bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-assembled Bismuth Selenide (Bi2Se3) quantum dots grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Claro Marcel S. , Levy Ido , Gangopadhyay Abhinandan , Smith David J. , Tamargo Maria C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report the growth of self-assembled Bi2Se3 quantum dots (QDs) by molecular beam epitaxy on GaAs substrates using the droplet epitaxy technique. The QD formation occurs after anneal of Bismuth droplets under Selenium flux. Characterization by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray reflectance spectroscopy is presented. Raman spectra confirm the QD quality. The quantum dots are crystalline, with hexagonal shape, and have average dimensions of 12-nm height (12 quintuple layers) and 46-nm width, and a density of 8.5 × 109 cm−2. This droplet growth technique provides a means to produce topological insulator QDs in a reproducible and controllable way, providing convenient access to a promising quantum material with singular spin properties.
Development of T cell immunity to norovirus and rotavirus in children under five years of age
Authors: Malm Maria , Hyöty Heikki , Knip Mikael , Vesikari Timo , Blazevic Vesna 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMost of the research effort to understand protective immunity against norovirus (NoV) has focused on humoral immunity, whereas immunity against another major pediatric enteric virus, rotavirus (RV), has been studied more thoroughly. The aim of this study was to investigate development of cell-mediated immunity to NoV in early childhood. Immune responses to NoV GI.3 and GII.4 virus-like particles and RV VP6 were determined in longitudinal blood samples of 10 healthy children from three months to four years of age. Serum IgG antibodies were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and production of interferon-gamma by peripheral blood T cells was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunospot assay. NoV-specific T cells were detected in eight of 10 children by the age of four, with some individual variation. T cell responses to NoV GII.4 were higher than those to GI.3, but these responses were generally lower than responses to RV VP6. In contrast to NoV-specific antibodies, T cell responses were transient in nature. No correlation between cell-mediated and antibody responses was observed. NoV exposure induces vigorous T cell responses in children under five years of age, similar to RV. A role of T cells in protection from NoV infection in early childhood warrants further investigation.
Long term safety of targeted internalization of cell penetrating peptide crotamine into renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in vivo
Authors: Campeiro Joana Darc , Dam Wendy , Monte Gabriela Guilherme , Porta Lucas Carvalho , Oliveira Lilian Caroline Gonçalves de , Nering Marcela Bego , Viana Gustavo Monteiro , Carapeto Fernando Cintra , Oliveira Eduardo Brandt , van den Born Jacob , Hayashi Mirian A. F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractActivated proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) play a crucial role in progressive tubulo-interstitial fibrosis in native and transplanted kidneys. Targeting PTECs by non-viral delivery vectors might be useful to influence the expression of important genes and/or proteins in order to slow down renal function loss. However, no clinical therapies that specifically target PTECs are available at present. We earlier showed that a cationic cell penetrating peptide isolated from South American rattlesnake venom, named crotamine, recognizes cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans and accumulates in cells. In healthy mice, crotamine accumulates mainly in kidneys after intraperitoneal (ip) injection. Herein we demonstrate for the first time, the overall safety of acute or long-term treatment with dailyipadministrated crotamine for kidneys functions. Accumulation ofipinjected crotamine in the kidney brush border zone of PTECs, and its presence inside these cells were observed. In addition, significant lowerin vitrocrotamine binding, uptake and reporter gene transport and expression could be observed in syndecan-1 deficient HK-2 PTECs compared to wild-type cells, indicating that the absence of syndecan-1 impairs crotamine uptake into PTECs. Taken together, our present data show the safety ofin vivolong-term treatment with crotamine, and its preferential uptake into PTECs, which are especially rich in HSPGs such as syndecan-1. In addition to the demonstratedin vitrogene delivery mediated by crotamine in HK-2 cells, the potential applicability of crotamine as prototypic non-viral (gene) delivery nanocarrier to modulate PTEC gene and/or protein expression was confirmed.
