bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cadmium-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells is mediated by Fas/FasL-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic signaling pathway
Authors: Yuan Yan , Zhang Yajing , Zhao Shiwen , Chen Jie , Yang Jinlong , Wang Tao , Zou Hui , Wang Yi , Gu Jianhong , Liu Xuezhong , Bian Jianchun , Liu Zongping 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal capable of damaging brain. Studies have demonstrated that Cd can induce apoptosis in neuronal cells. The CD95/APO-1 (Fas)/Fas Ligand (FasL) signaling pathway is one of the primary apoptosis pathways, but the role and regulatory mechanism of this pathway in neuronal cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrated the underlying mechanism of the Fas/FasL system involving the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in neuronal cells. Primary rat cerebral cortical neurons and PC12 cells were exposed to Cd, which significantly activated expression of Fas, FasL, Fas-associated death domain (FADD) and cleaved caspase-8. However, expression of cleaved caspase-8 decreased at 20 µM Cd in primary cerebral cortical neurons. Importantly, Cd-induced apoptotic morphological changes and increase in the apoptosis rate were partially blocked by Z-IETD-FMK, which is a specific inhibitor of caspase-8. Cd-mediated increase of apoptosis rate was inhibited by anti-FasL antibody. Furthermore, our data revealed that Z-IETD-FMK also blocked increase of truncated BH3 interacting domain death agonist (tBID)/BID, decrease of the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)/Bcl-2 associate X protein (Bax) ratio and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), release of cytochrome c, as well as cleavage of caspase-9/3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) induced by Cd. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the Fas/FasL-mediated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway plays an important role in Cd-induced neuronal apoptosis.
Amino Acid Chiral Selection Via Weak Interactions in Stellar Environments: Implications for the Origin of Life
Authors: Famiano Michael A. , Boyd Richard N. , Kajino Toshitaka , Onaka Takashi , Mo Yirong 
Published: June 2018

AbstractMagnetochiral phenomena may be responsible for the selection of chiral states of biomolecules in meteoric environments. For example, the Supernova Amino Acid Processing (SNAAP) Model was proposed previously as a possible mode of magnetochiral selection of amino acids by way of the weak interaction in strong magnetic fields. In earlier work, this model was shown to produce an enantiomeric excess (ee) as high as 0.014% for alanine. In this paper we present the results of molecular quantum chemistry calculations from which ees are determined for the α-amino acids plus isovaline and norvaline, which were found to have positive ees in meteorites. Calculations are performed for both isolated and aqueous states. In some cases, the aqueous state was found to produce larger ees reaching values as high as a few percent under plausible conditions.
Dying cells expose a nuclear antigen cross-reacting with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Metzger Philipp , Kirchleitner Sabrina V. , Koenig Lars M. , Hörth Christine , Kobold Sebastian , Endres Stefan , Schnurr Max , Duewell Peter 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCheckpoint molecules such as programmed death 1 (PD-1) dampen excessive T cell activation to preserve immune homeostasis. PD-1-specific monoclonal antibodies have revolutionized cancer therapy, as they reverse tumour-induced T cell exhaustion and restore CTL activity. Based on this success, deciphering underlying mechanisms of PD-1-mediated immune functions has become an important field of immunological research. Initially described for T cells, there is emerging evidence of unconventional PD-1 expression by myeloid as well as tumor cells, yet, with cell-intrinsic functions in various animal tumor models. Here, we describe positive PD-1 antibody staining of various murine immune and tumour cells that is, unlike for T cells, not the PD-1 receptor and restricted to cells with low forward scatter characteristics. Based on flow cytometry and various approaches, including two established murine anti-PD-1 antibody clones, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and confocal imaging, we describe a staining pattern assigned to a nuclear antigen cross-reacting with anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. Lack of PD-1 expression was further underlined by the analysis of PD-1 expression from B16-F10-derived 3D cultures and ex vivo tumours. Thus, our data provide multiple lines of evidence that PD-1 expression by non-T cells is unlikely to be the case and, taking recent data of PD-1 tumour cell-intrinsic functions into account, suggest that other antibody-mediated pathways might apply.
