bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Floating photonic crystals utilizing magnetically aligned biogenic guanine platelets
Authors: Iwasaka Masakazu , Asada Hironori 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRecently, structural colour formation and light control by accumulated guanine crystals were reported. However, the relationship between light interference by guanine platelets and light intensity in an individual platelet must be examined further. This study presents experimental evidence that the guanine crystal platelets of fishes aid in efficiently controlling the enhancement of light intensity based on light interference between platelets floating in a micro-space. In addition, a magnetic orientation technique enabled us to dynamically modulate the arrangement of platelets floating in water. A group orientation of the platelets under magnetic fields exhibited a distinct enhancement of the light interference between platelets present in the micro-space, and a two-fold enhancement of the reflected light intensity was achieved by comparing two arrangements of magnetically oriented platelets. The developed micro-optic light control method employing tiny platelets floating under aqueous liquid conditions is expected to facilitate the creation of tuneable optical micro-devices, e.g., a micro-‘search-light’ for individual cell analysis.
Controlled electron injection facilitated by nanoparticles for laser wakefield acceleration
Authors: Cho Myung Hoon , Pathak Vishwa Bandhu , Kim Hyung Taek , Nam Chang Hee 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe propose a novel injection scheme for laser-driven wakefield acceleration in which controllable localized electron injection is obtained by inserting nanoparticles into a plasma medium. The nanoparticles provide a very confined electric field that triggers localized electron injection where nonlinear plasma waves are excited but not sufficient for background electrons self-injection. We present a theoretical model to describe the conditions and properties of the electron injection in the presence of nanoparticles. Multi-dimensional particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations demonstrate that the total charge of the injected electron beam can be controlled by the position, number, size, and density of the nanoparticles. The PIC simulation also indicates that a 5-GeV electron beam with an energy spread below 1% can be obtained with a 0.5-PW laser pulse by using the nanoparticle-assisted laser wakefield acceleration.
Expression profiling and in situ screening of circular RNAs in human tissues
Authors: Zaghlool Ammar , Ameur Adam , Wu Chenglin , Westholm Jakub Orzechowski , Niazi Adnan , Manivannan Manimozhi , Bramlett Kelli , Nilsson Mats , Feuk Lars 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCircular RNAs (circRNAs) were recently discovered as a class of widely expressed noncoding RNA and have been implicated in regulation of gene expression. However, the function of the majority of circRNAs remains unknown. Studies of circRNAs have been hampered by a lack of essential approaches for detection, quantification and visualization. We therefore developed a target-enrichment sequencing method suitable for screening of circRNAs and their linear counterparts in large number of samples. We also applied padlock probes and in situ sequencing to visualize and determine circRNA localization in human brain tissue at subcellular levels. We measured circRNA abundance across different human samples and tissues. Our results highlight the potential of this RNA class to act as a specific diagnostic marker in blood and serum, by detection of circRNAs from genes exclusively expressed in the brain. The powerful and scalable tools we present will enable studies of circRNA function and facilitate screening of circRNA as diagnostic biomarkers.
Enhancing all-in-one bioreactors by combining interstitial perfusion, electrical stimulation, on-line monitoring and testing within a single chamber for cardiac constructs
Authors: Visone Roberta , Talò Giuseppe , Lopa Silvia , Rasponi Marco , Moretti Matteo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTissue engineering strategies have been extensively exploited to generate functional cardiac patches. To maintain cardiac functionality in vitro, bioreactors have been designed to provide perfusion and electrical stimulation, alone or combined. However, due to several design limitations the integration of optical systems to assess cardiac maturation level is still missing within these platforms. Here we present a bioreactor culture chamber that provides 3D cardiac constructs with a bidirectional interstitial perfusion and biomimetic electrical stimulation, allowing direct cellular optical monitoring and contractility test. The chamber design was optimized through finite element models to house an innovative scaffold anchoring system to hold and to release it for the evaluation of tissue maturation and functionality by contractility tests. Neonatal rat cardiac fibroblasts subjected to a combined perfusion and electrical stimulation showed positive cell viability over time. Neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were successfully monitored for the entire culture period to assess their functionality. The combination of perfusion and electrical stimulation enhanced patch maturation, as evidenced by the higher contractility, the enhanced beating properties and the increased level of cardiac protein expression. This new multifunctional bioreactor provides a relevant biomimetic environment allowing for independently culturing, real-time monitoring and testing up to 18 separated patches.