Ablation of glucocorticoid receptor in the hindbrain of the mouse provides a novel model to investigate stress disorders
Authors: Gannon Anne-Louise , O’Hara Laura , Mason J. Ian , Rebourcet Diane , Smith Sarah , Traveres Adriana , Alcaide-Corral Carlos Jose , Frederiksen Hanne , Jørgensen Anne , Milne Laura , Mitchell Rod T. , Smith Lee B. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulates responses to internal and external stressors. Many patients diagnosed with conditions such as depression or anxiety also have hyperactivity of the HPA axis. Hyper-stimulation of the HPA axis results in sustained elevated levels of glucocorticoids which impair neuronal function and can ultimately result in a psychiatric disorder. Studies investigating Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR/NR3C1) in the brain have primarily focused on the forebrain, however in recent years, the hindbrain has become a region of interest for research into the development of anxiety and depression, though the role of GR signalling in the hindbrain remains poorly characterised. To determine the role of glucocorticoid signalling in the hindbrain we have developed a novel mouse model that specifically ablates hindbrain GR to ascertain its role in behaviour, HPA-axis regulation and adrenal structure. Our study highlights that ablation of GR in the hindbrain results in excessive barbering, obsessive compulsive digging and lack of cage exploration. These mice also develop kyphosis, elevated circulating corticosterone and severe adrenal cortex disruption. Together, this data demonstrates a role for hindbrain GR signalling in regulating stress-related behaviour and identifies a novel mouse model to allow further investigation into the pathways impacting stress and anxiety.
Interaction of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms and tobacco smoking during pregnancy in susceptibility to autism spectrum disorders
Authors: Mandic-Maravic Vanja , Coric Vesna , Mitkovic-Voncina Marija , Djordjevic Miroslav , Savic-Radojevic Ana , Ercegovac Marko , Matic Marija , Simic Tatjana , Lecic-Tosevski Dusica , Toskovic Oliver , Pekmezovic Tatjana , Pljesa-Ercegovac Marija , Pejovic-Milovancevic Milica 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAutism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex psychiatric disorders, with a proposed gene-environment interaction in their etiology. One mechanism that could explain both the genetic and environmental component is oxidative stress. The aim of our study was to investigate the potential role of common polymorphisms in genes for glutathione transferase A1, M1, T1 and P1 in susceptibility to ASD. We also aimed to explore the possible oxidative stress - specific gene-environment interaction, regarding GST polymorphisms, maternal smoking tobacco during pregnancy (TSDP) and the risk of ASD. This case-control study included 113 children with ASD and 114 age and sex-matched controls. The diagnosis was made based on ICD-10 criteria and verified by Autism Diagnostic Interview – Revised (ADI-R). We investigatedGSTA1,GSTM1,GSTP1andGSTT1genotypes and explored their individual and combined effects in individuals with ASD. Individual effect of GST genotypes was shown forGSTM1 activegenotype decreasing the risk of ASD (OR = 0.554, 95%CI: 0.313–0.983, p = 0.044), and forGSTA1 CCgenotype, increasing susceptibility to ASD (OR = 4.132, 95%CI: 1.219–14.012, p = 0.023); the significance was lost when genotype-genotype interactions were added into the logistic regression model. The combination ofGSTM1 activeandGSTT1 activegenotype decreased the risk of ASD (OR = 0.126, 95%CI: 0.029–0.547, p = 0.006), as well as combination ofGSTT1 activeandGSTP1 llelle(OR = 0.170, 95%CI: 0.029–0.992, p = 0.049). Increased risk of ASD was observed if combination ofGSTM1 activeandGSTP1 llellewas present (OR = 11.088, 95%CI: 1.745–70.456, p = 0.011). The effect of TSDP was not significant for the risk of ASD, neither individually, nor in interaction with specific GST genotypes. Specific combination of GST genotypes might be associated with susceptibility to ASD, while it appears that maternal smoking during pregnancy does not increase the risk of ASD.