Notochordal cell matrix as a bioactive lubricant for the osteoarthritic joint
Authors: de Vries S. A. H. , van Doeselaar M. , Kaper H. J. , Sharma P. K. , Ito K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractNotochordal cell derived matrix (NCM) can induce regenerative effects on nucleus pulposus cells and may exert such effects on chondrocytes as well. Furthermore, when dissolved at low concentrations, NCM forms a viscous fluid with potential lubricating properties. Therefore, this study tests the feasibility of the use of NCM as a regenerative lubricant for the osteoarthritic joint. Chondrocyte-seeded alginate beads were cultured in base medium (BM), BM with NCM (NCM), or BM with TGF-β1 (TGF), as well as BM and NCM treated with IL-1β. NCM increased GAG deposition and cell proliferation (stronger than TGF), and GAG/DNA ratio and hydroxyproline content (similar to TGF). These effects were maintained in the presence of IL-1β. Moreover, NCM mitigated expression of IL-1β-induced IL-6, IL-8, ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13. Reciprocating sliding friction tests of cartilage on glass were performed to test NCM’s lubricating properties relative to hyaluronic acid (HA), and showed a dose-dependent reduction in coefficient of friction with NCM, similar to HA. NCM has anabolic and anti-inflammatory effects on chondrocytes, as well as lubricating properties. Therefore, intra-articular NCM injection may have potential as a treatment to minimize pain while restoring the affected cartilage tissue in the osteoarthritic joint.
Microstructural Design for Improving Ductility of An Initially Brittle Refractory High Entropy Alloy
Authors: Soni V. , Senkov O. N. , Gwalani B. , Miracle D. B. , Banerjee R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTypically, refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs), comprising a two-phase ordered B2 + BCC microstructure, exhibit extraordinarily high yield strengths, but poor ductility at room temperature, limiting their engineering application. The poor ductility is attributed to the continuous matrix being the ordered B2 phase in these alloys. This paper presents a novel approach to microstructural engineering of RHEAs to form an “inverted” BCC + B2 microstructure with discrete B2 precipitates dispersed within a continuous BCC matrix, resulting in improved room temperature compressive ductility, while maintaining high yield strength at both room and elevated temperature.
Vortex lattice in the crossover of a Bose gas from weak coupling to unitarity
Authors: Adhikari S. K. , Salasnich L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe formation of a regular lattice of quantized vortices in a fluid under rotation is a smoking-gun signature of its superfluid nature. Here we study the vortex lattice in a dilute superfluid gas of bosonic atoms at zero temperature along the crossover from the weak-coupling regime, where the inter-atomic scattering length is very small compared to the average distance between atoms, to the unitarity regime, where the inter-atomic scattering length diverges. This study is based on high-performance numerical simulations of the time-dependent nonlinear Schrödinger equation for the superfluid order parameter in three spatial dimensions, using a realistic analytical expression for the bulk equation of state of the system along the crossover from weak-coupling to unitarity. This equation of state has the correct weak-coupling and unitarity limits and faithfully reproduces the results of an accurate multi-orbital microscopic calculation. Our numerical predictions of the number of vortices and root-mean-square sizes are important benchmarks for future experiments.
Limitation of Optical Enhancement in Ultra-thin Solar Cells Imposed by Contact Selectivity
Authors: Islam Raisul , Saraswat Krishna 
Published: June 2018

AbstractUltra-thin crystalline silicon (c-Si) solar cell suffers both from poor light absorption and minority carrier recombination at the contacts resulting in low contact selectivity. Yet most of the research focuses on improving the light absorption by introducing novel light trapping technique. Our work shows that for ultra-thin absorber, the benefit of optical enhancement is limited by low contact selectivity. Using simulation we observe that performance enhancement from light trapping starts to saturate as the absorber scales down because of the increase in probability of the photo-generated carriers to recombine at the metal contact. Therefore, improving the carrier selectivity of the contacts, which reduces the recombination at contacts, is important to improve the performance of the solar cell beyond what is possible by enhancing light absorption only. The impact of improving contact selectivity increases as the absorber thickness scales below 20 micrometer (μm). Light trapping provides better light management and improving contact selectivity provides better photo-generated carrier management. When better light management increases the number of photo-generated carriers, better carrier management is a useful optimization knob to achieve the efficiency close to the thermodynamic limit. Our work explores a design trade-off in detail which is often overlooked by the research community.