Verbascoside: Identification, Quantification, and Potential Sensitization of Colorectal Cancer Cells to 5-FU by Targeting PI3K/AKT Pathway
Authors: Attia Yasmeen M. , El-Kersh Dina M. , Wagdy Hebatallah A. , Elmazar Mohamed M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer mortality worldwide. Although, 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU)-based chemotherapeutic regimens remain the mainstay for treatment of CRC, intrinsic and acquired resistance to 5-FU is the main reason for treatment failure and relapse. Adjunct or add-on therapy, therefore, should be thought of to enhance responsiveness to 5-FU. Verbascoside (VER) is a phenylethanoid glycoside ingredient present in many Plantago species and was widely used in traditional medicine. VER showed antiproliferative effects in many cancer types including CRC. In the present study, VER in Plantago seeds was identified using UPLC-MS/MS and quantified using newly developed and validated UPLC-DAD followed by investigating its potential sensitization of CRC cells to 5-FU in vitro. The potential impact on PI3K/AKT pathway was also investigated. A synergistic cytotoxic interaction between 5-FU and VER besides G1 cell cycle arrest were detected. Enhanced apoptosis mainly by affecting Bax and Bcl-2 and to a lesser extent Bcl-xL and p53 was also observed. Additionally, 5-FU combined to VER was capable of significantly reducing PI3K and p-AKT/total AKT ratio. Overall, these results suggest a potential role of VER as an adjuvant treatment to decrease the resistance of CRC cells to 5-FU possibly by targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Molecular basis of Mitomycin C enhanced corneal sensory nerve repair after debridement wounding
Authors: Stepp Mary Ann , Pal-Ghosh Sonali , Tadvalkar Gauri , Li Luowei , Brooks Stephen R. , Morasso Maria I. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe ocular surface is covered by stratified squamous corneal epithelial cells that are in cell:cell contact with the axonal membranes of a dense collection of sensory nerve fibers that act as sentinels to detect chemical and mechanical injuries which could lead to blindness. The sheerness of the cornea makes it susceptible to superficial abrasions and recurrent erosions which demand continuous regrowth of the axons throughout life. We showed previously that topical application of the antibiotic and anticancer drug Mitomycin C (MMC) enhances reinnervation of the corneal nerves and reduces recurrent erosions in mice via an unknown mechanism. Here we show using RNA-seq and confocal imaging that wounding the corneal epithelium by debridement upregulates proteases and protease inhibitors within the epithelium and leads to stromal nerve disruption. MMC attenuates these effects after debridement injury by increasing serpine1 gene and protein expression preserving L1CAM on axon surfaces of reinnervating sensory nerves. These data demonstrate at the molecular level that gene expression changes in the corneal epithelium and stroma modulate sensory axon integrity. By preserving the ability of axons to adhere to corneal epithelial cells, MMC enhances sensory nerve recovery after mechanical debridement injury.
