bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproduction method for dried biomodels composed of poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels
Authors: Shimizu Yasutomo , Putra Narendra Kurnia , Ohta Makoto 
Published: April 2018

AbstractModels mimicking the realistic geometries and mechanical properties of human tissue are requiring ever-better materials. Biomodels made of poly (vinyl alcohol) are particularly in demand, as they can be used to realistically reproduce the characteristics of blood vessels. The reproducibility of biomodels can be altered due to dehydration that is observed after long periods of usage. In order to improve their usability, one should consider the method used to reproduce them; however, few studies have reported a method reproduce biomodels. This study proposes a novel reproduction method for biomodels that allows them to quickly and easily reproduce their geometric and mechanical properties. Specimens of the dried biomodels were reformed through immersion in temperature-controlled water. Our results show that water at 35 °C can be effective to reproduce both the geometric and mechanical properties of the specimens. X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements revealed that water immersion can reform the crystal structure of the pre-dried specimens, and images obtained using micro-computed tomography acquisition show that the geometry of the specimens can be reformed by water immersion without introducing any defects. These results indicate that the proposed method can lead to high reproducibility of both the original geometric and mechanical properties of the dried biomodels.
Sorbent Film-Coated Passive Samplers for Explosives Vapour Detection Part A: Materials Optimisation and Integration with Analytical Technologies
Authors: McEneff Gillian L. , Murphy Bronagh , Webb Tony , Wood Dan , Irlam Rachel , Mills Jim , Green David , Barron Leon P. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA new thin-film passive sampler is presented as a low resource dependent and discrete continuous monitoring solution for explosives-related vapours. Using 15 mid-high vapour pressure explosives-related compounds as probes, combinations of four thermally stable substrates and six film-based sorbents were evaluated. Meta-aramid and phenylene oxide-based materials showed the best recoveries from small voids (~70%). Analysis was performed using liquid chromatography-high resolution accurate mass spectrometry which also enabled tentative identification of new targets from the acquired data. Preliminary uptake kinetics experiments revealed plateau concentrations on the device were reached between 3–5 days. Compounds used in improvised explosive devices, such as triacetone triperoxide, were detected within 1 hour and were stably retained by the sampler for up to 7 days. Sampler performance was consistent for 22 months after manufacture. Lastly, its direct integration with currently in-service explosives screening equipment including ion mobility spectrometry and thermal desorption mass spectrometry is presented. Following exposure to several open environments and targeted interferences, sampler performance was subsequently assessed and potential interferences identified. High-security building and area monitoring for concealed explosives using such cost-effective and discrete passive samplers can add extra assurance to search routines while minimising any additional burden on personnel or everyday site operation.
Duplication and diversification of lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLK) genes in soybean
Authors: Liu Ping-Li , Huang Yuan , Shi Peng-Hao , Yu Meng , Xie Jian-Bo , Xie LuLu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractLectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) play important roles in plant development and stress responses. Although genome-wide studies of LecRLKs have been performed in several species, a comprehensive analysis including evolutionary, structural and functional analysis has not been carried out in soybean (Glycine max). In this study, we identified 185 putative LecRLK genes in the soybean genome, including 123 G-type, 60 L-type and 2 C-type LecRLK genes. Tandem duplication and segmental duplication appear to be the main mechanisms of gene expansion in the soybean LecRLK (GmLecRLK) gene family. According to our phylogenetic analysis, G-type and L-type GmLecRLK genes can be organized into fourteen and eight subfamilies, respectively. The subfamilies within the G-type GmLecRLKs differ from each other in gene structure and/or protein domains and motifs, which indicates that the subfamilies have diverged. The evolution of L-type GmLecRLKs has been more conservative: most genes retain the same gene structures and nearly the same protein domain and motif architectures. Furthermore, the expression profiles of G-type and L-type GmLecRLK genes show evidence of functional redundancy and divergence within each group. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the evolution and function of soybean LecRLKs and provide a framework for further functional investigation of them.
