bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nutraceutical profile and evidence of alleviation of oxidative stress by Spirogyra porticalis (Muell.) Cleve inhabiting the high altitude Trans-Himalayan Region
Authors: Kumar Jatinder , Khan Shahanshah , Mandotra S. K. , Dhar Priyanka , Tayade Amol B. , Verma Sheetal , Toppo Kiran , Arora Rajesh , Upreti Dalip K. , Chaurasia Om P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe high altitude trans-Himalayan region indeed is hostile domain for survival. Algae inhabiting this hostile terrain have evolutionarily developed mechanisms to produce unique adaptogenic molecules against climatic stressors. The present study has focused on the high altitude alga Spirogyra porticalis (Muell.) Cleve- a filamentous Charophyte, and reports the estimation of amino acids (AAs), fatty acids (FAs), vitamins and their efficacy against oxidative stress. Reverse phase-HPLC, GC-FID and rapid resolution-LC/tandem mass spectrometry were used for analysis of AAs, FAs and vitamins. Analysis of the alga revealed the presence of 19 AAs (239.51 ± 8.57 to 13102.40 ± 11.08 µg/g), dominated by alanine, proline and lysine. Enriched phenylalanine, cysteine-HCl and high lysine:arginine ratio could also have beneficial impact against hypoxia -induced cognitive impairment. A total of 9 FAs were detected (0.43 ± 0.00% to 34.76 ± 0.52%). Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated FAs were found to be dominant. The alga showed the presence of 8 vitamins within the range of 39.654 ± 3.198 to 5468.184 ± 106.859 µg/Kg, wherein Vitamin B5, B3 and B2 were dominant. 600 µg/ml of methanolic extract showed recovery of GSH and trolox equivalent antioxidants in rat blood/hemolysate, while 400 µg/ml of extract showed revival in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The present study concludes that the alga S. porticalis has immense potential to counter oxidative stress as a nutraceutical supplement.
Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Derived from Coal for Bioimaging: Facile and Green Approach
Authors: Kang Sukhyun , Kim Kang Min , jung Kyunghwan , Son Yong , Mhin Sungwook , Ryu Jeong Ho , Shim Kwang Bo , Lee Byoungsoo , Han HyukSu , Song Taeseup 
Published: March 2019

AbstractGraphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) are usually prepared using expensive carbon precursors such as carbon nanotubes (CNT) or graphene under the strong acidic condition, which requires an additional purifying process. Here, we first develop a facile pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) technique for preparing GOQDs using earth-abundant and low-cost coal as a precursor. Only ethanol and coal are used to produce GOQDs with excellent optical properties. The prepared GOQDs exhibit excellent optoelectronic properties which can be successfully utilized in bioimaging applications.
Flexible Mid-infrared Photonic Circuits for Real-time and Label-Free Hydroxyl Compound Detection
Authors: Jin Tiening , Lin Hao-Yu Greg , Tiwald Tom , Lin Pao Tai 
Published: March 2019

AbstractChip-scale chemical detections were demonstrated by mid-Infrared (mid-IR) integrated optics made by aluminum nitride (AlN) waveguides on flexible borosilicate templates. The AlN film was deposited using sputtering at room temperature, and it exhibited a broad infrared transmittance up to λ = 9 µm. The AlN waveguide profile was created by microelectronic fabrication processes. The sensor is bendable because it has a thickness less than 30 µm that significantly decreases the strain. A bright fundamental mode was obtained at λ = 2.50–2.65 µm without mode distortion or scattering observed. By spectrum scanning at the -OH absorption band, the waveguide sensor was able to identify different hydroxyl compounds, such as water, methanol, and ethanol, and the concentrations of their mixtures. Real-time methanol monitoring was achieved by reading the intensity change of the waveguide mode at λ = 2.65 μm, which overlap with the stretch absorption of the hydroxyl bond. Due to the advantages of mechanical flexibility and broad mid-IR transparency, the AlN chemical sensor will enable microphotonic devices for wearables and remote biomedical and environmental detection.
