bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative effect of alkaline elements and calcium on alteration of International Simple Glass
Authors: Aréna Hélène , Rébiscoul Diane , Garcès Emmanuelle , Godon Nicole 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn the concept of deep geological repository for High Level Wastes, the chemical elements present in the media are expected to impact the long-term behavior of the glass. The effects of Ca, K, and Cs on International Simple Glass glass alteration are compared through long-term experiments (180–500 days). These elements limit glass alteration by their incorporation into the gel layer. The limiting mechanisms driving glass alteration appear to be mainly diffusive, at least during the first six months. The three cations are not equally efficient in limiting glass alteration: the effects of Ca are stronger than those of Cs and K. Multi-element experiments show that the effects of these elements are additive and proportional to the quantity of each element incorporated. When they play the role of charge compensator in the gel network, their incorporation is competitive and follows the order Ca ≫ Cs > K. In addition, when Ca is added to the solution in excess, the quantity of elements incorporated into the gel layer is higher than the amount required for charge compensation. The incorporation of Ca in the gel nanopores as calcium carbonate could explain this phenomenon. These processes could slow the transport phenomena through the gel and enhance its protective properties.
The role of quantum coherence in non-equilibrium entropy production
Authors: Santos Jader P. , Céleri Lucas C. , Landi Gabriel T. , Paternostro Mauro 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThermodynamic irreversibility is well characterized by the entropy production arising from non-equilibrium quantum processes. We show that the entropy production of a quantum system undergoing open-system dynamics can be formally split into a term that only depends on population unbalances, and one that is underpinned by quantum coherences. This allows us to identify a genuine quantum contribution to the entropy production in non-equilibrium quantum processes. We discuss how these features emerge both in Lindblad-Davies differential maps and finite maps subject to the constraints of thermal operations. We also show how this separation naturally leads to two independent entropic conservation laws for the global system-environment dynamics, one referring to the redistribution of populations between system and environment and the other describing how the coherence initially present in the system is distributed into local coherences in the environment and non-local coherences in the system-environment state. Finally, we discuss how the processing of quantum coherences and the incompatibility of non-commuting measurements leads to fundamental limitations in the description of quantum trajectories and fluctuation theorems.
Addressing how multiple household water sources and uses build water resilience and support sustainable development
Authors: Elliott Mark , Foster Tim , MacDonald Morgan C. , Harris Angela R. , Schwab Kellogg J. , Hadwen Wade L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe routine use of multiple water sources to meet household water needs is widely practiced and has been reported in many developing countries. However, it is typically neglected by implementers, development organizations, and researchers who tend to focus exclusively on the “main source of drinking water.” In this Perspective, we explain the nature and scope of multiple water source use (MWSU) at the household level in developing countries. We also describe the implications of MWSU for human health and water resilience, and identify key knowledge gaps, risks, and opportunities associated with MWSU. Finally, we argue that understanding MWSU is feasible for researchers and implementers and is essential for properly designing research studies and water supply projects.
Spin-charge-lattice coupling in YBaCuFeO5: Optical properties and first-principles calculations
Authors: Chen H. W. , Chen Y.-W. , Kuo J.-L. , Lai Y. C. , Chou F. C. , Du C. H. , Liu H. L. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe combined spectroscopic ellipsometry, Raman scattering spectroscopy, and first-principles calculations to explore the optical properties of YBaCuFeO5 single crystals. Measuring the optical absorption spectrum of YBaCuFeO5 at room temperature revealed a direct optical band gap at approximately 1.41 eV and five bands near 1.69, 2.47, 3.16, 4.26, and 5.54 eV. Based on first-principles calculations, the observed optical excitations were appropriately assigned. Analysis of the temperature dependence of the band gap indicated anomalies in antiferromagnetic phase transition at 455 and 175 K. Additionally, a hardening in the frequency of the Eg phonon mode was observed at 175 K. The value of the spin–phonon coupling constant was 15.7 mRy/Å2. These results suggest a complex nature of spin–charge–lattice interactions in YBaCuFeO5.
