bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of TCN1 in Blood is Negatively Associated with Verbal Declarative Memory Performance
Authors: Akkouh Ibrahim A. , Ueland Torill , Andreassen Ole A. , Brattbakk Hans-Richard , Steen Vidar M. , Hughes Timothy , Djurovic Srdjan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMemory is indispensable for normal cognitive functioning, and the ability to store and retrieve information is central to mental health and disease. The molecular mechanisms underlying complex memory functions are largely unknown, but multiple genome-wide association studies suggest that gene regulation may play a role in memory dysfunction. We performed a global gene expression analysis using a large and balanced case-control sample (n = 754) consisting of healthy controls and schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. Our aim was to discover genes that are differentially expressed in relation to memory performance. Gene expression in blood was measured using Illumina HumanHT-12 v4 Expression BeadChip and memory performance was assessed with the updated California Verbal Learning Test (CVLT-II). We found that elevated expression of the vitamin B12-related gene TCN1 (haptocorrin) was significantly associated with poorer memory performance after correcting for multiple testing (β = −1.50, p = 3.75e-08). This finding was validated by quantitative real-time PCR and followed up with additional analyses adjusting for confounding variables. We also attempted to replicate the finding in an independent case-control sample (n = 578). The relationship between TCN1 expression and memory impairment was comparable to that of important determinants of memory function such as age and sex, suggesting that TCN1 could be a clinically relevant marker of memory performance. Thus, we identify TCN1 as a novel genetic finding associated with poor memory function. This finding may have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12-related conditions.
Optimal reference genes for normalization of qPCR gene expression data from proton and photon irradiated dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Nielsen Steffen , Bassler Niels , Grzanka Leszek , Swakon Jan , Olko Pawel , Andreassen Christian Nicolaj , Alsner Jan , Sørensen Brita Singers 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe transcriptional response of cells exposed to proton radiation is not equivalent to the response induced by traditional photon beams. Changes in cellular signalling is most commonly studied using the method Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Stable reference genes must be used to accurately quantify target transcript expression. The study aim was to identify suitable reference genes for normalisation of gene expression levels in normal dermal fibroblasts irradiated with either proton or photon beams. The online tool RefFinder was used to analyse and identify the most stably expressed genes from a panel of 22 gene candidates. To assess the reliability of the identified reference genes, a selection of the most and least stable reference genes was used to normalise target transcripts of interest. Fold change levels varied considerably depending on the used reference gene. The top ranked genes IPO8, PUM1, MRPL19 and PSMC4 produced highly similar target gene expression, while expression using the worst ranked genes, TFRC and HPRT1, was clearly modified due to reference gene instability.
Tuning the upconversion photoluminescence lifetimes of NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ through lanthanide Gd3+ doping
Authors: Qin Heng , Wu Danyang , Sathian Juna , Xie Xiangyu , Ryan Mary , Xie Fang 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe multiplexing capacity of conventional fluorescence materials are significantly limited by spectral overlap and background interference, mainly due to their short-lived fluorescence lifetimes. Here, we adopt a novel Gd3+ doping strategy in NaYF4 host materials, realized tuning of upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) lifetimes at selective emissions. Time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC), was applied to measure the photoluminescence lifetimes accurately. We demonstrated the large dynamic range of lifetimes of upconversion nanoparticles with good upconversion quantum yields, mainly owing to the dominance of high efficient energy transfer upconversion mechanism. The exceptional tunable properties of upconversion materials allow great potential for them to be utilized in biotechnology and life sciences.
