV-1 surface protein Env, contributing to the evasion of humoral immunity. In most HIV-1 isolates ‘glycan holes’ occur due to natural sequence variation, potentially revealing the underlying protein surface to the immune system. Here we computationally design epitopes that mimic such surface features (carbohydrate-occluded neutralization epitopes or CONE) of Env through ‘epitope transplantation’, in which the target region is presented on a carrier protein scaffold with preserved structural properties. Scaffolds displaying the four CONEs are examined for structure and immunogenicity. Crystal structures of two designed proteins reflect the computational models and accurately mimic the native conformations of CONEs. The sera from rabbits immunized with several CONE immunogens display Env binding activity. Our method determines essential structural elements for targets of protective antibodies. The ability to design immunogens with high mimicry to viral proteins also makes possible the exploration of new templates for vaccine development.
Origin of ultrafast growth of monolayer WSe2 via chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Chen Shuai , Gao Junfeng , Srinivasan Bharathi M. , Zhang Gang , Sorkin Viacheslav , Hariharaputran Ramanarayan , Zhang Yong-Wei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe ultrafast growth of large-area, high-quality WSe2 domains with a compact triangular morphology has recently been achieved on a gold substrate via chemical vapor deposition. However, the underlying mechanism responsible for ultrafast growth remains elusive. Here, we first analyze growth processes and identify two possible pathways that might achieve ultrafast growth: Path 1, fast edge attachment and ultrafast edge diffusion; Path 2, fast kink nucleation and ultrafast kink propagation. We perform kinetic Monte Carlo simulations and first-principles calculations to assess the viability of these two paths, finding that Path 1 is not viable due to the high edge diffusion barrier calculated from first-principles calculations. Remarkably, Path 2 reproduces all the experimental growth features (domain morphology, domain orientation, and growth rate), and the associated energetic data are consistent with first-principles calculations. The present work unveils the underlying mechanism for the ultrafast growth of WSe2, and may provide a new route for the ultrafast growth of other two-dimensional materials.
Isolation and no-entry marine reserves mitigate anthropogenic impacts on grey reef shark behavior
Authors: Juhel Jean-Baptiste , Vigliola Laurent , Wantiez Laurent , Letessier Tom B. , Meeuwig Jessica J. , Mouillot David 
Published: February 2019

AbstractReef sharks are vulnerable predators experiencing severe population declines mainly due to overexploitation. However, beyond direct exploitation, human activities can produce indirect or sub-lethal effects such as behavioral alterations. Such alterations are well known for terrestrial fauna but poorly documented for marine species. Using an extensive sampling of 367 stereo baited underwater videos systems, we show modifications in grey reef shark (Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos) occurrence and feeding behavior along a marked gradient of isolation from humans across the New Caledonian archipelago (South-Western Pacific). The probability of occurrence decreased by 68.9% between wilderness areas (more than 25 hours travel time from the capital city) and impacted areas while the few individuals occurring in impacted areas exhibited cautious behavior. We also show that only large no-entry reserves (above 150 km²) can protect the behavior of grey reef sharks found in the wilderness. Influencing the fitness, human linked behavioral alterations should be taken into account for management strategies to ensure the persistence of populations.
Photoacoustic Imaging for Image-guided Endovenous Laser Ablation Procedures
Authors: Yan Yan , John Samuel , Ghalehnovi Mahboobeh , Kabbani Loay , Kennedy Nicole A. , Mehrmohammadi Mohammad 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAccurate fiber tip tracking is a critical clinical problem during endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of small perforating veins. Currently, ultrasound (US) imaging is the gold-standard modality for visualizing and for accurately placing the ablation fiber within the diseased vein. However, US imaging has limitations such as angular dependency and comet tail artifacts. In addition, EVLA is often performed without any real-time temperature monitoring, which could lead to an insufficient thermal dose or overheating the surrounding tissue. We propose a new technique that combines US and photoacoustic (PA) imaging for concurrent ablation fiber tip tracking and real-time temperature monitoring during EVLA procedures. Our intended implementation of PA imaging for fiber tracking requires minimal modification of existing systems, which makes this technology easy to adopt. Combining US and PA imaging modalities allows for simultaneous visualization of background anatomical structures as well as high contrast, artifact-free, and angle-independent localization of the ablation fiber tip. Preliminary data demonstrates that changes in the amplitude of the PA signal can be used to monitor the localized temperature at the tip of the ablation fiber, which will be invaluable during EVLA procedures. These improvements can enhance the physician’s accuracy in performing EVLA procedures and will have a significant impact on the treatment outcomes.