The corticosteroid compounds prednisolone and vamorolone do not alter the nociception phenotype and exacerbate liver injury in sickle cell mice
Authors: Almeida Luis E. F. , Damsker Jesse M. , Albani Sarah , Afsar Nina , Kamimura Sayuri , Pratt Drew , Kleiner David E. , Quezado Martha , Gordish-Dressman Heather , Quezado Zenaide M. N. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClinicians often hesitate prescribing corticosteroids to treat corticosteroid-responsive conditions in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients because their use can be associated with complications (increased hospital readmission, rebound pain, strokes, avascular necrosis, acute chest syndrome). Consequently, SCD patients may receive suboptimal treatment for corticosteroid-responsive conditions. We conducted a preclinical trial of dissociative (vamorolone) and conventional (prednisolone) corticosteroid compounds to evaluate their effects on nociception phenotype, inflammation, and organ dysfunction in SCD mice. Prednisolone and vamorolone had no significant effects on nociception phenotype or anemia in homozygous mice. Conversely, prednisolone and vamorolone significantly decreased white blood cell counts and hepatic inflammation. Interestingly, the effects of vamorolone were milder than those of prednisolone, as vamorolone yielded less attenuation of hepatic inflammation compared to prednisolone. Compared to controls and heterozygotes, homozygotes had significant liver necrosis, which was significantly exacerbated by prednisolone and vamorolone despite decreased hepatic inflammation. These hepatic histopathologic changes were associated with increases in transaminases and alkaline phosphatase. Together, these results suggest that, even in the setting of decreasing hepatic inflammation, prednisolone and vamorolone were associated with significant hepatic toxicity in SCD mice. These findings raise the possibility that hepatic function deterioration could occur with the use of corticosteroids (conventional and dissociative) in SCD.
Dynamic transcriptomic analysis of Ischemic Injury in a Porcine Pre-Clinical Model mimicking Donors Deceased after Circulatory Death
Authors: Giraud Sebastien , Steichen Clara , Allain Geraldine , Couturier Pierre , Labourdette Delphine , Lamarre Sophie , Ameteau Virginie , Tillet Solenne , Hannaert Patrick , Thuillier Raphael , Hauet Thierry 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDue to organ shortage, clinicians are prone to consider alternative type of organ donors among them donors deceased after circulatory death (DCD). However, especially using these organs which are more prone to graft dysfunction, there is a need to better understand mechanistic events ocuring during ischemia phase and leading to ischemia/reperfusion injuries (IRI). The aim of this study is to provide a dynamic transcriptomic analysis of preclinical porcine model kidneys subjected to ischemic stress mimicking DCD donor. We compared cortex and corticomedullary junction (CMJ) tissues from porcine kidneys submitted to 60 min warm ischemia (WI) followed by 0, 6 or 24 hours of cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution versus control non-ischemic kidneys (n = 5 per group). 29 cortex genes and 113 CMJ genes were significantly up or down-regulated after WI versus healthy kidneys, and up to 400 genes were regulated after WI followed by 6 or 24 hours of cold storage (p < 0.05). Functionnal enrichment analysis (home selected gene kinetic classification, Gene-ontology-biological processes and Gene-ontology-molecular-function) revealed relevant genes implication during WI and cold storage. We uncovered targets which we will further validate as biomarkers and new therapeutic targets to optimize graft kidney quality before transplantation and improve whole transplantation outcome.
Generalized concurrence in boson sampling
Authors: Chin Seungbeom , Huh Joonsuk 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA fundamental question in linear optical quantum computing is to understand the origin of the quantum supremacy in the physical system. It is found that the multimode linear optical transition amplitudes are calculated through the permanents of transition operator matrices, which is a hard problem for classical simulations (boson sampling problem). We can understand this problem by considering a quantum measure that directly determines the runtime for computing the transition amplitudes. In this paper, we suggest a quantum measure named “Fock state concurrence sum” C
S
, which is the summation over all the members of “the generalized Fock state concurrence” (a measure analogous to the generalized concurrences of entanglement and coherence). By introducing generalized algorithms for computing the transition amplitudes of the Fock state boson sampling with an arbitrary number of photons per mode, we show that the minimal classical runtime for all the known algorithms directly depends on C
S
. Therefore, we can state that the Fock state concurrence sum C
S
behaves as a collective measure that controls the computational complexity of Fock state BS. We expect that our observation on the role of the Fock state concurrence in the generalized algorithm for permanents would provide a unified viewpoint to interpret the quantum computing power of linear optics.