Induction of N-Ras degradation by flunarizine-mediated autophagy
Authors: Zheng Ze-Yi , Li Jing , Li Fuhai , Zhu Yanqiao , Cui Kemi , Wong Stephen T. , Chang Eric C. , Liao Yi-Hua 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRas GTPases are powerful drivers for tumorigenesis, but directly targeting Ras for treating cancer remains challenging. The growth and transforming activity of the aggressive basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) are driven by N-Ras. To target N-Ras in BLBC, this study screened existing pharmacologically active compounds for the new ability to induce N-Ras degradation, which led to the identification of flunarizine (FLN), previously approved for treating migraine and epilepsy. The FLN-induced N-Ras degradation was not affected by a 26S-proteasome inhibitor. Rather, it was blocked by autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, N-Ras can be seen co-localized with active autophagosomes upon FLN treatment, suggesting that FLN alters the autophagy pathway to degrade N-Ras. Importantly, FLN treatment recapitulated the effect of N-RAS silencing in vitro by selectively inhibiting the growth of BLBC cells, but not that of breast cancer cells of other subtypes. In addition, in vivo FLN inhibited tumor growth of a BLBC xenograft model. In conclusion, this proof-of-principle study presents evidence that the autophagy pathway can be coerced by small molecule inhibitors, such as FLN, to degrade Ras as a strategy to treat cancer. FLN has low toxicity and should be further investigated to enrich the toolbox of cancer therapeutics.
Gene-ecology of durum wheat HMW glutenin reflects their diffusion from the center of origin
Authors: Janni M. , Cadonici S. , Bonas U. , Grasso A. , Dahab A. A. D. , Visioli G. , Pignone D. , Ceriotti A. , Marmiroli N. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe production of many food items processed from wheat grain relies on the use of high gluten strength flours. As a result, about 80% of the allelic variability in the genes encoding the glutenin proteins has been lost in the shift from landraces to modern cultivars. Here, the allelic variability in the genes encoding the high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GSs) has been characterized in 152 durum wheat lines developed from a set of landraces. The allelic composition at the two Glu-1 loci (Glu-A1 and -B1) was obtained at both the protein and the DNA level. The former locus was represented by three alleles, of which the null allele Glu-A1c was the most common. The Glu-B1 locus was more variable, with fifteen alleles represented, of which Glu-B1b (HMW-GSs 7 + 8), -B1d (6 + 8) and -B1e (20 + 20) were the most frequently occurring. The composition of HMW-GSs has been used to make inferences regarding the diffusion and diversification of durum wheat. The relationships of these allelic frequencies with their geographical distribution within the Mediterranean basin is discussed in terms of gene-ecology.
Characteristics of the retinal microvasculature in association with cardiovascular risk markers in children with overweight, obesity and morbid obesity
Authors: Rijks Jesse , Vreugdenhil Anita , Dorenbos Elke , Karnebeek Kylie , Joris Peter , Berendschot Tos , Mensink Ronald , Plat Jogchum 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTo aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of the retinal microvasculature, but particularly potential associations with classic and novel (endothelial function and low-grade inflammation)markers for cardiovascular risk, in a cohort of children with overweight and (morbid) obesity. Central retinal arteriolar equivalent(CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent(CRVE) were assessed. CRAE was significantly lower and AVR significantly higher in children with morbid obesity than in children with overweight and normal weight(p < 0.01). CRVE did not differ significantly between the four weight categories. A multiple linear regression model with CRAE as dependent variable showed that only DBP z-score(β = −2.848,p = 0.029) and plasma glucose concentrations(β = 6.029,p = 0.019) contributed significantly to the variation in CRAE. Remarkably, despite a correlation between CRAE and circulating concentrations of the adhesion molecules VCAM-1 or ICAM-1, markers for inflammation and endothelial function did not contribute to the variation in CRAE. This is the first study showing in population of children with overweight and obesity that the retinal arteriolar microvasculature, but not venular diameter is aberrant, with increasing BMI z-score. CRAE was significantly associated with several cardiovascular risk markers, and multiple linear regression showed that a higher diastolic blood pressure z-score and lower fasting plasma glucose concentrations significantly contributed to the variance in CRAE.