Unraveling local tissue changes within severely injured skeletal muscles in response to MSC-based intervention using MALDI Imaging mass spectrometry
Authors: Klein Oliver , Strohschein Kristin , Nebrich Grit , Fuchs Michael , Thiele Herbert , Giavalisco Patrick , Duda Georg N. , Winkler Tobias , Kobarg Jan Hendrik , Trede Dennis , Geissler Sven 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPre-clinical and clinical studies are now beginning to demonstrate the high potential of cell therapies in enhancing muscle regeneration. We previously demonstrated functional benefit after the transplantation of autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC-TX) into a severe muscle crush trauma model. Despite our increasing understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying MSC’s regenerative function, little is known about the local molecular alterations and their spatial distribution within the tissue after MSC-TX. Here, we used MALDI imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI-IMS) in combination with multivariate statistical strategies to uncover previously unknown peptide alterations within severely injured skeletal muscles. Our analysis revealed that very early molecular alterations in response to MSC-TX occur largely in the region adjacent to the trauma and only to a small extent in the actual trauma region. Using “bottom up” mass spectrometry, we subsequently identified the proteins corresponding to the differentially expressed peptide intensity distributions in the specific muscle regions and used immunohistochemistry to validate our results. These findings extend our current understanding about the early molecular processes of muscle healing and highlights the critical role of trauma adjacent tissue during the early therapeutic response upon treatment with MSC.
Circulating H3Cit is elevated in a human model of endotoxemia and can be detected bound to microvesicles
Authors: Paues Göranson Sofie , Thålin Charlotte , Lundström Annika , Hållström Lars , Lasselin Julie , Wallén Håkan , Soop Anne , Mobarrez Fariborz 
Published: August 2018

AbstractEarly diagnosis of sepsis is crucial since prompt interventions decrease mortality. Citrullinated histone H3 (H3Cit), released from neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) upon binding of platelets to neutrophils following endotoxin stimulation, has recently been proposed a promising blood biomarker in sepsis. Moreover, microvesicles (MVs), which are released during cell activation and apoptosis and carry a variety of proteins from their parental cells, have also been shown to be elevated in sepsis. In a randomized and placebo-controlled human model of endotoxemia (lipopolysaccharide injection; LPS), we now report significant LPS-induced elevations of circulating H3Cit in 22 healthy individuals. We detected elevations of circulating H3Cit by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), as well as bound to MVs quantified by flow cytometry. H3Cit-bearing MVs expressed neutrophil and/or platelet surface markers, indicating platelet-neutrophil interactions. In addition, in vitro experiments revealed that H3Cit can bind to phosphatidylserine exposed on platelet derived MVs. Taken together; our results demonstrate that NETs can be detected in peripheral blood during endotoxemia by two distinct H3Cit-specific methods. Furthermore, we propose a previously unrecognized mechanism by which H3Cit may be disseminated throughout the vasculature by the binding to MVs.
Comparison of the effectiveness of four Budyko-based methods in attributing long-term changes in actual evapotranspiration
Authors: Ning Tingting , Li Zhi , Feng Qi , Liu Wenzhao , Li Zongxing 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe responses of hydrological processes to climate change and anthropogenic influence have received significant attention over the past few decades. Several Budyko-based methods have been widely used to attribute hydrological variations and identify the extent of variation due to climate change and human activities. However, the accuracy of various methods has rarely been compared. This study employed four Budyko-based methods, namely the total differential method, complementary method, extrapolation method, and decomposition method, to attribute the changes in actual evapotranspiration in 13 basins in China’s Loess Plateau. We compared their performances and analysed factors that contribute to the differences in attribution results yielded by the various methods. The results showed that the total differential, complementary, and decomposition methods presented similar estimates of the contributions of climate change and human activities. However, the extrapolation method showed a large deviation in the contribution of human activities. The error of the extrapolation method was the largest, followed by that of the two-stage total differential method. The complementary method and decomposition method exhibited negligible errors.
