bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficient polyethylenimine-mediated gene delivery proceeds via a caveolar pathway in HeLa cells.
Authors: Gabrielson Nathan , Pack Daniel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMost in vivo gene therapies will require cell-specific targeting. Although vector targeting through ligand attachment has met with success in generating gene delivery particles that are capable of specific cellular interactions, little attention has been given to the possible effects of such ligands on subsequent intracellular processing. In this study, we examine the impact of targeting two distinct endocytic routes-the caveolar and clathrin pathways-on polyethylenimine-mediated gene delivery in HeLa cells. Targeting complexes to the caveolar pathway with folic acid and the clathrin pathway with transferrin yields enhanced gene delivery relative to unmodified polyethylenimine. Colocalization studies with caveolin-1 and clathrin heavy chain indicate that the ligands successfully deliver their cargo to the intended pathways. However, inhibition of only the caveolar pathway-whether through the use of small molecule drugs or RNA interference-reduces gene delivery efficiency, suggesting that successful polyethylenimine-mediated gene delivery proceeds via a caveolar pathway in HeLa cells. Transfections in the presence of chloroquine and pH tracking studies suggest that a contributing factor to the success of the caveolar pathway is avoidance of lysosomes. Collectively, these data demonstrate that uptake mechanism and subsequent endocytic processing are important design parameters for gene delivery materials.
Simulations of Antigenic Variability in Influenza A
Authors: Fachada Nuno , Lopes Vitor , Rosa Agostinho 
Published: July 2019

AbstractComputational models of the immune system (IS) and pathogenic agents have several applications, such as theory testing and validation, or as a complement to first stages of drug trials. One possible application is the prediction of the lethality of new Influenza A strains, which are constantly created due to antigenic drift and shift. Here, we present several simulations of antigenic variability in Influenza A using an agent-based approach, where low level molecular antigen-antibody interactions are explicitly described. Antigenic drift and shift events are analyzed regarding the virulence of emergent strains against the IS. Results are discussed from a qualitative point of view taking into account recent and generally recognized immunology and influenza literature.
The monoclonal antibody nBT062 conjugated to maytansinoids has potent and selective cytotoxicity against CD138 positive multiple myeloma cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ikeda Hiroshi , Hideshima Teru , Lutz Robert , Yasui Hiroshi , Okawa Yutaka , Kiziltepe Tanyel , Vallet Sonia , Pozzi Samantha , Santo Loredana , Perrone Giulia , Fulciniti Mariateresa , Tai Yu-Tzu , Cristea Diana , Raje Noopur , Uherek Christoph , Dälken Benjamin , Aigner Silkie , Osterroth Frank , Munshi Nikhil , Richardson Paul , Anderson Kenneth 
Published: July 2019

AbstractCD138 (Syndecan1) is highly expressed on multiple myeloma (MM) cells. In this study, we examined the anti-MM effect of murine/human chimeric CD138-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) nBT062 conjugated with highly cytotoxic maytansinoid derivatives in vitro and in vivo. These agents significantly inhibited growth of CD138-positive MM cell lines and primary tumor cells from MM patients, without cytotoxicity against peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers. In MM cells, they induced G2/M cell cycle arrest followed by apoptosis associated with cleavage of PARP and caspase-3, -8 and -9. Non-conjugated nBT062 completely blocked cytotoxicity induced by nBT062-maytansinoid conjugate, confirming that binding is required for inducing cytotoxicity. Moreover, nBT062-maytansinoid conjugates blocked adhesion of MM cells to bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). Co-culture of MM cells with BMSCs, which protects against dexamethasone-induced death, had no impact on the cytotoxicity of the immunoconjugates. Importantly, nBT062-SPDB-DM4 and nBT062-SPP-DM1 significantly inhibited MM tumor growth in vivo in both human multiple myeloma xenograft mouse models and in SCID-human bone grafts (SCID-hu mouse model). These studies provide the preclinical framework supporting evaluation of nBT062-maytansinoid derivatives in clinical trials to improve patient outcome in MM.