Repetitive sex change in the stony coral Herpolitha limax across a wide geographic range
Authors: Eyal-Shaham Lee , Eyal Gal , Sakai Kazuhiko , Nozawa Yoko , Harii Saki , Sinniger Frederic , Bronstein Omri , Ben-Zvi Or , Shlesinger Tom , Loya Yossi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSex change has been widely studied in animals and plants. However, the conditions favoring sex change, its mode and timing remain poorly known. Here, for the first time in stony corals, we report on a protandrous (youngest individuals are males) repetitive sex change exhibited by the fungiid coral Herpolitha limax across large spatial scales (the coral reefs of Japan, Jordan and Israel) and temporal scales (2004–2017). In contrast to most corals, this species is a daytime spawner (08:00–10:00 AM) that spawned at the same time/same date across all the study sites. The sporadically scattered populations of H. limax among the coral reefs of Eilat (Israel) and Aqaba (Jordan) exhibited significantly slower growth, earlier sex change, and lower percentages of reproduction and sex change in comparison to the densely aggregated populations in Okinawa (Japan). At all sites, sex ratio varied among years, but was almost always biased towards maleness. Growth rate decreased with size. We conclude that comparable to dioecious plants that display labile sexuality in response to energetic and/or environmental constraints, the repetitive sex change displayed by H. limax increases its overall fitness reinforcing the important role of reproductive plasticity in the Phylum Cnidaria in determining their evolutionary success.
The diagnostic accuracy of Th1 (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-2) and Th2 (IL-4, IL-6 and IL-10) cytokines response in AFB microscopy smear negative PTB- HIV co-infected patients
Authors: Kisuya Job , Chemtai Alex , Raballah Evans , Keter Alfred , Ouma Collins 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAcid Fast Bacilli (AFB) microscopy smear remains the most widely used laboratory diagnostic technique for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) in low-and-middle income countries. Although it is highly specific, the sensitivity varies between 20–80% in immune-competent people, with only 50% case detection among HIV/TB co-infected patients, hence the need to determine the diagnostic accuracy of Th1 and Th2 cytokine response in AFB microscopy smear negative PTB-HIV co-infected patients. A total of 86 participants were recruited; 70 (81.4%) AFB microscopy smear negative and 16 (18.6%) AFB microscopy smear positive. The AFB microscopy smear negative samples were then cultured using Lowenstein Jensen Medium with 46 being culture-negative and 24 being culture-positive. Blood samples were also collected, cultured using QFT-GIT and the supernatant (plasma) harvested to evaluate cytokine profiles using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. IFN-γ (P < 0.001), TNF-α (P = 0.004), IL-2 (P = 0.004) and IL-4 (P = 0.009) median levels were elevated in PTB culture-positive (AFB microscopy smear negative) as compared to PTB culture-negative (AFB microscopy smear negative) participants. Finally, when Th1 cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α and IL-2), Th2 cytokines (IL-6 and IL-10) and T cells were included in the logistic regression fit for PTB outcome, the predictive power of discriminating between those who were AFB smear negative in the diagnosis of PTB was good with cross validated area under the curve (AUC) being 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78, 0.96). This study provides evidence for the ability of Th1 and Th2 cytokines to determine PTB status in AFB microscopy smear negative patients co-infected with HIV.