Plant domestication decreases both constitutive and induced chemical defences by direct selection against defensive traits
Authors: Moreira Xoaquín , Abdala-Roberts Luis , Gols Rieta , Francisco Marta 
Published: August 2018

AbstractStudies reporting domestication effects on plant defences have focused on constitutive, but not on induced defences. However, theory predicts a trade-off between constitutive (CD) and induced defences (ID), which intrinsically links both defensive strategies and argues for their joint consideration in plant domestications studies. We measured constitutive and induced glucosinolates in wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea ssp. oleracea) and two domesticated varieties (B. oleracea var. acephala and B. oleracea var. capitata) in which the leaves have been selected to grow larger. We also estimated leaf area (proxy of leaf size) to assess size-defence trade-offs and whether domestication effects on defences are indirect via selection for larger leaves. Both CD and ID were lower in domesticated than in wild cabbage and they were negatively correlated (i.e. traded off) in all of the cabbage lines studied. Reductions in CD were similar in magnitude for leaves and stems, and CD and leaf size were uncorrelated. We conclude that domestication of cabbage has reduced levels not only constitutive defences but also their inducibility, and that reductions in CD may span organs not targeted by breeding. This reduction in defences in domesticated cabbage is presumably the result of direct selection rather than indirect effects via trade-offs between size and defences.
Inhibition of the glutaredoxin and thioredoxin systems and ribonucleotide reductase by mutant p53-targeting compound APR-246
Authors: Haffo Lena , Lu Jun , Bykov Vladimir J. N. , Martin Sebastin S. , Ren Xiaoyuan , Coppo Lucia , Wiman Klas G. , Holmgren Arne 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe tumor suppressor p53 is commonly inactivated in human tumors, allowing evasion of p53-dependent apoptosis and tumor progression. The small molecule APR-246 (PRIMA-1Met) can reactive mutant p53 in tumor cells and trigger cell death by apoptosis. The thioredoxin (Trx) and glutaredoxin (Grx) systems are important as antioxidants for maintaining cellular redox balance and providing electrons for thiol-dependent reactions like those catalyzed by ribonucleotide reductase and peroxiredoxins (Prxs). We show here that the Michael acceptor methylene quinuclidinone (MQ), the active form of APR-246, is a potent direct inhibitor of Trx1 and Grx1 by reacting with sulfhydryl groups in the enzymes. The inhibition of Trx1 and Grx1 by APR-246/MQ is reversible and the inhibitory efficiency is dependent on the presence of glutathione. APR-246/MQ also inhibits Trxs in mutant p53-expressing Saos-2 His-273 cells, showing modification of Trx1 and mitochondrial Trx2. Inhibition of the Trx and Grx systems leads to insufficient reducing power to deoxyribonucleotide production for DNA replication and repair and peroxiredoxin for removal of ROS. We also demonstrate that APR-246 and MQ inhibit ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) in vitro and in living cells. Our results suggest that APR-246 induces tumor cell death through both reactivations of mutant p53 and inhibition of cellular thiol-dependent redox systems, providing a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
In vivo optic nerve head mechanical response to intraocular and cerebrospinal fluid pressure: imaging protocol and quantification method
Authors: Fazio Massimo A. , Clark Mark E. , Bruno Luigi , Girkin Christopher A. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThis study presents a quantification method for the assessment of the optic nerve head (ONH) deformations of the living human eye under acute intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and change of cerebrospinal fluid pressure (CSFP) with body position. One eye from a brain-dead organ donor with open-angle glaucoma was imaged by optical coherence tomography angiography during an acute IOP and CSFP elevation test. Volumetric 3D strain was computed by digital volume correlation. With increase in IOP the shear strain consistently increased in both sitting and supine position (p < 0.001). When CSFP was increased at constant IOP by changing body position, a global reduction in the ONH strain was observed (−0.14% p = 0.0264). Strain in the vasculature was significantly higher than in the structural tissue (+0.90%, p = 0.0002). Retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness strongly associated (ρ = −0.847, p = 0.008) with strain in the peripapillary sclera (ppScl) but not in the retina (p = 0.433) and lamina (p = 0.611). These initial results show that: CSFP independently to IOP modulates strain in the human ONH; ppScl strains are greater than strains in lamina and retina; strain in the retinal vasculature was higher than in the structural tissue; In this glaucoma eye, higher ppScl strain associated with lower RNFL thickness.
