bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression and Manipulation of the APC-β-Catenin Pathway During Peripheral Neuron Regeneration
Authors: Duraikannu Arul , Martinez Jose A. , Chandrasekhar Ambika , Zochodne Douglas W. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMolecules and pathways that suppress growth are expressed in postmitotic neurons, a potential advantage in mature neural networks, but a liability during regeneration. In this work, we probed the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli)-β-catenin partner pathway in adult peripheral sensory neurons during regeneration. APC had robust expression in the cytoplasm and perinuclear region of adult DRG sensory neurons both before and after axotomy injury. β-catenin was expressed in neuronal nuclei, neuronal cytoplasm and also in perineuronal satellite cells. In injured dorsal root ganglia (DRG) sensory neurons and their axons, we observed paradoxical APC upregulation, despite its role as an inhibitor of growth whereas β-catenin was downregulated. Inhibition of APC in adult sensory neurons and activation of β-catenin, LEF/TCF transcriptional factors were associated with increased neuronal plasticity in vitro. Local knockdown of APC, at the site of sciatic nerve crush injury enhanced evidence for electrophysiological, behavioural and structural regeneration in vivo. This was accompanied by upregulation of β-catenin. Collectively, the APC-β-catenin-LEF/TCF transcriptional pathway impacts intrinsic mechanisms of axonal regeneration and neuronal plasticity after injury, offering new options for addressing axon regeneration.
Single-electron charge sensing in self-assembled quantum dots
Authors: Kiyama Haruki , Korsch Alexander , Nagai Naomi , Kanai Yasushi , Matsumoto Kazuhiko , Hirakawa Kazuhiko , Oiwa Akira 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMeasuring single-electron charge is one of the most fundamental quantum technologies. Charge sensing, which is an ingredient for the measurement of single spins or single photons, has been already developed for semiconductor gate-defined quantum dots, leading to intensive studies on the physics and the applications of single-electron charge, single-electron spin and photon–electron quantum interface. However, the technology has not yet been realized for self-assembled quantum dots despite their fascinating transport phenomena and outstanding optical functionalities. In this paper, we report charge sensing experiments in self-assembled quantum dots. We choose two adjacent dots, and fabricate source and drain electrodes on each dot, in which either dot works as a charge sensor for the other target dot. The sensor dot current significantly changes when the number of electrons in the target dot changes by one, demonstrating single-electron charge sensing. We have also demonstrated real-time detection of single-electron tunnelling events. This charge sensing technique will be an important step towards combining efficient electrical readout of single-electron with intriguing quantum transport physics or advanced optical and photonic technologies developed for self-assembled quantum dots.
Transcriptome sequencing reveals key potential long non-coding RNAs related to duration of fertility trait in the uterovaginal junction of egg-laying hens
Authors: Adetula Adeyinka Abiola , Gu Lantao , Nwafor Chinedu Charles , Du Xiaoyong , Zhao Shuhong , Li Shijun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDuration of fertility, (DF) is an important functional trait in poultry production and lncRNAs have emerged as important regulators of various process including fertility. In this study we applied a genome-guided strategy to reconstruct the uterovaginal junction (UVJ) transcriptome of 14 egg-laying birds with long- and short-DF (n = 7); and sought to uncover key lncRNAs related to duration of fertility traits by RNA-sequencing technology. Examination of RNA-seq data revealed a total of 9977 lncRNAs including 2576 novel lncRNAs. Differential expression (DE) analysis of lncRNA identified 223 lncRNAs differentially expressed between the two groups. DE-lncRNA target genes prediction uncovered over 200 lncRNA target genes and functional enrichment tests predict a potential function of DE-lncRNAs. Gene ontology classification and pathway analysis revealed 8 DE-lncRNAs, with the majority of their target genes enriched in biological functions such as reproductive structure development, developmental process involved in reproduction, response to cytokine, carbohydrate binding, chromatin organization, and immune pathways. Differential expression of lncRNAs and target genes were confirmed by qPCR. Together, these results significantly expand the utility of the UVJ transcriptome and our analysis identification of key lncRNAs and their target genes regulating DF will form the baseline for understanding the molecular functions of lncRNAs regulating DF.