Complex magnetic structure and magnetocapacitance response in a non-oxide NiF2 system
Authors: Arumugam S. , Sivaprakash P. , Dixit Ambesh , Chaurasiya Rajneesh , Govindaraj L. , Sathiskumar M. , Chatterjee Souvik , Suryanarayanan R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report here on the complex magnetic structure and magnetocapacitance in NiF2, a non-oxide multifunctional system. It undergoes an anti-ferromagnetic transition near 68.5 K, superimposed with canted Ni spin driven weak ferromagnetic ordering, followed by a metastable ferromagnetic phase at or below 10 K. Our density functional calculations account for the complex magnetic structure of NiF2deduced from the temperature and the field dependent measurements. Near room temperature, NiF2exhibits a relatively large dielectric response reaching >103with a low dielectric loss of <0.5 at frequencies >20 Hz. This is attributed to the intrinsic grain contribution in contrast to the grain boundary contribution in most of the known dielectric materials. The response time is 10 μs or more at 280 K. The activation energy for such temperature dependent relaxation is ~500 meV and is the main source for grain contribution. Further, a large negative magneto capacitance >90% is noticed in 1 T magnetic field. We propose that our findings provide a new non-oxide multifunctional NiF2, useful for dielectric applications.
Genetic and Phytochemical Characterization of Lettuce Flavonoid Biosynthesis Mutants
Authors: Gurdon Csanad , Poulev Alexander , Armas Isabel , Satorov Shukhratdzhon , Tsai Meg , Raskin Ilya 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe previously developed red lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars with high flavonoid and phenolic acid content and demonstrated their anti-diabetic effect. Here we report on developing three fertile and true-breeding lettuce lines enriched with flavonoids with reported beneficial health effects. These lines were identified in a segregating population of EMS-mutagenized red lettuce and characterized biochemically and genetically. Change in red coloration was used as a visual indicator of a mutation in a flavonoid pathway gene, leading to accumulation of flavonoid precursors of red anthocyanins. Pink-green kaempferol overproducing kfoA and kfoB mutants accumulated kaempferol to 0.6–1% of their dry weight, higher than in any vegetable reported. The yellow-green naringenin chalcone overproducing mutant (nco) accumulated naringenin chalcone, not previously reported in lettuce, to 1% dry weight, a level only observed in tomato peel. Kfo plants carried a mutation in the FLAVONOID-3′ HYDROXYLASE (F3′H) gene, nco in CHALCONE ISOMERASE (CHI). This work demonstrates how non-GMO approaches can transform a common crop plant into a functional food with possible health benefits.
Late effect of larval co-exposure to the insecticide clothianidin and fungicide pyraclostrobin in Africanized Apis mellifera
Authors: Tadei Rafaela , Domingues Caio E. C. , Malaquias José Bruno , Camilo Erasnilson Vieira , Malaspina Osmar , Silva-Zacarin Elaine C. M. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAmong the factors that contribute to the reduction of honeybee populations are the pesticides. These chemical compounds reach the hive through forager bees, and once there, they can be ingested by the larvae. We evaluated the effects of repeated larval exposure to neonicotinoid insecticide, both in isolation and in combination with strobilurin fungicide, at environmentally relevant doses. The total consumption of the contaminated diet was 23.63 ng fungicide/larvae (pyraclostrobin) and 0.2364 ng insecticide/larvae (clothianidin). The effects on post-embryonic development were evaluated over time. Additionally, we assessed the survival pattern of worker bees after emergence, and the pesticides’ effects on the behavior of newly emerged workers and young workers. Young bees that were exposed to the fungicide and those subjected to co-exposure to both pesticides during larval phase showed behavioral changes. The insecticide, both in isolation and in combination with fungicide reduced the bees’ longevity; this effect of larval exposure to pesticides was stronger in bees that were exposed only to the insecticide. Although the larvae did not have sensitivity to exposure to pesticides, they showed later effects after emergence, which may compromise the dynamics of the colony, contributing to the reduction of the populations of bees in agroecosystems.