Tomato UV-B receptor SlUVR8 mediates plant acclimation to UV-B radiation and enhances fruit chloroplast development via regulating SlGLK2
Authors: Li Huirong , Li Yuxiang , Deng Heng , Sun Xiaochun , Wang Anquan , Tang Xiaofeng , Gao Yongfeng , Zhang Ning , Wang Lihuan , Yang Shuzhang , Liu Yongsheng , Wang Songhu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPlants utilize energy from sunlight to perform photosynthesis in chloroplast, an organelle that could be damaged by solar UV radiation. The ultraviolet-B (UV-B) photoreceptor UVR8 is required for UV-B perception and signal transduction. However, little is known about how UVR8 influence chloroplast development under UV-B radiation. Here, we characterized tomato UVR8 gene (SlUVR8) and our results indicated that SlUVR8 facilitate plant acclimation to UV-B stress by orchestrating expression of the UVB-responsive genes (HY5 and CHS) and accumulating UV-absorptive compounds. In addition, we also discovered that SlUVR8 promotes fruit chloroplast development through enhancing accumulation of transcription factor GOLDEN2-LIKE2 (SlGLK2) which determines chloroplast and chlorophyll levels. Furthermore, UV-B radiation could increase expression of SlGLK2 and its target genes in fruits and leaves. SlUVR8 is required for UVB-induced SlGLK2 expression. Together, our work not only identified the conserved functions of SlUVR8 gene in response to UV-B stress, but also uncovered a novel role that SlUVR8 could boost chloroplast development by accumulating SlGLK2 proteins.
A murine model of atopic dermatitis can be generated by painting the dorsal skin with hapten twice 14 days apart
Authors: Kitamura Ayaka , Takata Ryohei , Aizawa Shin , Watanabe Hajime , Wada Tadashi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDrug development involves pharmacometric experiments in animals. Such experiments should limit animal pain and stress. Conventional murine models of atopic dermatitis (AD) used in drug development are generated by weekly painting of hapten on dorsal skin for 5 weeks. The present study aimed to develop a protocol that involves less animal distress. The experiments focused on serum total IgE levels, which are a marker of AD. The conventional protocol induced ever rising IgE levels. Experiments with extended intervals between sensitizations showed that IgE peaked ~5 days after the second sensitization, after which it returned to the control level within 12–19 days. An additional third sensitization on day 28 further increased the serum IgE level. In the 4–5 days after the second sensitization, the dorsal skin exhibited typical AD-like lesions with edema, scabs, epithelial-cell hypertrophy, marked mast-cell and lymphocyte infiltration of dermis, and increased IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, IL-17A, IFN-γ and TNF-α expression. Thus, two 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene sensitizations yield a murine AD model in less than 20 days. This study shows that animal model protocols used in drug development can be fine-tuned so that they remain effective yet cause animals less stress and pain.
Compositional characteristics of human peripheral TRBV pseudogene rearrangements
Authors: Shi Bin , Ma Long , He Xiaoyan , Wu Peipei , Wang Peng , Wang Xiaomei , Ma Rui , Yao Xinsheng 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe diversity of the T cell receptor (TCR) complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) repertoire is the result of random combinations, insertions and deletions during recombination of the germline V, D and J gene fragments. During evolution, some human TCR beta chain variable (TRBV) pseudogenes have been retained. Many previous studies have focused on functional TRBV genes, while little attention has been given to TRBV pseudogenes. To describe the compositional characteristics of TRBV pseudogene rearrangements, we compared and analysed TRBV pseudogenes, TRBV open reading frames (ORFs) and functional TRBV genes via high-throughput sequencing of DNA obtained from the peripheral blood of 4 healthy volunteers and 4 patients. Our results revealed several differences in J and D gene usage. The V deletion distribution profile of the pseudogenes was significantly different from that of the ORFs and functional genes. In addition, arginine, lysine and cysteine were more frequently used in putative CDR3 pseudogene rearrangements, while functional rearrangements used more leucine. This study presents a comprehensive description of the compositional characteristics of peripheral TRBV pseudogene rearrangements, which will provide a reference for further research on TRBV pseudogenes.