Coordinated Turning Behaviour of Loitering Honeybees
Authors: Mahadeeswara Mandiyam Y. , Srinivasan Mandyam V. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTurning during flight is a complex behaviour that requires coordination to ensure that the resulting centrifugal force is never large enough to disrupt the intended turning trajectory. The centrifugal force during a turn increases with the curvature (sharpness) of the turn, as well as the speed of flight. Consequently, sharp turns would require lower flight speeds, in order to limit the centrifugal force to a manageable level and prevent unwanted sideslips. We have video-filmed honeybees flying near a hive entrance when the entrance is temporarily blocked. A 3D reconstruction and analysis of the flight trajectories executed during this loitering behaviour reveals that sharper turns are indeed executed at lower speeds. During a turn, the flight speed is matched to the curvature, moment to moment, in such a way as to maintain the centrifugal force at an approximately constant, low level of about 30% of the body weight, irrespective of the instantaneous speed or curvature of the turn. This ensures that turns are well coordinated, with few or no sideslips - as it is evident from analysis of other properties of the flight trajectories.
OCT3 promoter haplotype is associated with metformin pharmacokinetics in Koreans
Authors: Kwon Eun Young , Chung Jae-Yong , Park Hyo Jin , Kim Bo Min , Kim Minsuk , Choi Ji Ha 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOrganic cation transporter 3 (OCT3) is expressed in various organs in humans and plays an important role in the transport of organic cations and drugs including metformin. In this study, we identified genetic variations of the OCT3 promoter and functionally characterized each variant by in vitro assays. Next, the association between the functional haplotype of the OCT3 promoter and pharmacokinetics of metformin was evaluated. In our study population, 7 variations and 2 major haplotypes were identified, of which H2 haplotype yielded a significantly higher luciferase activity than did the wild type. Two variants of H2, c.-1603G > A and c.-1547T > G, yielded significantly lower luciferase activities, whereas the luciferase activity of another variant, c.-29G > A, was significantly higher. Two transcription factors, Sp1 and USF1, were involved in the regulation of OCT3 transcription. Analysis of clinical data revealed that 25 subjects, either homozygous or heterozygous for H2, showed increased AUCinf and Cmax by 17.2% and 15.9%, respectively [P = 0.016 and 0.031, GMR (90% CI) = 1.17 (1.06–1.29) and 1.17 (1.04–1.31), respectively], compared to the 20 subjects in the control group. Our study suggests that an OCT3 promoter haplotype affects the pharmacokinetics of metformin in Koreans as well as the OCT3 transcription rate.
Immunogenicity of anthrax recombinant peptides and killed spores in goats and protective efficacy of immune sera in A/J mouse model
Authors: Ndumnego Okechukwu C. , Koehler Susanne M. , Crafford Jannie E. , Beyer Wolfgang , van Heerden Henriette 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAnthrax is primarily recognized as an affliction of herbivores with incubation period ranging from three to five days post-infection. Currently, the Sterne live-spore vaccine is the only vaccine approved for control of the disease in susceptible animals. While largely effective, the Sterne vaccine has several problems including adverse reactions in sensitive species, ineffectiveness in active outbreaks and incompatibility with antibiotics. These can be surmounted with the advent of recombinant peptides (non-living) next generation vaccines. The candidate vaccine antigens comprised of recombinant protective antigen (PA), spore-specific antigen (bacillus collagen-like protein of anthracis, BclA) and formaldehyde inactivated spores (FIS). Presently, little information exists on the protectivity of these novel vaccine candidates in susceptible ruminants. Thus, this study sought to assess the immunogenicity of these vaccine candidates in goats and evaluate their protectivity using an in vivo mouse model. Goats receiving a combination of PA, BclA and FIS yielded the highest antibody and toxin neutralizing titres compared to recombinant peptides alone. This was also reflected in the passive immunization experiment whereby mice receiving immune sera from goats vaccinated with the antigen combination had higher survival post-challenge. In conclusion, the current data indicate promising potential for further development of non-living anthrax vaccines in ruminants.