Model of the adaptive immune response system against HCV infection reveals potential immunomodulatory agents for combination therapy
Authors: Obaid Ayesha , Naz Anam , Ikram Aqsa , Awan Faryal Mehwish , Raza Abida , Ahmad Jamil , Ali Amjad 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA regulated immune system employs multiple cell types, diverse variety of cytokines and interacting signalling networks against infections. Systems biology offers a promising solution to model and simulate such large populations of interacting components of immune systems holistically. This study focuses on the distinct components of the adaptive immune system and analysis, both individually and in association with HCV infection. The effective and failed adaptive immune response models have been developed followed by interventions/perturbations of various treatment strategies to get better assessment of the treatment responses under varying stimuli. Based on the model predictions, the NK cells, T regulatory cells, IL-10, IL-21, IL-12, IL-2 entities are found to be the most critical determinants of treatment response. The proposed potential immunomodulatory therapeutic interventions include IL-21 treatment, blocking of inhibitory receptors on T-cells and exogenous anti-IL-10 antibody treatment. The relative results showed that these interventions have differential effect on the expression levels of cellular and cytokines entities of the immune response. Notably, IL-21 enhances the expression of NK cells, Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and CD4+ T cells and hence restore the host immune potential. The models presented here provide a starting point for cost-effective analysis and more comprehensive modeling of biological phenomenon.
One-step synthesis of Nickle Iron-layered double hydroxide/reduced graphene oxide/carbon nanofibres composite as electrode materials for asymmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Wang Feifei , Wang Ting , Sun Shiguo , Xu Yongqian , Yu Ruijin , Li Hongjuan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractA novel NiFe-LDH/RGO/CNFs composite was produced by using a facile one-step hydrothermal method as electrode for supercapacitor. Compared with NiFe-LDH/CNFs, NiFe-LDH/CNTs and NiFe-LDH/RGO, NiFe-LDH/RGO/CNFs demonstrated a high specific capacitance of 1330.2 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 and a super rate capability of 64.2% from 1 to 20 A g−1, indicating great potential for supercapacitor application. Additionally, an asymmetric supercapacitor using NiFe-LDH/RGO/CNFs composite as positive electrode material and activated carbon as negative electrode material was assembled. The asymmetric supercapacitor can work in the voltage range of 0–1.57 V. It displayed high energy density of 33.7 W h kg−1 at power density of 785.8 W kg−1 and excellent cycling stability with 97.1% of the initial capacitance after 2500 cycles at 8 A g−1. Two flexible AC//LDH-RGO-CNFs ASC devices connected in series were able to light up a red LED indicator after being fully charged. The results demonstrate that the AC//LDH-RGO-CNFs ASC has a promising potential in commercial application.
Extracellular vesicles with altered tetraspanin CD9 and CD151 levels confer increased prostate cell motility and invasion
Authors: Brzozowski Joshua S. , Bond Danielle R. , Jankowski Helen , Goldie Belinda J. , Burchell Rachel , Naudin Crystal , Smith Nathan D. , Scarlett Christopher J. , Larsen Martin R. , Dun Matthew D. , Skelding Kathryn A. , Weidenhofer Judith 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo facilitate intercellular communication, cells release nano-sized, extracellular vesicles (EVs) to transfer biological cargo to both local and distant sites. EVs are enriched in tetraspanins, two of which (CD9 and CD151) have altered expression patterns in many solid tumours, including prostate cancer, as they advance toward metastasis. We aimed to determine whether EVs from prostate cells with altered CD9 and CD151 expression could influence cellular behaviour and increase the metastatic capabilities of non-tumourigenic prostate cells. EVs were isolated by ultrafiltration and characterised for their tetraspanin expression and size distribution. iTRAQ was used to identify differences between RWPE1 and tetraspanin-modified RWPE1 EV proteomes, showing an enrichment in protein degradation pathways. Addition of EVs from RWPE1 cells with reduced CD9 or increased CD151 abundance resulted in increased invasion of RWPE1 cells, and increased migration in the case of high CD151 abundance. We have been able to show that alteration of CD9 and CD151 on prostate cells alters the proteome of their resultant EVs, and that these EVs can enhance the migratory and invasive capabilities of a non-tumourigenic prostate cellular population. This work suggests that cellular tetraspanin levels can alter EVs, potentially acting as a driver of metastasis in prostate cancer.