Global warming hiatus contributed to the increased occurrence of intense tropical cyclones in the coastal regions along East Asia
Authors: Zhao Jiuwei , Zhan Ruifen , Wang Yuqing 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe recent global warming hiatus (GWH) was characterized by a La Niña–like cooling in the tropical Eastern Pacific accompanied with the Indian Ocean and the tropical Atlantic Ocean warming. Here we show that the recent GWH contributed significantly to the increased occurrence of intense tropical cyclones in the coastal regions along East Asia since 1998. The GWH associated sea surface temperature anomalies triggered a pair of anomalous cyclonic and anticyclonic circulations and equatorial easterly anomalies over the Northwest Pacific, which favored TC genesis and intensification over the western Northwest Pacific but suppressed TC genesis and intensification over the southeastern Northwest Pacific due to increased vertical wind shear and anticyclonic circulation anomalies. Results from atmospheric general circulation model experiments demonstrate that the Pacific La Niña–like cooling dominated the Indian Ocean and the tropical Atlantic Ocean warming in contributing to the observed GWH-related anomalous atmospheric circulation over the Northwest Pacific.
Co-exposure to benzo[a]pyrene and ethanol induces a pathological progression of liver steatosis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Bucher Simon , Tête Arnaud , Podechard Normand , Liamin Marie , Le Guillou Dounia , Chevanne Martine , Coulouarn Cédric , Imran Muhammad , Gallais Isabelle , Fernier Morgane , Hamdaoui Quentin , Robin Marie-Anne , Sergent Odile , Fromenty Bernard , Lagadic-Gossmann Dominique 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHepatic steatosis (i.e. lipid accumulation) and steatohepatitis have been related to diverse etiologic factors, including alcohol, obesity, environmental pollutants. However, no study has so far analyzed how these different factors might interplay regarding the progression of liver diseases. The impact of the co-exposure to the environmental carcinogen benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and the lifestyle-related hepatotoxicant ethanol, was thus tested on in vitro models of steatosis (human HepaRG cell line; hybrid human/rat WIF-B9 cell line), and on an in vivo model (obese zebrafish larvae). Steatosis was induced prior to chronic treatments (14, 5 or 7 days for HepaRG, WIF-B9 or zebrafish, respectively). Toxicity and inflammation were analyzed in all models; the impact of steatosis and ethanol towards B[a]P metabolism was studied in HepaRG cells. Cytotoxicity and expression of inflammation markers upon co-exposure were increased in all steatotic models, compared to non steatotic counterparts. A change of B[a]P metabolism with a decrease in detoxification was detected in HepaRG cells under these conditions. A prior steatosis therefore enhanced the toxicity of B[a]P/ethanol co-exposure in vitro and in vivo; such a co-exposure might favor the appearance of a steatohepatitis-like state, with the development of inflammation. These deleterious effects could be partly explained by B[a]P metabolism alterations.
Synthetic 9-cis-beta-carotene inhibits photoreceptor degeneration in cultures of eye cups from rpe65rd12 mouse model of retinoid cycle defect
Authors: Sher Ifat , Tzameret Adi , Peri-Chen Sara , Edelshtain Victoria , Ioffe Michael , Sayer Alon , Buzhansky Ludmila , Gazit Ehud , Rotenstreich Ygal 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe retinoid cycle enzymes regenerate the visual chromophore 11-cis retinal to enable vision. Mutations in the genes encoding the proteins of the retinoid cycle are the leading cause for recessively inherited retinal dystrophies such as retinitis pigmentosa, Leber congenital amaurosis, congenital cone-rod dystrophy and fundus albipunctatus. Currently there is no treatment for these blinding diseases. In previous studies we demonstrated that oral treatment with the 9-cis-β-carotene rich Dunaliella Bardawil algae powder significantly improved visual and retinal functions in patients with retinitis pigmentosa and fundus albipunctatus. Here we developed a convenient and economical synthetic route for biologically active 9-cis-β-carotene from inexpensive building materials and demonstrated that the molecule is stable for at least one month. Synthetic 9-cis-β-carotene rescued cone photoreceptors from degeneration in eye cup cultures of mice with a retinoid cycle genetic defect. This study suggests that synthetic 9-cis-β-carotene may serve as an effective treatment for retinal dystrophies involving the retinoid cycle.