ADP-Ribosylation Factor-Like 2 (ARL2) regulates cilia stability and development of outer segments in rod photoreceptor neurons
Authors: Wright Zachary C. , Loskutov Yuriy , Murphy Daniel , Stoilov Peter , Pugacheva Elena , Goldberg Andrew F. X. , Ramamurthy Visvanathan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPhotoreceptor cells are specialized neurons with a sensory cilium carrying an elaborate membrane structure, the outer segment (OS). Inherited mutations in genes involved in ciliogenesis frequently result in OS malformation and blindness. ADP-ribosylation factor-like 2 (ARL2) has recently been implicated in OS formation through its association with Binder of ARL2 (BART or ARL2BP), a protein linked to inherited blinding disease. To test the role of ARL2 in vision we created a transgenic mouse model expressing a tagged-dominant active form of human ARL2 (ARL2-Q70L) under a rod-specific promoter. Transgenic ARL2-Q70L animals exhibit reduced photoreceptor cell function as early as post-natal day 16 and progressive rod degeneration. We attribute loss of photoreceptor function to the defective OS morphogenesis in the ARL2-Q70L transgenic model. ARL2-Q70L expression results in shortened inner and outer segments, shortened and mislocalized axonemes and cytoplasmic accumulation of rhodopsin. In conclusion, we show that ARL2-Q70L is crucial for photoreceptor neuron sensory cilium development. Future research will expand upon our hypothesis that ARL2-Q70L mutant interferes with microtubule maintenance and tubulin regulation resulting in impaired growth of the axoneme and elaboration of the photoreceptor outer segment.
Light modulates oscillatory alpha activity in the occipital cortex of totally visually blind individuals with intact non-image-forming photoreception
Authors: Vandewalle Gilles , van Ackeren Markus J. , Daneault Véronique , Hull Joseph T. , Albouy Geneviève , Lepore Franco , Doyon Julien , Czeisler Charles A. , Dumont Marie , Carrier Julie , Lockley Steven W. , Collignon Olivier 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe discovery of intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) marked a major shift in our understanding of how light information is processed by the mammalian brain. These ipRGCs influence multiple functions not directly related to image formation such as circadian resetting and entrainment, pupil constriction, enhancement of alertness, as well as the modulation of cognition. More recently, it was demonstrated that ipRGCs may also contribute to basic visual functions. The impact of ipRGCs on visual function, independently of image forming photoreceptors, remains difficult to isolate, however, particularly in humans. We previously showed that exposure to intense monochromatic blue light (465 nm) induced non-conscious light perception in a forced choice task in three rare totally visually blind individuals without detectable rod and cone function, but who retained non-image-forming responses to light, very likely via ipRGCs. The neural foundation of such light perception in the absence of conscious vision is unknown, however. In this study, we characterized the brain activity of these three participants using electroencephalography (EEG), and demonstrate that unconsciously perceived light triggers an early and reliable transient desynchronization (i.e. decreased power) of the alpha EEG rhythm (8–14 Hz) over the occipital cortex. These results provide compelling insight into how ipRGC may contribute to transient changes in ongoing brain activity. They suggest that occipital alpha rhythm synchrony, which is typically linked to the visual system, is modulated by ipRGCs photoreception; a process that may contribute to the non-conscious light perception in those blind individuals.
Wave nature and metastability of emergent crystals in chiral magnets
Authors: Hu Yangfan 
Published: November 2018

AbstractTopological spin textures emerging in magnetic materials usually appear in crystalline states. A long-standing dilemma is whether we should understand these emergent crystals as gathering “particles” or coupling waves, the answer of which affects almost every aspect of our understanding on the subject. Here we prove that 2-D emergent crystals with long-range order in helimagnets, such as skyrmion crystals and dipole skyrmion crystals, have a wave nature. We systematically study their equilibrium properties, metastability, and phase transition path when unstable. We show that the robustness of a skyrmion crystal derives from its metastability, and that its phase transition dynamics at low (high) magnetic field is mediated by a soft mode which breaks (maintains) its hexagonal symmetry. Different from ordinary crystals which are formed by. and breaks into atoms, emergent crystals have a new formation (destruction) mechanism: they appear from (turn to) “single-Q” spin-density-wave states through nonlinear mode-mode interactions.