RNAi-based bioinsecticide for Aedes mosquito control
Authors: Lopez Sheila Barbara G. , Guimarães-Ribeiro Victor , Rodriguez João Victor G. , Dorand Fernando A. P. S. , Salles Tiago S. , Sá-Guimarães Thayane E. , Alvarenga Evelyn S. L. , Melo Ana Claudia A. , Almeida Rodrigo V. , Moreira Monica F. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractZika virus infection and dengue and chikungunya fevers are emerging viral diseases that have become public health threats. Their aetiologic agents are transmitted by the bite of genus Aedes mosquitoes. Without effective therapies or vaccines, vector control is the main strategy for preventing the spread of these diseases. Increased insecticide resistance calls for biorational actions focused on control of the target vector population. The chitin required for larval survival structures is a good target for biorational control. Chitin synthases A and B (CHS) are enzymes in the chitin synthesis pathway. Double-stranded RNA (dsRNA)-mediated gene silencing (RNAi) achieves specific knockdown of target proteins. Our goal in this work, a new proposed RNAi-based bioinsecticide, was developed as a potential strategy for mosquito population control. DsRNA molecules that target five different regions in the CHSA and B transcript sequences were produced in vitro and in vivo through expression in E. coli HT115 and tested by direct addition to larval breeding water. Mature and immature larvae treated with dsRNA targeting CHS catalytic sites showed significantly decreased viability associated with a reduction in CHS transcript levels. The few larval and adult survivors displayed an altered morphology and chitin content. In association with diflubenzuron, this bioinsecticide exhibited insecticidal adjuvant properties.
Phased Patagonian Ice Sheet response to Southern Hemisphere atmospheric and oceanic warming between 18 and 17 ka
Authors: Bendle Jacob M. , Palmer Adrian P. , Thorndycraft Varyl R. , Matthews Ian P. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe onset of deglaciation in the Southern Hemisphere mid-latitudes has been attributed to the southward transmission of climate anomalies in response to slow-down of Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) during Heinrich Stadial 1 (HS-1; 18–14.6 ka). However, inferences on the response of former ice sheets to sub-millennial palaeoclimate shifts are limited by a shortage of high-resolution terrestrial archives. Here we use a ~1000-year duration, annually-resolved lake sediment record to investigate the deglacial retreat dynamics of the Lago General Carrera–Buenos Aires ice lobe (46.5°S) of the former Patagonian Ice Sheet. We attribute the onset of glacier retreat at 18.0 ± 0.14 cal ka BP to abrupt southward migration of the Southern Westerly Winds that enhanced solar radiation receipt (and ablation) at the ice sheet surface. We infer that accelerated retreat from 17.77 ± 0.13 cal ka BP represents a lagged Southern Hemisphere response to gradual ocean-atmosphere warming associated with the centennial-scale transmission of Northern Hemisphere climate anomalies through the oceanic bipolar seesaw. By 17.38 ± 0.12 cal ka BP, the glacier margin had receded into a deepening proglacial lake, instigating sustained calving losses and more rapid ice recession.
R. nukuhivensis acts by reinforcing skin barrier function, boosting skin immunity and by inhibiting IL-22 induced keratinocyte hyperproliferation
Authors: Abdallah Florence , Lecellier Gaël , Raharivelomanana Phila , Pichon Chantal 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRauvolfia nukuhivensis is a well-known plant used for its wide range of beneficial effects in Marquesas islands. It is made up of diverse indole alkaloids and is used as traditional medicine for skin application. The actual mechanism behind the virtue of this plant is still unknown. Hence, in this study we aimed at deciphering the impact of R. nukuhivensis on skin immune system in context of (1) homeostasis, (2) pathogen infection and (3) inflammation. Here we show that R. nukuhivensis enhances cellular metabolic activity and wound healing without inducing cellular stress or disturbing cellular homeostasis. It reinforces the epithelial barrier by up-regulating hBD-1. Nevertheless, in pathogenic stress, R. nukuhivensis acts by preparing the immune system to be reactive and effective directly. Indeed, it enhances the innate immune response by increasing pathogens sensors such as TLR5. Finally, R. nukuhivensis blocks IL-22 induced hyperproliferation via PTEN and Filaggrin up-regulation as well as BCL-2 downregulation. In conclusion, this study provides evidence on the several cutaneous application potentials of R. nukuhivensis such as boosting the immune response or in restoring the integrity of the epithelial barrier.