Consciousness as Recursive, Spatiotemporal Self-Location
Authors: Peters Frederic 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAt the phenomenal level, consciousness can be described as a singular, unified field of recursive self-awareness, consistently coherent in a particular way; that of a subject located both spatially and temporally in an egocentrically-extended domain, such that conscious self-awareness is explicitly characterized by I-ness, now-ness and here-ness. The psychological mechanism underwriting this spatiotemporal self-locatedness and its recursive processing style involves an evolutionary elaboration of the basic orientative reference frame which consistently structures ongoing spatiotemporal self-location computations as i-here-now. Cognition computes action-output in the midst of ongoing movement, and consequently requires a constant self-locating spatiotemporal reference frame as basis for these computations. Over time, constant evolutionary pressures for energy efficiency have encouraged both the proliferation of anticipative feedforward processing mechansims, and the elaboration, at the apex of the sensorimotor processing hierarchy, of self-activating, highly attenuated recursively-feedforward circuitry processing the basic orientational schema independent of external action output. As the primary reference frame of active waking cognition, this recursive i-here-now processing generates a zone of subjective self-awareness in terms of which it feels like something to be oneself here and now. This is consciousness.
Dynamic Modeling of Vaccinating Behavior as a Function of Individual Beliefs
Authors: Coelho Flávio , Codeço Cláudia 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIndividual perception of vaccine safety is an important factor in determining a person's adherence to a vaccination program and its consequences for disease control. This perception, or belief, about the safety of a given vaccine, is not a static parameter but a variable subject to environmental influence. To complicate matters, perception of risk (or safety) does not correspond to actual risk. In this paper we propose a way to model the dynamics of such beliefs in the context of a realistic epidemiological scenario. The methodology proposed is based on Bayesian inference, and can be extended to model more complex belief systems associated with decision models.
The Central Enigma of Consciousness
Authors: King Chris 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAbstract: The nature and physical basis of consciousness remains the central enigma of the scientific description of reality in the third millennium. This paper seeks to examine the phenomenal nature of subjective consciousness and elucidate a possible biophysical basis for its existence, in terms of a form of quantum anticipation based on entangled states driven by chaotic sensitivity of global brain dynamics during decision-making processes. Evidence is presented for the evolutionary emergence of chaotic excitation as a universal sense organ in the founding eucaryotes, which then became used in a context-sensitive manner by complex central nervous systems, leading to the dynamical brain.
Lost in information. On the processing of irrelevant signals in normal ageing
Authors: Wascher Edmund , Wild-Wall Nele , Falkenstein Michael 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHealthy older adults often have problems to ignore irrelevant information. A lack of executive control upon irrelevant signals might be a core deficit affecting also higher level cognitive functions such as working memory. Here we show the origin of that deficit in a cuing task and demonstrate that older adults are not only unable to ignore irrelevant stimuli, but process them like relevant ones. Ample processing time can help to overcome this deficit.
Competent intermediate hosts and genetic re-assortment: what does the ferret and raccoon model tell us about influenza pandemic risk?
Authors: Alexander Paul 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAvian influenza virus (AI) strains such as H5N1 and H9N2 are endemic among birds and poultry globally and mainly within Eurasia. Human cases have been reported yet the transmission among humans has been inefficient. While swine and pigs have functioned as the primary intermediate host and genetic re-assorter of AI virus, other intermediate and competent hosts may be emerging. This could be potentially disastrous for humans should this lead to the generation of a pandemic strain. This letter to the editor highlights recent findings of AI spread among ferrets and raccoons and the real prospect of genetic re-assortment and evolution among these intermediate non-avian species that could lead to a pandemic strain. These hosts revealed efficient transmission to direct contacts. The implications to humans are staggering. The recent and reported non-avian host findings indicate that there is a steady progression via genetic evolution and adaptation in intermediate hosts, and the potential, for AI virus to eventually acquire the ability to transmit more efficiently to humans and then readily among humans. Further research on the ferret and raccoon models of infection and efficient transmissibility is needed, with a focus on the molecular basis of interspecies transmission and aerosolized spread.
