bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of polypeptide conformation through donor–acceptor transformation of side-chain hydrogen bonding ligands
Authors: Song Ziyuan , Mansbach Rachael A. , He Hua , Shih Kuo-Chih , Baumgartner Ryan , Zheng Nan , Ba Xiaochu , Huang Yinzhao , Mani Deepak , Liu Yun , Lin Yao , Nieh Mu-Ping , Ferguson Andrew L. , Yin Lichen , Cheng Jianjun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSynthetic polypeptides have received increasing attention due to their ability to form higher ordered structures similar to proteins. The control over their secondary structures, which enables dynamic conformational changes, is primarily accomplished by tuning the side-chain hydrophobic or ionic interactions. Herein we report a strategy to modulate the conformation of polypeptides utilizing donor–acceptor interactions emanating from side-chain H-bonding ligands. Specifically, 1,2,3-triazole groups, when incorporated onto polypeptide side-chains, serve as both H-bond donors and acceptors at neutral pH and disrupt the α-helical conformation. When protonated, the resulting 1,2,3-triazolium ions lose the ability to act as H-bond acceptors, and the polypeptides regain their α-helical structure. The conformational change of triazole polypeptides in response to the donor-acceptor pattern was conclusively demonstrated using both experimental-based and simulation-based methods. We further showed the utility of this transition by designing smart, cell-penetrating polymers that undergo acid-activated endosomal escape in living cells.
Cellular interfaces with hydrogen-bonded organic semiconductor hierarchical nanocrystals
Authors: Sytnyk Mykhailo , Jakešová Marie , Litviňuková Monika , Mashkov Oleksandr , Kriegner Dominik , Stangl Julian , Nebesářová Jana , Fecher Frank W. , Schöfberger Wolfgang , Sariciftci Niyazi Serdar , Schindl Rainer , Heiss Wolfgang , Głowacki Eric Daniel 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSuccessful formation of electronic interfaces between living cells and semiconductors hinges on being able to obtain an extremely close and high surface-area contact, which preserves both cell viability and semiconductor performance. To accomplish this, we introduce organic semiconductor assemblies consisting of a hierarchical arrangement of nanocrystals. These are synthesised via a colloidal chemical route that transforms the nontoxic commercial pigment quinacridone into various biomimetic three-dimensional arrangements of nanocrystals. Through a tuning of parameters such as precursor concentration, ligands and additives, we obtain complex size and shape control at room temperature. We elaborate hedgehog-shaped crystals comprising nanoscale needles or daggers that form intimate interfaces with the cell membrane, minimising the cleft with single cells without apparent detriment to viability. Excitation of such interfaces with light leads to effective cellular photostimulation. We find reversible light-induced conductance changes in ion-selective or temperature-gated channels.
Raman evidence for pressure-induced formation of diamondene
Authors: Martins Luiz Gustavo Pimenta , Matos Matheus J. S. , Paschoal Alexandre R. , Freire Paulo T. C. , Andrade Nadia F. , Aguiar Acrísio L. , Kong Jing , Neves Bernardo R. A. , de Oliveira Alan B. , Mazzoni Mário S.C. , Filho Antonio G. Souza , Cançado Luiz Gustavo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDespite the advanced stage of diamond thin-film technology, with applications ranging from superconductivity to biosensing, the realization of a stable and atomically thick two-dimensional diamond material, named here as diamondene, is still forthcoming. Adding to the outstanding properties of its bulk and thin-film counterparts, diamondene is predicted to be a ferromagnetic semiconductor with spin polarized bands. Here, we provide spectroscopic evidence for the formation of diamondene by performing Raman spectroscopy of double-layer graphene under high pressure. The results are explained in terms of a breakdown in the Kohn anomaly associated with the finite size of the remaining graphene sites surrounded by the diamondene matrix. Ab initio calculations and molecular dynamics simulations are employed to clarify the mechanism of diamondene formation, which requires two or more layers of graphene subjected to high pressures in the presence of specific chemical groups such as hydroxyl groups or hydrogens.