Rapid measurement of hydrogen sulphide in human blood plasma using a microfluidic method
Authors: Karunya R. , Jayaprakash K. S. , Gaikwad R. , Sajeesh P. , Ramshad K. , Muraleedharan K. M. , Dixit M. , Thangaraj P. R. , Sen A. K. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is emerging as an important gasotransmitter in both physiological and pathological states. Rapid measurement of H2S remains a challenge. We report a microfluidic method for rapid measurement of sulphide in blood plasma using Dansyl-Azide, a fluorescence (FL) based probe. We have measured known quantities of externally added (exogenous) H2S to both buffer and human blood plasma. Surprisingly, a decrease in FL intensity with increase in exogenous sulphide concentration in plasma was observed which is attributed to the interaction between the proteins and sulphide present in plasma underpinning our observation. The effects of mixing and incubation time, pH, and dilution of plasma on the FL intensity is studied which revealed that the FL assay required a mixing time of 2 min, incubation time of 5 min, a pH of 7.1 and performing the test within 10 min of sampling; these together constitute the optimal parameters at room temperature. A linear correlation (with R2 ≥ 0.95) and an excellent match was obtained when a comparison was done between the proposed microfluidic and conventional spectrofluorometric methods for known concentrations of H2S (range 0–100 µM). We have measured the baseline level of endogenous H2S in healthy volunteers which was found to lie in the range of 70 μM – 125 μM. The proposed microfluidic device with DNS-Az probe enables rapid and accurate estimation of a key gasotransmitter H2S in plasma in conditions closely mimicking real time clinical setting. The availability of this device as at the point of care, will help in understanding the role of H2S in health and disease.
A proteomic time course through the differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocyte-like cells
Authors: Hurrell Tracey , Segeritz Charis-Patricia , Vallier Ludovic , Lilley Kathryn S. , Cromarty Allan D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNumerous in vitro models endeavour to mimic the characteristics of primary human hepatocytes for applications in regenerative medicine and pharmaceutical science. Mature hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are one such in vitro model. Due to insufficiencies in transcriptome to proteome correlation, characterising the proteome of HLCs is essential to provide a suitable framework for their continual optimization. Here we interrogated the proteome during stepwise differentiation of hiPSCs into HLCs over 40 days. Whole cell protein lysates were collected and analysed using stabled isotope labelled mass spectrometry based proteomics. Quantitative proteomics identified over 6,000 proteins in duplicate multiplexed labelling experiments across two different time course series. Inductive cues in differentiation promoted sequential acquisition of hepatocyte specific markers. Analysis of proteins classically assigned as hepatic markers demonstrated trends towards maximum relative abundance between differentiation day 30 and 32. Characterisation of abundant proteins in whole cells provided evidence of the time dependent transition towards proteins corresponding with the functional repertoire of the liver. This data highlights how far the proteome of undifferentiated precursors have progressed to acquire a hepatic phenotype and constructs a platform for optimisation and improved maturation of HLC differentiation.
A Naturally Occurring Polymorphism in the HIV-1 Tat Basic Domain Inhibits Uptake by Bystander Cells and Leads to Reduced Neuroinflammation
Authors: Ruiz Arthur P. , Ajasin David O. , Ramasamy Santhamani , DesMarais Vera , Eugenin Eliseo A. , Prasad Vinayaka R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractHIV-1 Tat protein contributes to HIV-neuropathogenesis in several ways including its ability to be taken up by uninfected bystander CNS cells and to activate inflammatory host genes causing synaptic injury. Here, we report that in the globally dominant HIV-1 clade C, Tat displays a naturally occurring polymorphism, R57S, in its basic domain, which mediates cellular uptake. We examined the effect of this polymorphism on Tat uptake and its consequences for cellular gene transactivation. In decapeptides corresponding to the basic domain, a R57S substitution caused up to a 70% reduction in uptake. We also used a transcellular Tat transactivation assay, where we expressed Tat proteins of HIV-1 clade B (Tat-B) or C (Tat-C) or their position 57 variants in HeLa cells. We quantified the secreted Tat proteins and measured their uptake by TZM-bl cells, which provide readout via an HIV-1 Tat-responsive luciferase gene. Transactivation by Tat-B was significantly reduced by R57S substitution, while that of Tat-C was enhanced by the reciprocal S57R substitution. Finally, we exposed microglia to Tat variants and found that R57 is required for maximal neuroinflammation. The R57S substitution dampened this response. Thus, genetic variations can modulate the ability of HIV-1 Tat to systemically disseminate neuroinflammation.