Implication of thermally conductive nanodiamond-interspersed graphite nanoplatelet hybrids in thermoset composites with superior thermal management capability
Authors: Zhang Yinhang , Park Mira , Park Soo-Jin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractNovel hybrid nanofillers composed of nanodiamond-attached graphite nanoplatelets (ND@GNPs) were designed and employed to toughen the epoxy (EP) matrix for fabricating superior thermal conductive and physically robust thermoset nanocomposites for electronics and auto industries. The hybrid nanofiller was covalently bonded by 4,4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate and it provided distinct enhancement in thermal conductivity and dynamic storage modulus of the EP/ND@GNPs nanocomposites attributing to the unique nanostructure of ND@GNPs that can form strong interfacial interaction with EP matrix, thus restrict the EP molecular motions. The EP/ND@GNPs20 presented a thermal conductivity of 2.48 W · m−1 · K−1 and dynamic storage modulus of 5.6 GPa. The presence of ND particles not only can enhance heat transfer efficiency but also improve the interfacial interaction between ND and EP matrix, which can directly affect physical properties of the EP composites.
Sulphuric acid-mediated weathering on Taiwan buffers geological atmospheric carbon sinks
Authors: Blattmann T. M. , Wang S.-L. , Lupker M. , Märki L. , Haghipour N. , Wacker L. , Chung L.-H. , Bernasconi S. M. , Plötze M. , Eglinton T. I. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe chemical composition of the Gaoping River in Taiwan reflects the weathering of both silicate and carbonate rocks found in its metasedimentary catchment. Major dissolved ion chemistry and radiocarbon signatures of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) reveal the importance of pyrite-derived sulphuric acid weathering on silicates and carbonates. Two-thirds of the dissolved load of the Gaoping River derives from sulphuric acid-mediated weathering of rocks within its catchment. This is reflected in the lowest reported signatures DI14C for a small mountainous river (43 to 71 percent modern carbon), with rock-derived carbonate constituting a 14C-free DIC source. Using an inverse modelling approach integrating riverine major dissolved ion chemistry and DI14C, we provide quantitative constraints of mineral weathering pathways and calculate atmospheric CO2 fluxes resulting from the erosion of the Taiwan orogeny over geological timescales. The results reveal that weathering on Taiwan releases 0.31 ± 0.12 MtC/yr, which is offset by burial of terrestrial biospheric organic carbon in offshore sediments. The latter tips the balance with respect to the total CO2 budget of Taiwan such that the overall system acts as a net sink, with 0.24 ± 0.13 MtC/yr of atmospheric CO2 consumed over geological timescales.
Therapeutic effect of topical administration of red onion extract in a murine model of allergic rhinitis
Authors: Seo Min Young , Kim Ki Ryung , Lee Jung Joo , Ryu Gwanghui , Lee Seung Hoon , Hong Sang Duk , Dhong Hun-Jong , Baek Chung-Hwan , Chung Seung-Kyu , Kim Hyo Yeol 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical administration of onion (Allium cepa) extract on nasal cavity for treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR). BALB/c mice were sensitized by intraperitoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) and challenged with intranasal instillation of OVA with or without onion extracts for five times a week on 3 consecutive weeks. Allergic symptom score according to frequencies of sneezing, serum total and OVA specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa and eosinophilic infiltration were analyzed. Allergic symptom score, serum total and OVA specific IgE, cytokine levels of nasal mucosa (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13, IFN-γ, TNF-α and COX-2) and eosinophilic infiltration were higher in allergic mouse group than negative control group. Topical application of onion extracts significantly reduced allergic symptoms and OVA specific IgE levels. Cytokine levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-13 and IFN-γ were significantly decreased in groups treated with onion extract. In addition, eosinophil infiltration of nasal turbinate mucosa was also significantly decreased after treatment with onion extract. Topical administration of onion extract significantly reduces allergic rhinitis symptom and allergic inflammatory reaction in a murine allergic model. It can be assumed that the topical application of onion extract regulates allergic symptoms by suppressing the type-1 helper (Th1) and type-2 helper (Th2) responses and reducing the allergic inflammatory reaction.