The dynamics of the antibiotic resistome in the feces of freshly weaned pigs following therapeutic administration of oxytetracycline
Authors: Ghanbari Mahdi , Klose Viviana , Crispie Fiona , Cotter Paul D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this study, shotgun metagenomics was employed to monitor the effect of oxytetracycline, administered at a therapeutic dose, on the dynamics of the microbiota and resistome in the feces of weaned pigs. Sixteen weaning pigs were assigned to one of two treatments including standard starter diet for 21 days or antibiotic-supplemented diet (10 g oxytetracycline/100 kg body weight/day) for 7 days, followed by 14 days of standard starter diet. Feces were collected from the pigs on days 0, 8, and 21 for microbiota and resistome profiling. Pigs receiving oxytetracycline exhibited a significantly greater richness (ANOVA, P = 0.034) and diversity (ANOVA, P = 0.048) of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) than the control pigs. Antibiotic administration significantly enriched the abundances of 41 ARGs, mainly from the tetracycline, betalactam and multidrug resistance classes. Compositional shifts in the bacterial communities were observed following 7 days of antibiotic adminstration, with the medicated pigs showing an increase in Escherichia (Proteobacteria) and Prevotella (Bacteroidetes) populations compared with the nonmedicated pigs. This might be explained by the potential of these taxa to carry ARGs that may be transferred to other susceptible bacteria in the densely populated gut environment. These findings will help in the optimization of therapeutic schemes involving antibiotic usage in swine production.
A bismuth triiodide monosheet on Bi2Se3(0001)
Authors: Polyakov Andrey , Mohseni Katayoon , Castro German R. , Rubio-Zuazo Juan , Zeugner Alexander , Isaeva Anna , Chen Ying-Jiun , Tusche Christian , Meyerheim Holger L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractA stable BiI3 monosheet has been grown for the first time on the (0001) surface of the topological insulator Bi2Se3 as confirmed by scanning tunnelling microscopy, surface X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoemision spectroscopy. BiI3 is deposited by molecular beam epitaxy from the crystalline BiTeI precursor that undergoes decomposition sublimation. The key fragment of the bulk BiI3 structure, $${{\rm{a}}}_{\infty }^{2}$$

a

∞

2

[I—Bi—I] layer of edge-sharing BiI6 octahedra, is preserved in the ultra-thin film limit, but exhibits large atomic relaxations. The stacking sequence of the trilayers and alternations of the Bi—I distances in the monosheet are the same as in the bulk BiI3 structure. Momentum resolved photoemission spectroscopy indicates a direct band gap of 1.2 eV. The Dirac surface state is completely destroyed and a new flat band appears in the band gap of the BiI3 film that could be interpreted as an interface state.
Synthesis, Characterisation and In Vitro Permeation, Dissolution and Cytotoxic Evaluation of Ruthenium(II)-Liganded Sulpiride and Amino Alcohol
Authors: M’bitsi-Ibouily Gretta C. , Marimuthu Thashree , Kumar Pradeep , Choonara Yahya E. , du Toit Lisa C. , Pradeep Priyamvada , Modi Girish , Pillay Viness 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSulpiride (SPR) is a selective antagonist of central dopamine receptors but has limited clinical use due to its poor pharmacokinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate how metal ligation to SPR may improve its solubility, intestinal permeability and prolong its half-life. The synthesis and characterisation of ternary metal complexes [Ru(p -cymene)(L)(SPR)]PF6 (L1 = (R)-(+)-2-amino-3-phenyl-1-propanol, L2 = ethanolamine, L3 = (S)-(+)-2-amino-1-propanol, L4 = 3-amino-1-propanol, L5 = (S)-(+)-2-pyrrolidinemethanol) are described in this work. The stability constant of the [Ru(p -cymene)(SPR)] complex was determined using Job’s method. The obtained value revealed higher stability of the metal complex in the physiological pH than in an acidic environment such as the stomach. The ternary metal complexes were characterised by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal analyses, Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis). Solubility studies showed higher aqueous solubility for complexed SPR than the free drug. Dissolution profiles of SPR from the metal complexes exhibited slower dissolution rate of the drug. Permeation studies through the pig’s intestine revealed enhanced membrane permeation of the complexed drug. In vitro methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay showed no noticeable toxic effects of the ternary metal complexes on Caco-2 cell line.