Impact of Side Chain Polarity on Non-Stoichiometric Nano-Hydroxyapatite Surface Functionalization with Amino Acids
Authors: Comeau Patricia , Willett Thomas 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIn this study the affinity of three amino acids for the surface of non-stoichiometric hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (ns-nHA) was investigated under different reaction conditions. The amino acids investigated were chosen based on their differences in side chain polarity and potential impact on this surface affinity. While calcium pre-saturation of the calcium-deficient ns-nHA was not found to improve attachment of any of the amino acids studied, the polarity and fraction of ionized functional side groups was found to have a significant impact on this attachment. Overall, amino acid attachment to ns-nHA was not solely reliant on carboxyl groups. In fact, it seems that amine groups also notably interacted with the negative ns-nHA surface and increased the degree of surface binding achieved. As a result, glycine and lysine had greater attachment to ns-nHA than aspartic acid under the reaction conditions studied. Lastly, our results suggest that a layer of each amino acid forms at the surface of ns-nHA, with aspartic acid attachment the most stable and its surface coverage the least of the three amino acids studied.
Micro-tip Cantilever as Low Frequency Microphone
Authors: Dass Sumit , Jha Rajan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe propose a very compact diaphragm free optical microphone consisting a tapered micro-tip in cantilever configuration for detection of low frequency acoustic signals. The change in the light coupling between the micro-tip and the source fiber caused by the acoustic pressure is utilized to detect the external acoustic signal. The sensitivity and working range of the sensor depend on three key factors, the length of the micro-tip cantilever, the distance between the micro-tip and SMF, and the offset between the micro-tip central axis and SMF central axis. Hence, by changing any of these parameters, the performance of the sensor can be easily tuned. Experimental results show that for a cantilever length of 15 mm, the probe has a maximum acoustic sensitivity of 10.63 mV/Pa or −159.5 dB re 1 V/μPa, noise-limited minimum detectable pressure of 19.1 mPa/√Hz and the linear frequency range is 0–400 Hz. The SMF only structure along with photodetector-based interrogation makes this acoustic sensor economical.
Dynamic generation and modulation of acoustic bottle-beams by metasurfaces
Authors: Chen Di-Chao , Zhu Xing-Feng , Wei Qi , Wu Da-Jian , Liu Xiao-Jun 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAcoustic bottle-beams have been realized by acoustic metasurfaces (AMs) composed of space-coiling subunits. By manipulating the transmitted acoustical phase, the special AM can generate two intersecting accelerating beams along the designed convex trajectories, forming the acoustic bottle-beam. The transmitted acoustic bottle-beams are investigated theoretically and demonstrated numerically. We find that the shape and area of the acoustic bottle-beam could be statically controlled by designing the AM as well as dynamically modulated by the incident angles. In addition, the highly efficient acoustic focusing could be obtained at the convergence point of the bottle-beams, which also could be adjusted dynamically by the incident angles. It is further found that this focusing is robust against the obstacle scattering. The realization and manipulation of acoustic bottle-beams may have potential applications in biomedical imaging/therapy and non-destructive evaluation.
A High-Performance Spectrometer with Two Spectral Channels Sharing the Same BSI-CMOS Detector
Authors: Zang Kai-Yan , Yao Yuan , Hu Er-Tao , Jiang An-Qing , Zheng Yu-Xiang , Wang Song-You , Zhao Hai-Bin , Yang Yue-Mei , Yoshie Osamu , Lee Young-Pak , Lynch David W. , Chen Liang-Yao 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOptical spectrometers play an important role in modern scientific research. In this work, we present a two-channel spectrometer with a pixel resolution of better than 0.1 nm/pixel in the wavelength range of 200 to 950 nm and an acquisition speed of approximately 25 spectra per second. The spectrometer reaches a high k factor which characterizes the spectral performance of the spectrometer as k = (working wavelength region)/(pixel resolution) = 7500. Instead of using mechanical moving parts in traditional designs, the spectrometer consists of 8 integrated sub-gratings for diffracting and imaging two sets of 4-folded spectra on the upper and lower parts, respectively, of the focal plane of a two-dimensional backside-illuminated complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (BSI-CMOS) array detector, which shows a high peak quantum efficiency of approximately 90% at 400 nm. In addition to the advantage of being cost-effective, the compact design of the spectrometer makes it advantageous for applications in which it is desirable to use the same two-dimensional array detector to simultaneously measure multiple spectra under precisely the same working conditions to reduce environmental effects. The performance of the finished spectrometer is tested and confirmed with an Hg-Ar lamp.