Polydopamine-based Implantable Multifunctional Nanocarpet for Highly Efficient Photothermal-chemo Therapy
Authors: Tiwari Arjun Prasad , Bhattarai Deval Prasad , Maharjan Bikendra , Ko Sung Won , Kim Hak Yong , Park Chan Hee , Kim Cheol Sang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe report a design and fabricate multifunctional localized platform for cancer therapy. Multiple stimuli-responsive polydopamine (PDA) was used for surface modification of electrospun doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) loaded polycaprolactone (PCL) fibers to make a designated platform. Photothermal properties such as photothermal performance and stability of the resulting composite mats were studied under the irradiation of the near-infrared (NIR) laser of 808 nm. With the incorporation of PDA into the fiber, a remarkable increase of local temperature was recorded under NIR illumination in a concentration-dependent manner with excellent stability. Drug released assay results revealed PDA coated PCL-DOX mats showed pH and NIR dual responsive behavior thereby exhibiting improved drug release in an acidic medium compared to physiological pH condition (pH 7.4) which is further increased by NIR exposure. The cancer activity in vitro of the mats was evaluated using cell counting (CCK) and live and dead cell assays. The combined effect of NIR mediated hyperthermia and chemo release resulting improved cells death has been reported. In summary, this study presents a major step forward towards a therapeutic model to cancer treatment utilizing pH and NIR dual responsive property from PDA alone in a fibrous mat.
The pro-atherogenic response to disturbed blood flow is increased by a western diet, but not by old age
Authors: Walker Ashley E. , Breevoort Sarah R. , Durrant Jessica R. , Liu Yu , Machin Daniel R. , Dobson Parker S. , Nielson Elizabeth I. , Meza Antonio J. , Islam Md. Torikul , Donato Anthony J. , Lesniewski Lisa A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAtherogenic remodeling often occurs at arterial locations with disturbed blood flow (i.e., low or oscillatory) and both aging and western diet (WD) increase the likelihood for pro-atherogenic remodeling. However, it is unknown if old age and/or a WD modify the pro-atherogenic response to disturbed blood flow. We induced disturbed blood flow by partial carotid ligation (PCL) of the left carotid artery in young and old, normal chow (NC) or WD fed male B6D2F1 mice. Three weeks post-PCL, ligated carotid arteries had greater intima media thickness, neointima formation, and macrophage content compared with un-ligated arteries. WD led to greater remodeling and macrophage content in the ligated artery compared with NC mice, but these outcomes were similar between young and old mice. In contrast, nitrotyrosine content, a marker of oxidative stress, did not differ between WD and NC fed mice, but was greater in old compared with young mice in both ligated and un-ligated carotid arteries. In primary vascular smooth muscle cells, aging reduced proliferation, whereas conditioned media from fatty acid treated endothelial cells increased proliferation. Taken together, these findings suggest that the remodeling and pro-inflammatory response to disturbed blood flow is increased by WD, but is not increased by aging.
Cyclized NDGA modifies dynamic α-synuclein monomers preventing aggregation and toxicity
Authors: Daniels Malcolm J. , Nourse J. Brucker , Kim Hanna , Sainati Valerio , Schiavina Marco , Murrali Maria Grazia , Pan Buyan , Ferrie John J. , Haney Conor M. , Moons Rani , Gould Neal S. , Natalello Antonino , Grandori Rita , Sobott Frank , Petersson E. James , Rhoades Elizabeth , Pierattelli Roberta , Felli Isabella , Uversky Vladimir N. , Caldwell Kim A. , Caldwell Guy A. , Krol Edward S. , Ischiropoulos Harry 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGrowing evidence implicates α-synuclein aggregation as a key driver of neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and other neurodegenerative disorders. Herein, the molecular and structural mechanisms of inhibiting α-synuclein aggregation by novel analogs of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a phenolic dibenzenediol lignan, were explored using an array of biochemical and biophysical methodologies. NDGA analogs induced modest, progressive compaction of monomeric α-synuclein, preventing aggregation into amyloid-like fibrils. This conformational remodeling preserved the dynamic adoption of α-helical conformations, which are essential for physiological membrane interactions. Oxidation-dependent NDGA cyclization was required for the interaction with monomeric α-synuclein. NDGA analog-pretreated α-synuclein did not aggregate even without NDGA-analogs in the aggregation mixture. Strikingly, NDGA-pretreated α-synuclein suppressed aggregation of naïve untreated aggregation-competent monomeric α-synuclein. Further, cyclized NDGA reduced α-synuclein-driven neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. The cyclized NDGA analogs may serve as a platform for the development of small molecules that stabilize aggregation-resistant α-synuclein monomers without interfering with functional conformations yielding potential therapies for PD and related disorders.