Decorrelation Signal of Diabetic Hyperreflective Foci on Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography
Authors: Murakami Tomoaki , Suzuma Kiyoshi , Dodo Yoko , Yoshitake Tatsuya , Yasukura Shota , Nakanishi Hideo , Fujimoto Masahiro , Oishi Maho , Tsujikawa Akitaka 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDiabetic hyperreflective foci in the outer retinal layers are a clinically relevant finding on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images, although their characteristics remain to be elucidated. Here we investigated the decorrelation signal around hyperreflective foci on OCT angiography (OCTA) images in diabetic retinopathy (DR). We retrospectively reviewed sufficient quality OCTA images from 102 eyes of 66 patients that were obtained using split-spectrum amplitude-decorrelation angiography algorithm. Most confluent hyperreflective foci were randomly deposited or appeared in a radiating array on the en-face structural OCT images in the inner nuclear layer (INL) or Henle’s fiber layer (HFL), respectively. Within the INL, hyperreflective foci were not accompanied by decorrelation signals and attached to capillaries on OCTA images. Decorrelation signals were sometimes delineated in hyperreflective foci in the HFL and other times appeared to be pseudopod-like or wrapping around hyperreflective foci, referred to as reflectance-decorrelated foci. The decorrelation signal intensity of hyperreflective foci in the HFL was associated with logMAR VA (R = 0.553, P < 0.001) and central subfield thickness (R = 0.408, P < 0.001) but not with DR severity. These data suggest that reflectance-decorrelated foci on OCTA images are clinically relevant as well as shed lights on the properties in diabetic hyperreflective foci.
D5 dopamine receptors control glutamatergic AMPA transmission between the motor cortex and subthalamic nucleus
Authors: Froux Lionel , Le Bon-Jego Morgane , Miguelez Cristina , Normand Elisabeth , Morin Stephanie , Fioramonti Stéphanie , Barresi Massimo , Frick Andreas , Baufreton Jerome , Taupignon Anne 
Published: June 2018

AbstractCorticofugal fibers target the subthalamic nucleus (STN), a component nucleus of the basal ganglia, in addition to the striatum, their main input. The cortico-subthalamic, or hyperdirect, pathway, is thought to supplement the cortico-striatal pathways in order to interrupt/change planned actions. To explore the previously unknown properties of the neurons that project to the STN, retrograde and anterograde tools were used to specifically identify them in the motor cortex and selectively stimulate their synapses in the STN. The cortico-subthalamic neurons exhibited very little sag and fired an initial doublet followed by non-adapting action potentials. In the STN, AMPA/kainate synaptic currents had a voltage-dependent conductance, indicative of GluA2-lacking receptors and were partly inhibited by Naspm. AMPA transmission displayed short-term depression, with the exception of a limited bandpass in the 5 to 15 Hz range. AMPA synaptic currents were negatively controlled by dopamine D5 receptors. The reduction in synaptic strength was due to postsynaptic D5 receptors, mediated by a PKA-dependent pathway, but did not involve a modified rectification index. Our data indicated that dopamine, through post-synaptic D5 receptors, limited the cortical drive onto STN neurons in the normal brain.
Fibrinogen – A Practical and Cost Efficient Biomarker for Detecting Periprosthetic Joint Infection
Authors: Klim S. M. , Amerstorfer F. , Gruber G. , Bernhardt G. A. , Radl R. , Leitner L. , Leithner A. , Glehr M. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe early and accurate diagnosis of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) can be challenging. Fibrinogen plays an important role in mediating inflammation of bacterial infections and therefore could be a valuable biomarker for PJI. The purpose of this study was to investigate the sensitivity and specificity of serum levels of fibrinogen in detecting PJI, and to compare the results with the established PJI biomarkers C-reactive protein (CRP) and leukocyte count. Eighty-four patients (124 surgeries) were prospectively included. The preoperatively analyzed parameters were fibrinogen, CRP and leukocyte count. The sensitivity and specificity of the biomarkers were calculated and compared. Fibrinogen (p < 0.001), CRP (p < 0.001) and leukocyte count (p < 0.001) had a statistically significant correlation with the criteria defining the presence of PJI. For fibrinogen, the value of 519 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.66. The CRP cut-off point of 11.00 mg/dl had a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.74. The leukocyte count of 5.68 G/l had a sensitivity of 0.90 and a specificity of 0.39. Our results indicated that fibrinogen is a significant biomarker for detecting a bacterial PJI. It has shown to be a cost-efficient diagnostic support with high sensitivity and specificity.