High-Electrical-Conductivity Multilayer Graphene Formed by Layer Exchange with Controlled Thickness and Interlayer
Authors: Murata Hiromasa , Nakajima Yoshiki , Saitoh Noriyuki , Yoshizawa Noriko , Suemasu Takashi , Toko Kaoru 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe layer exchange technique enables high-quality multilayer graphene (MLG) on arbitrary substrates, which is a key to combining advanced electronic devices with carbon materials. We synthesize uniform MLG layers of various thicknesses, t, ranging from 5 nm to 200 nm using Ni-induced layer exchange at 800 °C. Raman and transmission electron microscopy studies show the crystal quality of MLG is relatively low for t ≤ 20 nm and dramatically improves for t ≥ 50 nm when we prepare a diffusion controlling Al2O3 interlayer between the C and Ni layers. Hall effect measurements reveal the carrier mobility for t = 50 nm is 550 cm2/Vs, which is the highest Hall mobility in MLG directly formed on an insulator. The electrical conductivity (2700 S/cm) also exceeds a highly oriented pyrolytic graphite synthesized at 3000 °C or higher. Synthesis technology of MLG with a wide range of thicknesses will enable exploration of extensive device applications of carbon materials.
Cargo diffusion shortens single-kinesin runs at low viscous drag
Authors: Wilson John O. , Quint David A. , Gopinathan Ajay , Xu Jing 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMolecular motors such as kinesin-1 drive active, long-range transport of cargos along microtubules in cells. Thermal diffusion of the cargo can impose a randomly directed, fluctuating mechanical load on the motor carrying the cargo. Recent experiments highlighted a strong asymmetry in the sensitivity of single-kinesin run length to load direction, raising the intriguing possibility that cargo diffusion may non-trivially influence motor run length. To test this possibility, here we employed Monte Carlo-based simulations to evaluate the transport of cargo by a single kinesin. Our simulations included physiologically relevant viscous drag on the cargo and interrogated a large parameter space of cytoplasmic viscosities, cargo sizes, and motor velocities that captures their respective ranges in living cells. We found that cargo diffusion significantly shortens single-kinesin runs. This diffusion-based shortening is countered by viscous drag, leading to an unexpected, non-monotonic variation in run length as viscous drag increases. To our knowledge, this is the first identification of a significant effect of cargo diffusion on motor-based transport. Our study highlights the importance of cargo diffusion and load-detachment kinetics on single-motor functions under physiologically relevant conditions.
Molecular architecture of the Jumonji C family histone demethylase KDM5B
Authors: Dorosz Jerzy , Kristensen Line Hyltoft , Aduri Nanda G. , Mirza Osman , Lousen Rikke , Bucciarelli Saskia , Mehta Ved , Sellés-Baiget Selene , Solbak Sara Marie Øie , Bach Anders , Mesa Pablo , Hernandez Pablo Alcon , Montoya Guillermo , Nguyen Tam T. T. N. , Rand Kasper D. , Boesen Thomas , Gajhede Michael 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe full length human histone 3 lysine 4 demethylase KDM5B (PLU-1/Jarid1B) has been studied using Hydrogen/Deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, homology modelling, sequence analysis, small angle X-ray scattering and electron microscopy. This first structure on an intact multi-domain Jumonji histone demethylase reveal that the so-called PLU region, in the central region of KDM5B, has a curved α-helical three-dimensional structure, that acts as a rigid linker between the catalytic core and a region comprising four α-helices, a loop comprising the PHD2 domain, two large intrinsically disordered loops and the PHD3 domain in close proximity. The dumbbell shaped and curved KDM5B architecture observed by electron microscopy is complementary to the nucleosome surface and has a striking overall similarity to that of the functionally related KDM1A/CoREST complex. This could suggest that there are similarities between the demethylation mechanisms employed by the two histone 3 lysine 4 demethylases at the molecular level.