An error-aware gaze-based keyboard by means of a hybrid BCI system
Authors: Kalaganis Fotis P. , Chatzilari Elisavet , Nikolopoulos Spiros , Kompatsiaris Ioannis , Laskaris Nikos A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractGaze-based keyboards offer a flexible way for human-computer interaction in both disabled and able-bodied people. Besides their convenience, they still lead to error-prone human-computer interaction. Eye tracking devices may misinterpret user’s gaze resulting in typesetting errors, especially when operated in fast mode. As a potential remedy, we present a novel error detection system that aggregates the decision from two distinct subsystems, each one dealing with disparate data streams. The first subsystem operates on gaze-related measurements and exploits the eye-transition pattern to flag a typo. The second, is a brain-computer interface that utilizes a neural response, known as Error-Related Potentials (ErrPs), which is inherently generated whenever the subject observes an erroneous action. Based on the experimental data gathered from 10 participants under a spontaneous typesetting scenario, we first demonstrate that ErrP-based Brain Computer Interfaces can be indeed useful in the context of gaze-based typesetting, despite the putative contamination of EEG activity from the eye-movement artefact. Then, we show that the performance of this subsystem can be further improved by considering also the error detection from the gaze-related subsystem. Finally, the proposed bimodal error detection system is shown to significantly reduce the typesetting time in a gaze-based keyboard.
Experimental Limits of Ghost Diffraction: Popper’s Thought Experiment
Authors: Moreau Paul-Antoine , Morris Peter A. , Toninelli Ermes , Gregory Thomas , Aspden Reuben S. , Spalding Gabriel , Boyd Robert W. , Padgett Miles J. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractQuantum ghost diffraction harnesses quantum correlations to record diffraction or interference features using photons that have never interacted with the diffractive element. By designing an optical system in which the diffraction pattern can be produced by double slits of variable width either through a conventional diffraction scheme or a ghost diffraction scheme, we can explore the transition between the case where ghost diffraction behaves as conventional diffraction and the case where it does not. For conventional diffraction the angular extent increases as the scale of the diffracting object is reduced. By contrast, we show that no matter how small the scale of the diffracting object, the angular extent of the ghost diffraction is limited (by the transverse extent of the spatial correlations between beams). Our study is an experimental realisation of Popper’s thought experiment on the validity of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics. We discuss the implication of our results in this context and explain that it is compatible with, but not proof of, the Copenhagen interpretation.
A Multi-year Beneficial Effect of Seed Priming with Gibberellic Acid-3 (GA3) on Plant Growth and Production in a Perennial Grass, Leymus chinensis
Authors: Ma Hong-Yuan , Zhao Dan-Dan , Ning Qiu-Rui , Wei Ji-Ping , Li Yang , Wang Ming-Ming , Liu Xiao-Long , Jiang Chang-Jie , Liang Zheng-Wei 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSeed priming is a widely used technique in crops to obtain uniform germination and high-quality seedlings. In this study, we found a long-term effect of seed priming with gibberellic acid-3 (GA3) on plant growth and production in Leymus chinensis. Seeds were germinated on agar plates containing 0–200 μM GA3, and the germinated seedlings were transplanted to clay planting pots and grown for about one year. The clonal tillers grown from the mother plants were transplanted to field conditions in the second year. Results showed that GA3 treatment significantly increased seed germination rate by 14–27%. GA3 treatment also promoted subsequent plant growth and biomass production, as shown by a significant increase in plant height, tiller number, and fresh and dry weight in both pot (2016) and field (2017) conditions. It is particularly noteworthy that the growth-promoting effect of a single seed treatment with GA3 lasted for at least two years. In particular, GA3 treatment at 50 μM increased aboveground fresh and dry weight by 168.2% and 108.9% in pot-grown conditions, and 64.5% and 126.2% in field-grown conditions, respectively. These results imply a transgenerational transmission mechanism for the GA-priming effect on clonal offspring growth and biomass production in L. chinensis.