Local and global modes of drug action in biochemical networks
Authors: Schwartz Jean-Marc , Nacher Jose 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIt becomes increasingly accepted that a shift is needed from the traditional target-based approach of drug development to an integrated perspective of drug action in biochemical systems. We here present an integrative analysis of the interactions between drugs and metabolism based on the concept of drug scope. The drug scope represents the set of metabolic compounds and reactions that are potentially affected by a drug. We constructed and analyzed the scopes of all US approved drugs having metabolic targets. Our analysis shows that the distribution of drug scopes is highly uneven, and that drugs can be classified into several categories based on their scopes. Some of them have small scopes corresponding to localized action, while others have large scopes corresponding to potential large-scale systemic action. These groups are well conserved throughout different topologies of the underlying metabolic network. They can furthermore be associated to specific drug therapeutic properties.
Comment on “On the Doubly Hydrogen Bonded Dimer of 7-Azaindole (0.1 M) as a Model for DNA Base Pairs in Acetonitrile Solutions at Rt”
Authors: Kwon Oh-Hoon , Mohammed Omar F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn continuation of comments by Catalán, the latest here questions the steady-state emission spectra of 7-azaindole, and hence the validity of non-concerted proton transfer. In this comment, we show that his results are at fault and not supportive of his claims. We provide possible causes of the misleading claims, including the contamination of the solvent with water moisture. We conclude by calling for an end to such practice, which is counter productive, as it does not follow the scholarly approach of science.
Breeding biology of pond heron in Kerala, South India
Authors: Seedikkoya K , Azeez PA , Abdul Shukkur EA 
Published: July 2019

AbstractRegular intensive investigations to locate nesting colonies were carried out early monsoon of 1999 up to 2002. For detailed study a few breeding colonies were selected. The nesting trees, nest characteristics, eggs characteristics, incubation, hatching and hatchlings were investigated.Altogether 17 plant species were used for nesting. Nest materials were collected from 24 plant species for building nest. The mean maximum size of the nest material used was 29.05 cm and the mean minimum size was 13.46 cm. The clutch size varied from 2-5 and clutches of three were very common. The maximum and minimum length and breadth of eggs were 48.0 x 32.0 and 33.3 x 24.1 respectively. The weight of eggs varied between 17.8 and 11.2 gm. Both sexes take part in incubation that extended for 18-24 days. Hatching success reached 82%. Their food consisted mainly of fishes and both parents took part in feeding the nestlings.
A population-based study of glutathione-S-transferase M1, T1 and P1 genotypes
Authors: Sivoňová Monika , Waczulíková Iveta , Dobrota Dušan , Matáková Tatiana , Hatok Jozef , Račay Peter , Kliment Ján 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA retrospective study on healthy, unrelated subjects was conducted in order to estimate population glutathione-S-transferases (GST) genotype frequencies in Slovak population of men and compare our results with already published data (GSEC project)^1^. A further aim of the study was to evaluate frequencies of the GST polymorphisms also in patients with prostate cancer in order to compare the evaluated proportions with those found in the control subjects. Analysis for the GST gene polymorphisms was performed by PCR and PCR-RFLP. We found that the proportions are not significantly different from those estimated in a European multicentre study or from the results published by another group in Slovakia. We found significantly increased age-standardized prostate cancer prevalence rates in the carriers of GSTM1 null genotype (P = 0.037) and trend for such an increase in the carriers of GSTP1 polymorphism when compared with the respective groups of non-carriers. Because understanding of the contribution of GST gene polymorphisms and their interactions with other relevant factors may improve screening diagnostic assays for prostate cancer, we discuss issues of study feasibility, study design, and statistical power, which should be taken into account in planning further trials.
Description of a method for localizing swarming mosquitoes and other insects in 3D space with visualizations
Authors: Manoukis Nicholas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMale mosquitoes swarm to find mates, but the characteristics of these swarms have not yet been quantitatively analyzed in the field. This paper describes a simple method used recently to localize individual Anopheles gambiae in a swarm via stereoscopic image analysis of video footage swarms recorded in Doneguebougou, Mali. The methods described here represent a streamlining of simple triangulation for insect localization in the hope that other researchers will be able to apply the method for studying fundamental questions about flying insects or other taxa.