miR-193b regulates tumorigenesis in liposarcoma cells via PDGFR, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling
Authors: Mazzu Ying Z. , Hu Yulan , Shen Yawei , Tuschl Thomas , Singer Samuel 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLiposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma. Molecularly targeted therapeutics have had limited efficacy in liposarcomas, in part because of inadequate knowledge of the complex molecular alterations in these tumors. Our recent study revealed the tumor suppressive function of miR-193b in liposarcoma. Considering the biological and clinical heterogeneity of liposarcoma, here, we confirmed the under-expression of miR-193b in additional patient liposarcoma samples and cell lines. Based on STRING analysis of protein-protein interactions among the reported putative miR-193b targets, we validated three: PDGFRβ, SMAD4, and YAP1, belonging to strongly interacting pathways (focal adhesion, TGFβ, and Hippo, respectively). We show that all three are directly targeted by miR-193b in liposarcoma. Inhibition of PDGFRβ reduces liposarcoma cell viability and increases adipogenesis. Knockdown of SMAD4 promotes adipogenic differentiation. miR-193b targeting of the Hippo signaling effector YAP1 indirectly inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Both a PDGFR inhibitor (CP-673451) and a Wnt/ β-catenin inhibitor (ICG-001) had potent inhibitory effects on liposarcoma cells, suggesting their potential application in liposarcoma treatment. In summary, we demonstrate that miR-193b controls cell growth and differentiation in liposarcoma by targeting multiple key components (PDGFRβ, SMAD4, and YAP1) in several oncogenic signaling pathways.
Development of colorectal cancer predicts increased risk of subsequent hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with alcoholic liver disease: case-control and cohort study
Authors: Kim Won , Jeong Dongjae , Chung Jungwha , Lee Donghyeon , Joo Saekyoung , Jang Eun Sun , Choi Yoon Jin , Yoon Hyuk , Shin Cheol Min , Park Young Soo , Jeong Sook-Hyang , Kim Nayoung , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Jin-Wook 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAlcohol increases the risk of both hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and colorectal neoplasia. In this hospital-based case-control and retrospective cohort study, we sought to determine whether development of colorectal neoplasia increases the risk of HCC in patients with alcoholic liver disease (ALD). In the phase I case-control analysis, the association between history of colorectal cancer (CRC) and HCC development was assessed in patients with ALD by logistic regression modeling (n = 1,659). In the phase II retrospective cohort analysis, the relative risk of HCC development was compared in ALD patients with respect to the history of CRC by a Cox model (n = 1,184). The history of CRC was significantly associated with HCC in the case-control analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.06–3.15; P < 0.05). ALD patients with CRC had higher risk of developing HCC compared to those without CRC (adjusted hazards ratio [HR], 5.48; 95% CI, 1.63–18.36; P = 0.006) in the cohort analysis. Presence of CRC, liver cirrhosis, elevated baseline alpha-fetoprotein level, and low platelet counts were independent predictors of HCC development in ALD patients. Patients with history of CRC had an increased risk of HCC in both cirrhotic (HR, 3.76; 95% CI, 1.05–13.34, P = 0.041) and non-cirrhotic (HR, 23.46; 95% CI, 2.81–195.83, P = 0.004) ALD patients. In conclusion, ALD patients with CRC are at increased risk of developing HCC.