Distribution of organic and inorganic mercury across the pelts of Canadian river otter (Lontra canadensis)
Authors: Eccles Kristin M. , Littlewood Eric S. , Thomas Philippe J. , Chan Hing Man 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFur is a common biomarker of environmental mercury (Hg) exposure. Further, there are well-established relationships between total mercury (THg) in fur and organs. However, these models assumed that THg is uniformly distributed across the fur in a pelt. In this study, we assess the distribution of THg and methylmercury (MeHg) across the pelts of four river otters (Lontra canadensis). THg concentrations were measured in the topcoat (n = 95) and undercoat fur (n = 95). MeHg was measured in a subset of these samples (n = 10). Patterns of THg and MeHg were explored using cluster analyses and ANOVAs. Significant differences existed between THg in topcoat and undercoat and between anatomical region (head/body/tail/legs) and fur regions (dorsal/ventral/furline). The cluster analysis showed significant THg clusters in undercoat fur and to a lesser extent topcoat fur. Further, the error rate for predicting internal THg is lowest in the forebody region of the topcoat, thus, making this the optimal region to sample for biomonitoring. Fur samples taken outside of this region could result in prediction error as high as 140% when estimating internal organ THg. The ratio of MeHg in THg in topcoat fur was measured at 95.7 ± 3.4% indicating THg concentrations can be used to assess MeHg exposure.
The Late Positive Potentials Evoked by Cigarette-Related and Emotional Images Show no Gender Differences in Smokers
Authors: Stevens Elise M. , Frank David , Codispoti Maurizio , Kypriotakis George , Cinciripini Paul M. , Claiborne Kimberly , Deweese Menton M. , Engelmann Jeffrey M. , Green Charles E. , Karam-Hage Maher , Minnix Jennifer A. , Ng Jennifer , Robinson Jason D. , Tyndale Rachel F. , Vidrine Damon J. , Versace Francesco 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWhen trying to quit, women are less likely than men to achieve long-term smoking abstinence. Identifying the neuropsychological mechanisms underlying women’s higher relapse vulnerability will help clinicians to develop effective tailored smoking cessation interventions. Here we used event-related potentials (ERPs), a direct measure of brain activity, to evaluate the extent to which neurophysiological responses to cigarette-related and other emotional stimuli differ between female and male smokers. Both women and men showed similar patterns of brain reactivity across all picture categories; pleasant and unpleasant images prompted larger Late Positive Potentials (LPPs, a robust measure of motivational relevance) than neutral images in both groups, and cigarette-related images prompted lower LPPs than high arousing emotional images in both groups. Unlike previous studies, there were no differences between male and female smokers with regard to LPP responses to cigarette-related images. This suggests that the LPP may not be ideally suited to discriminate neurophysiological gender differences or that there are simply no gender differences in the neurophysiological responses to cigarette-related stimuli. We collected ERPs from 222 non-nicotine-deprived smokers (101 women) while they watched a slideshow that included high and low emotionally arousing pleasant and unpleasant pictures, cigarette-related, and neutral pictures. We used the mean amplitude of the LPP to assess the affective significance that participants attributed to these pictures.
A novel model for photothermal excitation of variable thermal conductivity semiconductor elastic medium subjected to mechanical ramp type with two-temperature theory and magnetic field
Authors: Lotfy Kh. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article focuses on studying the dependence of the thermal conductivity of a semiconducting medium on temperature in context of photothermal transport process and variable thermal conductivity, chosen to be linear function in temperature. The effect of the initial magnetic field is introduced in the problem governing equations with the two-temperature theory. The complete solution in one dimension is obtained using Laplace transform technique. The thermal heating ramp type and mechanical load throughout the elastic-photothermal excitation are considered in the problem boundary conditions. Some physical fields are obtained by using numerical inversion of the Laplace transform and Riemann-sum approximation method. The thermo-dynamical temperature, conductive temperature, displacement, strain, normal stress and carrier density are discussed and shown graphically with some comparisons.