PGC-1α overexpression partially rescues impaired oxidative and contractile pathophysiology following volumetric muscle loss injury
Authors: Southern William M. , Nichenko Anna S. , Tehrani Kayvan F. , McGranahan Melissa J. , Krishnan Laxminarayanan , Qualls Anita E. , Jenkins Nathan T. , Mortensen Luke J. , Yin Hang , Yin Amelia , Guldberg Robert E. , Greising Sarah M. , Call Jarrod A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVolumetric muscle loss (VML) injury is characterized by a non-recoverable loss of muscle fibers due to ablative surgery or severe orthopaedic trauma, that results in chronic functional impairments of the soft tissue. Currently, the effects of VML on the oxidative capacity and adaptability of the remaining injured muscle are unclear. A better understanding of this pathophysiology could significantly shape how VML-injured patients and clinicians approach regenerative medicine and rehabilitation following injury. Herein, the data indicated that VML-injured muscle has diminished mitochondrial content and function (i.e., oxidative capacity), loss of mitochondrial network organization, and attenuated oxidative adaptations to exercise. However, forced PGC-1α over-expression rescued the deficits in oxidative capacity and muscle strength. This implicates physiological activation of PGC1-α as a limiting factor in VML-injured muscle’s adaptive capacity to exercise and provides a mechanistic target for regenerative rehabilitation approaches to address the skeletal muscle dysfunction.
Effect of insertion layer on electrode properties in magnetic tunnel junctions with a zero-moment half-metal
Authors: Titova Aleksandra , Fowley Ciarán , Clifford Eugene , Lau Yong-Chang , Borisov Kiril , Betto Davide , Atcheson Gwenael , Hübner René , Xu Chi , Stamenov Plamen , Coey Michael , Rode Karsten , Lindner Jürgen , Fassbender Jürgen , Deac Alina Maria 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDue to its negligible spontaneous magnetization, high spin polarization and giant perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, Mn2RuxGa (MRG) is an ideal candidate as an oscillating layer in THz spin-transfer-torque nano-oscillators. Here, the effect of ultrathin Al and Ta diffusion barriers between MRG and MgO in perpendicular magnetic tunnel junctions is investigated and compared to devices with a bare MRG/MgO interface. Both the compensation temperature, Tcomp, of the electrode and the tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) of the device are highly sensitive to the choice and thickness of the insertion layer used. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy, as well as analysis of the TMR, its bias dependence, and the resistance-area product allow us to compare the devices from a structural and electrical point of view. Al insertion leads to the formation of thicker effective barriers and gives the highest TMR, at the cost of a reduced Tcomp. Ta is the superior diffusion barrier which retains Tcomp, however, it also leads to a much lower TMR on account of the short spin diffusion length which reduces the tunneling spin polarization. The study shows that fine engineering of the Mn2RuxGa/barrier interface to improve the TMR amplitude is feasible.
Use of machine learning to identify novel, behaviorally active antagonists of the insect odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) subunit
Authors: Kepchia Devin , Xu Pingxi , Terryn Raymond , Castro Ana , Schürer Stephan C. , Leal Walter S. , Luetje Charles W. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractOlfaction is a key component of the multimodal approach used by mosquitoes to target and feed on humans, spreading various diseases. Current repellents have drawbacks, necessitating development of more effective agents. In addition to variable odorant specificity subunits, all insect odorant receptors (ORs) contain a conserved odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) subunit which is an attractive target for repellent development. Orco directed antagonists allosterically inhibit odorant activation of ORs and we previously showed that an airborne Orco antagonist could inhibit insect olfactory behavior. Here, we identify novel, volatile Orco antagonists. We functionally screened 83 structurally diverse compounds against Orco from Anopheles gambiae. Results were used for training machine learning models to rank probable activity of a library of 1280 odorant molecules. Functional testing of a representative subset of predicted active compounds revealed enrichment for Orco antagonists, many structurally distinct from previously known Orco antagonists. Novel Orco antagonist 2-tert-butyl-6-methylphenol (BMP) inhibited odorant responses in electroantennogram and single sensillum recordings in adult Drosophila melanogaster and inhibited OR-mediated olfactory behavior in D. melanogaster larvae. Structure-activity analysis of BMP analogs identified compounds with improved potency. Our results provide a new approach to the discovery of behaviorally active Orco antagonists for eventual use as insect repellents/confusants.