The Heterochromatin Protein 1 positively regulates euchromatic gene expression by RNA binding
Authors: Lucia Piacentini , Fanti Laura , Negri Rodolfo , Del Vescovo Valerio , Fatica Alessandro , Pimpinelli Sergio 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHP1 is a well known conserved protein involved in heterochromatin formation and gene silencing in different species including humans1-4. A general model has been proposed for heterochromatin formation and epigenetic gene silencing in different species that implies an essential role for HP1. According to the model, histone methyltransferase enzymes (HMTases) methylate the histone H3 at lysine 9 (H3-MeK9), creating selective binding sites for itself and the chromodomain of HP15. This complex is thought to form a higher order chromatin state that represses gene activity. It has also been found that HP1 plays a role in telomere capping6. Surprisingly, recent data have suggested an association of HP1 in gene activity7-10 but the nature of this interaction is still completely obscure. Here we show, that HP1 is required for positive regulation of more than one hundred euchromatic genes by its association with the corresponding RNA transcripts and by its interaction with the well known proteins DDP111, HRB87F12 and PEP13, which belong to different classes of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) involved in RNA processing . We also found that all these hnRNP proteins also bind heterochromatin and are dominant suppressors of position effect variegation. Our data together, show novel and unexpected functions for HP1 and hnRNPs proteins. All these proteins are in fact involved in both RNA transcript processing and in heterochromatin formation. This suggests that, in general, similar epigenetic mechanisms have a significant role in the metabolism of both RNA and heterochromatin.
Two Rules on the Protein-Ligand Interaction
Authors: Pang Xiaodong , Zhou Linxiang , Zhang Lily , Xu Lina , Zhang Xinyi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSo far, we still lack a clear molecular mechanism to explain the protein-ligand interaction on the basis of electronic structure of a protein. By combining the calculation of the full electronic structure of a protein along with its hydrophobic pocket and the perturbation theory, we found out two rules on the protein-ligand interaction. One rule is the interaction only occurs between the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) of a protein and the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) of its ligand, not between the HOMOs of a protein and the LUMO of its ligand. The other rule is only those residues or atoms located both on the LUMOs of a protein and in a surface pocket of a protein are activity residues or activity atoms of the protein and the corresponding pocket is the ligand binding site. These two rules are derived from the characteristics of energy levels of a protein and might be an important criterion of drug design.
Minimum Information about a Neuroscience Investigation (MINI): Electrophysiology
Authors: Gibson Frank , Overton Paul , Smulders Tom , Schultz Simon , Eglen Stephen , Ingram Colin , Panzeri Stefano , Bream Phil , Whittington Miles , Sernagor Evelyne , Cunningham Mark , Adams Christopher , Echtermeyer Christoph , Simonotto Jennifer , Kaiser Marcus , Swan Daniel , Fletcher Martyn , Lord Phillip 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis module represents the formalised opinion of the authors and the CARMEN consortium, which identifies the minimum information required to report the use of electrophysiology in a neuroscience study, for submission to the CARMEN system ("http://www.carmen.org.uk":www.carmen.org.uk).
Far-infrared rays control prostate cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shima Hiroki , Yamamoto Shingo , Qiu Jun , Shincho Mayumi , Hirota Seiichi , Yoshikawa Yoshie , Yoshikawa Reigetsu , Hashimoto-Tamaoki Tomoko 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe introduce a new effective method to control hormone refractory prostate cancer cells by using an activated rubber/resin form (RB), far-infrared ray emitter, with or without sodium butyrate (SB). The growth of three human prostate cancer cell lines (Du145, PC-3 and LNCaP) was suppressed in vitro and in vivo by using RB, and the cells were eradicated with RB + 3 mM SB. G1 arrest and apoptotic pathway proteins were induced by RB with intensified expressions of apoptosis - related mRNA on cDNA microarray. RB radiates far-infrared rays of the 4 to 25 [mu]m wavelengths to an object which exert a favorable influence on a cancer control. These results may render us a new therapeutic modality in hormone refractory prostate cancer.