Audio motor training improves mobility and spatial cognition in visually impaired children
Authors: Cappagli Giulia , Finocchietti Sara , Cocchi Elena , Giammari Giuseppina , Zumiani Roberta , Cuppone Anna Vera , Baud-Bovy Gabriel , Gori Monica 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSince it has been demonstrated that spatial cognition can be affected in visually impaired children, training strategies that exploit the plasticity of the human brain should be early adopted. Here we developed and tested a new training protocol based on the reinforcement of audio-motor associations and thus supporting spatial development in visually impaired children. The study involved forty-four visually impaired children aged 6–17 years old assigned to an experimental (ABBI training) or a control (classical training) rehabilitation conditions. The experimental training group followed an intensive but entertaining rehabilitation for twelve weeks during which they performed ad-hoc developed audio-spatial exercises with the Audio Bracelet for Blind Interaction (ABBI). A battery of spatial tests administered before and after the training indicated that children significantly improved in almost all the spatial aspects considered, while the control group didn’t show any improvement. These results confirm that perceptual development in the case of blindness can be enhanced with naturally associated auditory feedbacks to body movements. Therefore the early introduction of a tailored audio-motor training could potentially prevent spatial developmental delays in visually impaired children.
High accuracy, fiducial marker-based image registration of correlative microscopy images
Authors: Mohammadian Sajjad , Fokkema Jantina , Agronskaia Alexandra V. , Liv Nalan , de Heus Cecilia , van Donselaar Elly , Blab Gerhard A. , Klumperman Judith , Gerritsen Hans C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM) are complementary techniques. FM affords examination of large fields of view and identifying regions of interest but has a low resolution. EM exhibits excellent resolution over a limited field of view. The combination of these two techniques, correlative microscopy, received considerable interest in the past years and has proven its potential in biology and material science. Accurate correlation of FM and EM images is, however, challenging due to the differences in contrast mechanism, size of field of view and resolution. We report an accurate, fast and robust method to correlate FM and EM images using low densities of fiducial markers. Here, 120 nm diameter fiducial markers consisting of fluorescently labelled silica coated gold nanoparticles are used. The method relies on recording FM, low magnification EM and high magnification EM images. Two linear transformation matrices are constructed, FM to low magnification EM and low magnification EM to high magnification EM. Combination of these matrices results in a high accuracy transformation of FM to high magnification EM coordinates. The method was tested using two different transmission electron microscopes and different Tokuyasu and Lowicryl sections. The overall accuracy of the correlation method is high, 5–30 nm.
Ameliorative effect of Silybin on bisphenol A induced oxidative stress, cell proliferation and steroid hormones oxidation in HepG2 cell cultures
Authors: Lama Stefania , Vanacore Daniela , Diano Nadia , Nicolucci Carla , Errico Sonia , Dallio Marcello , Federico Alessandro , Loguercio Carmelina , Stiuso Paola 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA) and silybin are considered xenoestrogens and could interfere with the action of endogenous hormones. It was demonstrated a higher level of BPA in plasma of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) patients, compared to those with steatosis (NAFL). We investigated the effect of BPA and silybin, alone or in combination, on proliferation, oxidative stress and steroid metabolism in HepG2 grown in high glucose concentration medium (H-HepG2). Cell viability was assessed by adding 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). TBARS were quantified by spectrophotometry. The effect of BPA, silybin and their combination on the expression of phosphorilized extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), ERK and Caspase 3 was determined by Western blot analysis. The identifications of lipids and steroid hormones was performed by mass spectrometry. BPA elicited in H-HepG2 oxidative stress and steroid hormones oxidation leading to the formation of metabolite with estrogenic and genotoxic potentials. Silybin ameliorates the harmful BPA-induced effect decreasing glucose uptake and lipid peroxidation. Moreover silybin activates the synthesis of vitamin D3 metabolites and prevent the steroid hormones oxidation. BPA could be considered as an important risk factor in worsening and progression of NAFLD. At the same time silybin could be a valid support to counteract these effects in NASH patients.