TRPM8 and TRPA1 do not contribute to dental pulp sensitivity to cold
Authors: Michot Benoit , Lee Caroline S. , Gibbs Jennifer L. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSensory neurons innervating the dental pulp have unique morphological and functional characteristics compared to neurons innervating other tissues. Stimulation of dental pulp afferents whatever the modality or intensity of the stimulus, even light mechanical stimulation that would not activate nociceptors in other tissues, produces an intense pain. These specific sensory characteristics could involve receptors of the Transient Receptor Potential channels (TRP) family. In this study, we compared the expression of the cold sensitive receptors TRPM8 and TRPA1 in trigeminal ganglion neurons innervating the dental pulp, the skin of the cheek or the buccal mucosa and we evaluated the involvement of these receptors in dental pulp sensitivity to cold. We showed a similar expression of TRPM8, TRPA1 and CGRP in sensory neurons innervating the dental pulp, the skin or the mucosa. Moreover, we demonstrated that noxious cold stimulation of the tooth induced an overexpression of cFos in the trigeminal nucleus that was not prevented by the genetic deletion of TRPM8 or the administration of the TRPA1 antagonist HC030031. These data suggest that the unique sensory characteristics of the dental pulp are independent to TRPM8 and TRPA1 receptors expression and functionality.
Combining Bulk Temperature and Nanoheating Enables Advanced Magnetic Fluid Hyperthermia Efficacy on Pancreatic Tumor Cells
Authors: Engelmann Ulrich M. , Roeth Anjali A. , Eberbeck Dietmar , Buhl Eva M. , Neumann Ulf P. , Schmitz-Rode Thomas , Slabu Ioana 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMany efforts are made worldwide to establish magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH) as a treatment for organ-confined tumors. However, translation to clinical application hardly succeeds as it still lacks of understanding the mechanisms determining MFH cytotoxic effects. Here, we investigate the intracellular MFH efficacy with respect to different parameters and assess the intracellular cytotoxic effects in detail. For this, MiaPaCa-2 human pancreatic tumor cells and L929 murine fibroblasts were loaded with iron-oxide magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) and exposed to MFH for either 30 min or 90 min. The resulting cytotoxic effects were assessed via clonogenic assay. Our results demonstrate that cell damage depends not only on the obvious parameters bulk temperature and duration of treatment, but most importantly on cell type and thermal energy deposited per cell during MFH treatment. Tumor cell death of 95% was achieved by depositing an intracellular total thermal energy with about 50% margin to damage of healthy cells. This is attributed to combined intracellular nanoheating and extracellular bulk heating. Tumor cell damage of up to 86% was observed for MFH treatment without perceptible bulk temperature rise. Effective heating decreased by up to 65% after MNP were internalized inside cells.
Triple Fluorescence staining to Evaluate Mechanism-based Apoptosis following Chemotherapeutic and Targeted Anti-cancer Drugs in Live Tumor Cells
Authors: De Pradip , Carlson Jennifer H. , Leyland-Jones Brian , Williams Casey , Dey Nandini 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe present a protocol for live cancer cell-imaging by triple-fluorescent staining to test 3 crucial mechanisms of apoptosis; the enzymatic activity of executioner caspase3, caspase-dependent phosphatidylserine presentation on the cell surface and mitochondrial function. We standardized a protocol to co-stain live tumor cells with the NucView488-Casp3 substrate, CF594 AnnexinV, and MitoViewBlue. We validated this protocol following apoptosis induction with paclitaxel or in combination with BKM120. Fluorescent imaging of cells using simultaneous live/dead cell markers (CalceinAM green/EthD-1red) was used as internal control. We used quantitative confluence (Essen), AnnexinV-PE staining (Accuri C6), expression of cl-caspase3, Cl-PARP and mitochondrial potential (TMRE-A) as validation criteria in A2780 and OVK18 cells following drug treatment which decreased proliferation, & increased apoptotic signaling with mitochondrial depolarization. Treatment blocked cytoplasmic MitoViewBlue staining while increased both nuclear NucView488-Casp3 substrate and red membranous CF594 AnnexinV staining. Merged images showed 100% mutual exclusivity between MitoViewBlue and caspase3 or AnnexinV stains in control and treated cells as determined by overlap and colocalization coefficients. Caspase3 and AnnexinV staining in treated cells were both separate and overlapped (yellow fluorescence) indicating the sequence of apoptotic-events. The protocol will help in deciphering mechanistic involvement of different stages/features of apoptosis in tumor cell following anti-cancer drugs in real-time.