Cardiovascular markers of inflammation and serum lipid levels in HIV-infected patients with undetectable viremia
Authors: Višković Klaudija , Židovec Lepej Snježana , Gorenec Ana , Grgić Ivana , Lukas Davorka , Zekan Šime , Dragobratović Anja , Trupković Maja , Begovac Josip 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPatients successfully treated for HIV infection still have an increased risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, which might be related not only to traditional risks, but also to inflammation and dyslipidemia. We examined the relationship of serum lipid levels with plasma biomarkers of inflammation using a composite inflammatory burden score (IBS) based on individual (>75thpercentile) measurements from the following seven markers: CD40L, tPA, MCP-1, IL-8, IL-6, hCRP and P-selectin. IBS was categorized as 0 (none of the biomarkers >75thpercentile), 1, 2 and 3 or more scores. Correlations between the IBS and lipid parameters were examined by ordered logistic regression proportional odds models to estimate the odds of more elevated biomarkers. 181 male patients with undetectable HIV-viremia were included into the study. In the multivariate model, a one-unit increase (mmol/L) of total cholesterol and triglycerides was associated with a 1.41-fold (95% CI, 1.13–1.76) and 1.37-fold (95% CI, 1.18–1.60) increased odds of having a greater IBS, respectively. Those with an IBS score ≥1 compared to none had 2.14 (95% CI, 1.43–3.20) higher odds of having a one-unit increased total cholesterol/HDL-cholesterol ratio. In successfully treated HIV-infected persons dyslipidemia was associated with inflammation.
Involvement of AMP-activated Protein Kinase (AMPK) in Regulation of Cell Membrane Potential in a Gastric Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Zhu Lin , Yu Xiao-jian , Xing Sheng , Jin Feng , Yang Wei-Jun 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMembrane potential (Vmem) is a key bioelectric property of non-excitable cells that plays important roles in regulating cell proliferation. However, the regulation of Vmem itself remains largely unexplored. We found that, under nutrient starvation, during which cell division is inhibited, MKN45 gastric cancer cells were in a hyperpolarized state associated with a high intracellular chloride concentration. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity increased, and expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) decreased, in nutrient-starved cells. Furthermore, the increase in intracellular chloride concentration level and Vmem hyperpolarization in nutrient-starved cells was suppressed by inhibition of AMPK activity. Intracellular chloride concentrations and hyperpolarization increased after over-activation of AMPK using the specific activator AICAR or suppression of CFTR activity using specific inhibitor GlyH-101. Under these conditions, proliferation of MKN45 cells was inhibited. These results reveal that AMPK controls the dynamic change in Vmem by regulating CFTR and influencing the intracellular chloride concentration, which in turn influences cell-cycle progression. These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms underlying cell-cycle arrest regulated by AMPK and CFTR.
Genotype B of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor is Related with Gastric Cancer Lesions
Authors: Hernandez Eric G. , Partida-Rodriguez Oswaldo , Camorlinga-Ponce Margarita , Nieves-Ramirez Miriam , Ramos-Vega Irma , Torres Javier , Perez-Rodriguez Martha 
Published: April 2018

AbstractNK cells are important in innate immunity for their capacity to kill infected or cancer cells. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) are a family of polymorphic genes with inhibitory and activating functions. The main driving force for gastric cancer (GC) development is a chronic response, which causes an increase of NK cells in the gastric mucosa. The aim of this work was to study polymorphisms in KIR genes in patients with either GC or non-atrophic gastritis (NAG). We studied 242 patients (130 with NAG and 112 with GC) and contrasted with 146 asymptomatic individuals. We analyzed diversity in the content and localization of KIR genes in the different clinical groups studied. Four activating and one inhibitory genes were associated with GC: 2DS1 (OR 3.41), 2DS3 (OR 4.66), 2DS5 (OR 2.25), 3DS1 (OR 3.35) and 2DL5 (OR 3.6). The following were also found as risk factors for GC: Bx genotype (OR 4.2), Bx-Bx centromere-telomere (OR 2.55), cA01|cB03 (OR 36.39) and tB01|tB01 (OR 7.55) gene content and three B motifs (OR 10.9). Polymorphisms in KIR genes were associated with GC and suggest that mutated NK cells may contribute to GC development by increasing gastric mucosa inflammation, leading to constant tissue damage.