Proposing a life cycle land use impact calculation methodology
Authors: Achten Wouter , Mathijs Erik , Muys Bart 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) community is yet to come to a consensus on a methodology to incorporate land use in LCA, still struggling with what exactly should be assessed and which indicators should be used. To solve this problem we start from concepts and models describing how ecosystems function and sustain, in order to understand how land use affects them. Earlier our research group presented a methodology based on the ecosystem exergy concept. This concept as based on the hypothesis that ecosystems develop towards more effective degradation of exergy fluxes passing through the system and is derived from two axioms: the principles of (i) maximum exergy storage and the (ii) maximum exergy dissipation. This concept aiming at the area of protection natural environment is different from conventional exergy analysis in LCA focusing on natural resources. To prevent confusion, the ecosystem exergy concept is further referred to as the MAximum Storage and Dissipation concept (MASD concept). In this paper we present how this concept identifies end-point impacts, mid-point impacts and mid-point indicators. The identified end-point impacts to assess are Ecosystem Structural Quality (ESQ) and Ecosystem Functional Quality (EFQ). In order to quantify these end-point impacts a dynamic multi-indicator set is proposed for quantifying the mid-point impacts on soil fertility, biodiversity and biomass production (quantifying the ESQ) and soil structure, vegetation structure and on-site water balance (quantifying the EFQ). Further we present an impact calculation method suitable for different environmental assessment tools and demonstrate the incorporation of the methodology in LCA.
Frequency and accuracy of weight comments by others, and the association with weight misperception among Hong Kong adolescents
Authors: Lo Wing-Sze , Ho Sai-Yin , Mak Kwok-Kei , Lai Yuen-Kwan , Lam Tai-Hing 
Published: July 2019

Abstract*Purpose:* To assess the frequency and accuracy of weight comments received from different sources among Chinese adolescents and the relation of weight comments to weight misperception.*Methods:* In the Hong Kong Student Obesity Surveillance (HKSOS) project 2006-07, 22612 form 1 to 7 students (41.5% boys) completed a questionnaire on obesity. Students were asked if they had received serious "too fat" or "too thin" comments over the past 30 days from family members, peers and professionals, and the accuracy of the comments was assessed against the actual weight status. Weight misperception was defined as discordance between the actual and perceived weight status. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odd ratios (ORs) for weight misperception by weight comments received.
*Results:*
One in three students received weight comments, most commonly from mother for both "too fat" and "too thin" comments. Health professional was the most accurate source of weight comments, yet less than half the comments were correct. Receiving incorrect weight comments was significantly associated with weight misperception in all sex-weight status sub-groups, particularly among obese girls. In contrast, student who received correct weight comments were less likely to have weight misperception.

*Conclusions:*
Weight comments were commonly received by Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong, yet most of the comments were inaccurate, and such incorrect comments were associated with weight misperception. Family members, peers and professionals should realize the potential adverse effects of their weight comments and adolescents should be taught how to correctly assess their weight status to reduce misperceptions.
Optical and Electrical Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Functionalized with Oxadiazole Chromophores
Authors: Yu Bo-Zhang , Ma Ji-Fei , Li Hu-Lin , Zhang Ya-Fei , La Wen-Xin 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMulti-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with oxadiazole chromophores, 2-(4-aminophenyl)-5-naphthyl-1,3,4-oxadiazole (APND) was prepared by an amide linkage. The resultant MWCNTs-APND and APND were characterized by using FT IR, ^1^H NMR, and XRD analysis to give their structural and crystal information, supporting the successful modification. UV-Vis absorption spectrum of MWCNTs-APND was broadened and significantly red-shifted, and its emission peak was narrower than that of APND, which provided direct evidence for reaction of APND with surface of MWCNTs via [pi]-stacking. The electrical properties demonstrated that there was a perfect ohmic behaviour for membrane of APND, and the thin films of MWCNTs-APND had the same nonlinear properties as MWCNTs within order magnitude of milliampere.