Non-targeted metabolic profiling of BW312 Hordeum vulgare semi dwarf mutant using UHPLC coupled to QTOF high resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Villette Claire , Zumsteg Julie , Schaller Hubert , Heintz Dimitri 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBarley (Hordeum vulgare) is the fourth crop cultivated in the world for human consumption and animal feed, making it important to breed healthy and productive plants. Among the threats for barley are lodging, diseases, and pathogens. To avoid lodging, dwarf and semi-dwarf mutants have been selected through breeding processes. Most of these mutants are affected on hormonal biosynthesis or signalling. Here, we present the metabolic characterization of a brassinosteroid insensitive semi-dwarf mutant, BW312. The hormone profile was determined through a targeted metabolomics analysis by UHPLC-triple quadrupole-MS/MS, showing an induction of gibberellic acid and jasmonic acid in the semi-dwarf mutant. A non-targeted metabolomics analysis by UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS revealed a differential metabolic profile, with 16 and 9 metabolites showing higher intensities in the mutant and wild-type plants respectively. Among these metabolites, azelaic acid was identified. Gibberellic acid, jasmonic acid, and azelaic acid are involved in pathogen resistance, showing that this semi-dwarf line has an enhanced basal pathogen resistance in absence of pathogens, and therefore is of interest in breeding programs to fight against lodging, but also probably to increase pathogen resistance.
Gut microbiota-mediated protection against influenza virus subtype H9N2 in chickens is associated with modulation of the innate responses
Authors: Yitbarek Alexander , Taha-Abdelaziz Khaled , Hodgins Douglas C. , Read Leah , Nagy Éva , Weese J. Scott , Caswell Jeff L. , Parkinson John , Sharif Shayan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCommensal gut microbiota plays an important role in health and disease. The current study was designed to assess the role of gut microbiota of chickens in the initiation of antiviral responses against avian influenza virus. Day-old layer chickens received a cocktail of antibiotics for 12 (ABX-D12) or 16 (ABX-D16) days to deplete their gut microbiota, followed by treatment of chickens from ABX-12 with fiveLactobacillusspecies combination (PROB), fecal microbial transplant suspension (FMT) or sham treatment daily for four days. At day 17 of age, chickens were challenged with H9N2 virus. Cloacal virus shedding, and interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-β and interleukin (IL)-22 expression in the trachea, lung, ileum and cecal tonsils was assessed. Higher virus shedding, and compromised type I IFNs and IL-22 expression was observed in ABX-D16 chickens compared to control, while PROB and FMT showed reduced virus shedding and restored IL-22 expression to levels comparable with undepleted chickens. In conclusion, commensal gut microbiota of chickens can modulate innate responses to influenza virus subtype H9N2 infection in chickens, and modulating the composition of the microbiome using probiotics- and/or FMT-based interventions might serve to promote a healthy community that confers protection against influenza virus infection in chickens.
IDLV-HIV-1 Env vaccination in non-human primates induces affinity maturation of antigen-specific memory B cells
Authors: Blasi Maria , Negri Donatella , LaBranche Celia , Alam S. Munir , Baker Erich J. , Brunner Elizabeth C. , Gladden Morgan A. , Michelini Zuleika , Vandergrift Nathan A. , Wiehe Kevin J. , Parks Robert , Shen Xiaoying , Bonsignori Mattia , Tomaras Georgia D. , Ferrari Guido , Montefiori David C. , Santra Sampa , Haynes Barton F. , Moody Michael A. , Cara Andrea , Klotman Mary E. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHIV continues to be a major global health issue. In spite of successful prevention interventions and treatment methods, the development of an HIV vaccine remains a major priority for the field and would be the optimal strategy to prevent new infections. We showed previously that a single immunization with a SIV-based integrase-defective lentiviral vector (IDLV) expressing the 1086.C HIV-1-envelope induced durable, high-magnitude immune responses in non-human primates (NHPs). In this study, we have further characterized the humoral responses by assessing antibody affinity maturation and antigen-specific memory B-cell persistence in two vaccinated macaques. These animals were also boosted with IDLV expressing the heterologous 1176.C HIV-1-Env to determine if neutralization breadth could be increased, followed by evaluation of the injection sites to assess IDLV persistence. IDLV-Env immunization was associated with persistence of the vector DNA for up to 6 months post immunization and affinity maturation of antigen-specific memory B cells.