Toll-Like Receptor 4 Activation Promotes Multiple Myeloma Cell Growth and Survival Via Suppression of The Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Factor Chop
Authors: Bagratuni Tina , Sklirou Aimilia D. , Kastritis Efstathios , Liacos Christine Ivy , Spilioti Christina , Eleutherakis-Papaiakovou Evangelos , Kanellias Nikolaos , Gavriatopoulou Maria , Terpos Evangelos , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Dimopoulos Meletios A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDespite recent biomedical improvements in treating Multiple Myeloma (MM), the disease still remains incurable. Toll like receptors (TLRs) provide a link between innate and adaptive immune responses and hence potentially correlate inflammation to cancer. Although the regulatory role of TLRs in MM has been under investigation the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study we assayed the function of TLR4 in MM cell lines and in MM patients’ samples. We found that lipopolysaccharide-mediated TLR4 activation increased MM cells proliferation and decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, we observed that either the endogenous CHOP expression or the ER stress-mediated CHOP induction, were suppressed by TLR4 activation or its overexpression in MM cell lines; TLR4 induction also suppressed ER stress-induced apoptotic signals. In support, TLR4 gene expression silencing in MM cell lines significantly decreased cell proliferation and promoted CHOP and ATF4 upregulation. TLR4 activation was also able to partially abrogate the effect of bortezomib in MM cell lines by suppressing PERK, ATF4 and phospho-eIF2A. We suggest that TLR4-mediated disruption of ER stress responses contributes to MM cells proliferation and suppresses ER-dependent death signals.
New ecosystems in the deep subsurface follow the flow of water driven by geological activity
Authors: Borgonie G. , Magnabosco C. , García-Moyano A. , Linage-Alvarez B. , Ojo A. O. , Freese L. B. , Van Jaarsveld C. , Van Rooyen C. , Kuloyo O. , Cason E. D. , Vermeulen J. , Pienaar C. , Van Heerden E. , Sherwood Lollar B. , Onstott T. C. , Mundle S. O. C. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEukarya have been discovered in the deep subsurface at several locations in South Africa, but how organisms reach the subsurface remains unknown. We studied river-subsurface fissure water systems and identified Eukarya from a river that are genetically identical for 18S rDNA. To further confirm that these are identical species one metazoan species recovered from the overlying river interbred successfully with specimen recovered from an underlying mine at −1.4 km. In situ seismic simulation experiments were carried out and show seismic activity to be a major force increasing the hydraulic conductivity in faults allowing organisms to create ecosystems in the deep subsurface. As seismic activity is a non-selective force we recovered specimen of algae and Insecta that defy any obvious other explanation at a depth of −3.4 km. Our results show there is a steady flow of surface organisms to the deep subsurface where some survive and adapt and others perish. As seismic activity is also present on other planets and moons in our solar system the mechanism elucidated here may be relevant for future search and selection of landing sites in planetary exploration.
Automated tracking of label-free cells with enhanced recognition of whole tracks
Authors: Al-Zaben Naim , Medyukhina Anna , Dietrich Stefanie , Marolda Alessandra , Hünniger Kerstin , Kurzai Oliver , Figge Marc Thilo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMigration and interactions of immune cells are routinely studied by time-lapse microscopy of in vitro migration and confrontation assays. To objectively quantify the dynamic behavior of cells, software tools for automated cell tracking can be applied. However, many existing tracking algorithms recognize only rather short fragments of a whole cell track and rely on cell staining to enhance cell segmentation. While our previously developed segmentation approach enables tracking of label-free cells, it still suffers from frequently recognizing only short track fragments. In this study, we identify sources of track fragmentation and provide solutions to obtain longer cell tracks. This is achieved by improving the detection of low-contrast cells and by optimizing the value of the gap size parameter, which defines the number of missing cell positions between track fragments that is accepted for still connecting them into one track. We find that the enhanced track recognition increases the average length of cell tracks up to 2.2-fold. Recognizing cell tracks as a whole will enable studying and quantifying more complex patterns of cell behavior, e.g. switches in migration mode or dependence of the phagocytosis efficiency on the number and type of preceding interactions. Such quantitative analyses will improve our understanding of how immune cells interact and function in health and disease.