Bar-HRM for authenticating soursop (Annona muricata) tea
Authors: Osathanunkul Maslin 
Published: August 2018

AbstractDrinking soursop (Annona muricata) tea has become popular in Thailand due to recent findings about the medicinal properties of soursop tea regarding anti-cancer in particular. Consequently, numerous A. muricata tea products were found to be sold on markets and relatively expensive. It is almost impossible to identify the plant species component in the tea bag or powder products using traditional methods which are based on morphological characters. Therefore, a main objective of this study is to develop a molecular method called Bar-HRM (DNA barcoding coupled with High Resolution Melting) for authenticating A. muricata products. Three chloroplast regions including matK, rbcL and trnL were selected for in silico analyses. The findings show that rbcL is the most suitable region to be used for species identification in HRM analysis. Eleven A. muricata herbal products were purchased and tested with rbcL primers. Results from melting profile indicated that three out of eleven tested products were adulterated with other Annona species. It is believed that the Annona products are adulterated to increase the quantity and to make more profit. Notably, all of the tested products purchased from local producers were found to contain herbal species that differ from the species indicated by the seller.
Dynamic colonization history in a rediscovered Isle Royale carnivore
Authors: Manlick Philip J. , Romanski Mark C. , Pauli Jonathan N. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractIsland ecosystems are globally threatened, and efforts to restore historical communities are widespread. Such conservation efforts should be informed by accurate assessments of historical community composition to establish appropriate restoration targets. Isle Royale National Park is one of the most researched island ecosystems in the world, yet little is actually known about the biogeographic history of most Isle Royale taxa. To address this uncertainty and inform restoration targets, we determined the phylogeographic history of American martens (Martes americana), a species rediscovered on Isle Royale 76 years after presumed extirpation. We characterized the genetic composition of martens throughout the Great Lakes region using nuclear and mitochondrial markers, identified the source of Isle Royale martens using genetic structure analyses, and used demographic bottleneck tests to evaluate (eliminate redundancy of test). 3 competing colonization scenarios. Martens exhibited significant structure regionally, including a distinct Isle Royale cluster, but mitochondrial sequences revealed no monophyletic clades or evolutionarily significant units. Rather, martens were historically extirpated and recolonized Isle Royale from neighbouring Ontario, Canada in the late 20th century. These findings illustrate the underappreciated dynamics of island communities, underscore the importance of historical biogeography for establishing restoration baselines, and provide optimism for extirpated and declining Isle Royale vertebrates whose reintroductions have been widely debated.
Instant Clue: A Software Suite for Interactive Data Visualization and Analysis
Authors: Nolte Hendrik , MacVicar Thomas D. , Tellkamp Frederik , Krüger Marcus 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe development of modern high-throughput instrumentation and improved core facility infrastructures leads to an accumulation of large amounts of scientific data. However, for a majority of scientists the comprehensive analysis and visualization of their data goes beyond their expertise. To reduce this hurdle, we developed a software suite called Instant Clue that helps scientists to visually analyze data and to gain insights into biological processes from their high-dimensional dataset. Instant Clue combines the power of visual and statistical analytics using a straight forward drag & drop approach making the software highly intuitive. Additionally, it offers a comprehensive portfolio of statistical tools for systematic analysis such as dimensional reduction, (un)-supervised learning, clustering, multi-block (omics) integration and curve fitting. Charts can be combined with high flexibility into a main figure template for direct usage in scientific publications. Even though Instant Clue was developed with the omics-sciences in mind, users can analyze any kind of data from low to high dimensional data sets. The open-source software is available for Windows and Mac OS (http://www.instantclue.uni-koeln.de) and is accompanied by a detailed video tutorial series.