Chemokine CXCL16 mediates acinar cell necrosis in cerulein induced acute pancreatitis in mice
Authors: Sakuma Yojiro , Kodama Yuzo , Eguchi Takaaki , Uza Norimitsu , Tsuji Yoshihisa , Shiokawa Masahiro , Maruno Takahisa , Kuriyama Katsutoshi , Nishikawa Yoshihiro , Yamauchi Yuki , Tsuda Motoyuki , Ueda Tatsuki , Matsumori Tomoaki , Morita Toshihiro , Tomono Teruko , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Mima Atsushi , Sogabe Yuko , Marui Saiko , Kuwada Takeshi , Okada Akihiko , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nakase Hiroshi , Chiba Tsutomu , Seno Hiroshi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractSevere acute pancreatitis is a lethal inflammatory disease frequently accompanied by pancreatic necrosis. We aimed to identify a key regulator in the development of pancreatic necrosis. A cytokine/chemokine array using sera from patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) revealed that serum CXCL16 levels were elevated according to the severity of pancreatitis. In a mouse model of AP, Cxcl16 expression was induced in pancreatic acini in the late phase with the development of pancreatic necrosis. Cxcl16−/− mice revealed similar sensitivity as wild-type (WT) mice to the onset of pancreatitis, but better resisted development of acinar cell necrosis with attenuated neutrophil infiltration. A cytokine array and immunohistochemistry revealed lower expression of Ccl9, a neutrophil chemoattractant, in the pancreatic acini of Cxcl16−/− mice than WT mice. Ccl9 mRNA expression was induced by stimulation with Cxcl16 protein in pancreatic acinar cells in vitro, suggesting a Cxcl16/Ccl9 cascade. Neutralizing antibody against Cxcl16 ameliorated pancreatic injury in the mouse AP model with decreased Ccl9 expression and less neutrophil accumulation. In conclusion, Cxcl16 expressed in pancreatic acini contributes to the development of acinar cell necrosis through the induction of Ccl9 and subsequent neutrophil infiltration. CXCL16 could be a new therapeutic target in AP.
Six-Year Incidence and Risk Factors of Age-Related Macular Degeneration in Singaporean Indians: The Singapore Indian Eye Study
Authors: Foo Valencia Hui Xian , Yanagi Yasuo , Nguyen Quang Duc , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Lim Sing Hui , Neelam Kumari , Wang Jie Jin , Mitchell Paul , Cheng Ching-Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe aimed to determine the 6-year incidence and risk factors of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in first and second generations of Singaporean Indians. Baseline examination was conducted in 2007–9 and 6-year propsective follow-up examination of this Indian population in 2013–5. All participants underwent interviews with questionnaires and comprehensive medical and eye examinations. Incidence was age-standardized to Singaporean 2010 census. Risk factors associated with AMD incidence were assessed and compared between first and second generations of immigrants. Among 2200 persons who participated in the follow-up examination (75.5% response rate), gradable fundus photographs were available in 2105. The 6-year age-standardized incidences of early and late AMD were 5.26% and 0.51% respectively. Incident early AMD was associated with cardiovascular disease history (HR 1.59, 95% CI 1.04–2.45), underweight body mass index (BMI) (HR 3.12, 95% CI 1.37–7.14) (BMI of <18.5 vs 18.51–25 kg/m2), heavy alcohol drinking (HR 3.14 95% CI 1.25–7.89) and ARMS2 rs3750847 homozygous genetic loci carrier (HR 2.52, 95% CI 1.59–3.99). We found a relatively low incidence of early AMD in this Singaporean Indian population compared to Caucasian populations. Both first and second-generation Indian immigrants have similar incidence and risk factor patterns for early AMD.