A single mutation in rapP induces cheating to prevent cheating in Bacillus subtilis by minimizing public good production
Authors: Lyons Nicholas A. , Kolter Roberto 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCooperation is beneficial to group behaviors like multicellularity, but is vulnerable to exploitation by cheaters. Here we analyze mechanisms that protect against exploitation of extracellular surfactin in swarms of Bacillus subtilis. Unexpectedly, the reference strain NCIB 3610 displays inherent resistance to surfactin-non-producing cheaters, while a different wild isolate is susceptible. We trace this interstrain difference down to a single amino acid change in the plasmid-borne regulator RapP, which is necessary and sufficient for cheater mitigation. This allele, prevalent in many Bacillus species, optimizes transcription of the surfactin operon to the minimum needed for full cooperation. When combined with a strain lacking rapP, NCIB 3610 acts as a cheater itself—except it does not harm the population at high proportions since it still produces enough surfactin. This strategy of minimal production is thus a doubly advantageous mechanism to limit exploitation of public goods, and is readily evolved from existing regulatory networks.
In situ encapsulation of iron(0) for solar thermochemical syngas production over iron-based perovskite material
Authors: Huang Chuande , Wu Jian , Chen You-Tao , Tian Ming , Rykov Alexandre I. , Hou Baolin , Lin Jian , Chang Chun-Ran , Pan Xiaoli , Wang Junhu , Wang Aiqin , Wang Xiaodong 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMethane-to-syngas conversion plays an important role in industrial gas-to-liquid technologies, which is commercially fulfilled by energy-intensive reforming methods. Here we present a highly selective and durable iron-based La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Al0.2O3-δ oxygen carrier for syngas production via a solar-driven thermochemical process. It is found that a dynamic structural transformation between the perovskite phase and a Fe0@oxides core–shell composite occurs during redox cycling. The oxide shell, acting like a micro-membrane, avoids direct contact between methane and fresh iron(0), and prevents coke deposition. This core–shell intermediate is regenerated to the original perovskite structure either in oxygen or more importantly in H2O–CO2 oxidant with simultaneous generation of another source of syngas. Doping with aluminium cations reduces the surface oxygen species, avoiding overoxidation of methane by decreasing oxygen vacancies in perovskite matrix. As a result, this material exhibits high stability with carbon monoxide selectivity above 95% and yielding an ideal syngas of H2/CO ratio of 2/1.
Frequency comb single-photon interferometry
Authors: Lee Sun Kyung , Han Noh Soo , Yoon Tai Hyun , Cho Minhaeng 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDue to their frequency scaling and long-term coherence, frequency combs at the single-photon level can provide a fascinating platform for developments in quantum technology. Here we demonstrate frequency comb single-photon interferometry in an unheralded manner. We are able to induce coherence by erasing the which-way information of path-entangled photon pairs. The photon pairs are prepared using a dual parametric down-conversion pumped by a highly stable frequency comb laser and an ultra-narrow seed laser. This is conducted at the extremely low-conversion efficiency regime. The unique feature of our quantum interferometer is that the induced one-photon interference of the path-encoded single photons (signal), with multiple frequency components, is observed with a unit visibility without heralding conjugate photons (idler). We demonstrate that quantum information and frequency comb technology can be combined to realize quantum information platforms. We expect this will contribute to the application of quantum information and optical measurements beyond the classical limit.
AM of three‐dimensional spongy microstructures for a piezoelectric sprayer
Authors: Chen Chin‐Tai , Hsu Shin‐Fang 
Published: August 2018

Additive manufacturing (AM) of spongy (cancellous) microstructures in the development and application of piezoelectric sprayers was investigated. The structures featuring microfluidic channels were made of solid polylactic acid (PLA) by fused deposition modelling (FDM) designed with a width of 35 mm, a depth of 25 mm, a height of 56 mm, and a cross‐layer thickness of 2 mm. In total nine network structures were altered with the line widths (Wd) from 300 to 500 μm and the line spacing (Sd) from 250 to 400 μm. Then, one piezoelectric plate and another micronozzle array were assembled with the structures as a microactuator. The piezoelectric actuator had a resonance frequency of 107.8 ± 1 kHz, in which it generated microsprays of 3 ml water with a typical volumetric rate of ∼1.1 ml/min. On the basis of FDM with PLA, the works’ dimensional error analysis showed that the minimum AM errors (<5%) between the design and actual dimensions occurred with the Wd of 350 μm and the Sd of 300–350 μm. In addition, they experimentally discovered anisotropic wettability and different roughness of the PLA layered surfaces, largely concerning the microfluidic performance of the network structures of the piezoelectric sprayer.