Insights into individual variations in nematocyst venoms from the giant jellyfish Nemopilema nomurai in the Yellow Sea
Authors: Yue Yang , Yu Huahua , Li Rongfeng , Liu Song , Xing Ronge , Li Pengcheng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe giant jellyfish, Nemopilema nomurai, is widely distributed from the Eastern China Sea to the northern part of the Yellow Sea and has resulted in numerous hospitalizations in coastal areas of China, especially in Northern China. Our previous studies have revealed sting-related proteins in the venom of the jellyfish N. nomurai by using experimental and omics-based approaches; however, the variable symptoms of patients who have been stung by N. nomurai are not fully understood. This limited knowledge led to an examination of whether intraspecific variations occur in the venom of different N. nomurai. In the present study, 13 specimens of N. nomurai were collected from the Yellow Sea, and their venom was characterized by profiling differences in biochemical properties and biological activities. SDS-PAGE analysis presented recognizable differences in the number, intensity and presence of some protein bands. Moreover, enzymatic assays revealed considerable quantitative variations in metalloproteinase activity and PLA2-like activity. In particular, zymography assays of proteases demonstrated the general presence of abundant metalloproteinases in jellyfish nematocyst venom; however, the catalytic activities varied greatly among some specific metalloproteinases in the 28–46 kDa or 57–83 kDa range. Hemolytic assays using sheep erythrocytes suggested a predominant variance in the toxicities of different individual jellyfish venoms, with the difference between the most hemolytic and the least hemolytic venom as large as 77-fold. The current data suggested remarkable variations in the nematocyst venoms of individual N. nomurai jellyfish. These observations will provide a new understanding of the clinical manifestations induced by N. nomurai jellyfish stings and will therefore have important implications for preventing and treating jellyfish envenomations.
Peptide Assembly on the Membrane Determines the HIV-1 Inhibitory Activity of Dual-Targeting Fusion Inhibitor Peptides
Authors: Gomara Maria J. , Perez Yolanda , Martinez Javier P. , Barnadas-Rodriguez Ramon , Schultz Anke , von Briesen Hagen , Peralvarez-Marin Alex , Meyerhans Andreas , Haro Isabel 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNovel strategies in the design of HIV-1 fusion/entry inhibitors are based on the construction of dual-targeting fusion proteins and peptides with synergistic antiviral effects. In this work we describe the design of dual-targeting peptides composed of peptide domains of E2 and E1 envelope proteins from Human Pegivirus with the aim of targeting both the loop region and the fusion peptide domains of HIV-1 gp41. In a previous work, we described the inhibitory role of a highly conserved fragment of the E1 protein (domain 139–156) which interacts with the HIV-1 fusion peptide at the membrane level. Here, two different dual-targeting peptides, where this E1 peptide is located on the N- or the C-terminus respectively, have been chemically synthesized and their antiviral activities have been evaluated with HIV pseudotyped viruses from different clades. The study of the functional behaviour of peptides in a membranous environment attending to the peptide recognition of the target sites on gp41, the peptide conformation as well as the peptide affinity to the membrane, demonstrate that antiviral activity of the dual-targeting peptides is directly related to the peptide affinity and its subsequent assembly into the model membrane. The overall results point out to the necessity that fusion inhibitor peptides that specifically interfere with the N-terminal region of gp41 are embedded within the membrane in order to properly interact with their viral target.
Spatiotemporal patterns of extreme sea levels along the western North-Atlantic coasts
Authors: Muis Sanne , Lin Ning , Verlaan Martin , Winsemius Hessel C. , Ward Philip J. , Aerts Jeroen C. J. H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe western North-Atlantic coast experienced major coastal floods in recent years. Coastal floods are primarily composed of tides and storm surges due to tropical (TCs) and extra-tropical cyclones (ETCs). We present a reanalysis from 1988 to 2015 of extreme sea levels that explicitly include TCs for the western North-Atlantic coastline. Validation shows a good agreement between modeled and observed sea levels and demonstrates that the framework can capture large-scale variability in extreme sea levels. We apply the 28-year reanalysis to analyze spatiotemporal patterns. Along the US Atlantic coasts the contribution of tides can be significant, with the average contribution of tides during the 10 largest events up to 55% in some locations, whereas along the Mexican Southern Gulf coast, the average contribution of tides over the largest 10 events is generally below 25%. At the US Atlantic coast, ETCs are responsible for 8.5 out of the 10 largest extreme events, whereas at the Gulf Coast and Caribbean TCs dominate. During the TC season more TC-driven events exceed a 10-year return period. During winter, there is a peak in ETC-driven events. Future research directions include coupling the framework with synthetic tropical cyclone tracks and extension to the global scale.