HDAC3 is a molecular brake of the metabolic switch supporting white adipose tissue browning
Authors: Ferrari Alessandra , Longo Raffaella , Fiorino Erika , Silva Rui , Mitro Nico , Cermenati Gaia , Gilardi Federica , Desvergne Béatrice , Andolfo Annapaola , Magagnotti Cinzia , Caruso Donatella , Fabiani Emma De , Hiebert Scott W. , Crestani Maurizio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhite adipose tissue (WAT) can undergo a phenotypic switch, known as browning, in response to environmental stimuli such as cold. Post-translational modifications of histones have been shown to regulate cellular energy metabolism, but their role in white adipose tissue physiology remains incompletely understood. Here we show that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) regulates WAT metabolism and function. Selective ablation of Hdac3 in fat switches the metabolic signature of WAT by activating a futile cycle of de novo fatty acid synthesis and β-oxidation that potentiates WAT oxidative capacity and ultimately supports browning. Specific ablation of Hdac3 in adipose tissue increases acetylation of enhancers in Pparg and Ucp1 genes, and of putative regulatory regions of the Ppara gene. Our results unveil HDAC3 as a regulator of WAT physiology, which acts as a molecular brake that inhibits fatty acid metabolism and WAT browning.
A Novel Methodology using CT Imaging Biomarkers to Quantify Radiation Sensitivity in the Esophagus with Application to Clinical Trials
Authors: Niedzielski Joshua S. , Yang Jinzhong , Stingo Francesco , Liao Zhongxing , Gomez Daniel , Mohan Radhe , Martel Mary , Briere Tina , Court Laurence 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPersonalized cancer therapy seeks to tailor treatment to an individual patient’s biology. Therefore, a means to characterize radiosensitivity is necessary. In this study, we investigated radiosensitivity in the normal esophagus using an imaging biomarker of radiation-response and esophageal toxicity, esophageal expansion, as a method to quantify radiosensitivity in 134 non-small-cell lung cancer patients, by using K-Means clustering to group patients based on esophageal radiosensitivity. Patients within the cluster of higher response and lower dose were labelled as radiosensitive. This information was used as a variable in toxicity prediction modelling (lasso logistic regression). The resultant model performance was quantified and compared to toxicity prediction modelling without utilizing radiosensitivity information. The esophageal expansion-response was highly variable between patients, even for similar radiation doses. K-Means clustering was able to identify three patient subgroups of radiosensitivity: radiosensitive, radio-normal, and radioresistant groups. Inclusion of the radiosensitive variable improved lasso logistic regression models compared to model performance without radiosensitivity information. Esophageal radiosensitivity can be quantified using esophageal expansion and K-Means clustering to improve toxicity prediction modelling. Finally, this methodology may be applied in clinical trials to validate pre-treatment biomarkers of esophageal toxicity.
Knockdown of two Cadherin genes confers resistance to Cry2A and Cry1C in Chilo suppressalis
Authors: Zhang Zan , Teng Xiaolu , Ma Weihua , Li Fei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) Cry toxins play an important role in the management of insect pests. Resistance to Bt toxins has been reported in many pest insects but the mechanism responsible for this resistance in rice crop pests remains largely unknown. Cadherin is one of several Bt toxin receptors. At present, only one cadherin gene,CsCAD1, has been documented in the striped rice stem borer,Chilo suppressalis. We amplified a nearly full-length transcript of anotherC. suppressaliscadherin gene,CsCAD2, and found that it has a different expression pattern toCsCAD1.CsCAD1was highly expressed in fifth and sixth instar larvae, especially in the midgut, while the expression levels ofCsCA2were equably in each developmental stage. Newly hatched larvae were fed on rice smeared with synthesized siRNA to knockdown eitherCsCAD1orCsCAD2, and then were fed transgenic rice expressing either theCry2AorCry1Ctoxins. The siRNA-treatment groups had lower mortality and higher survival rates than the control group, suggesting that reduced expression ofCsCAD1orCsCAD2increased resistance toCry2AandCry1C. We conclude thatCsCAD1andCsCAD2interact with Bt toxins inC. suppressalisand that this interaction could be the mechanism underlying Bt resistance in this insect.
A selective inhibitor of histone deacetylase 3 prevents cognitive deficits and suppresses striatal CAG repeat expansions in Huntington’s disease mice
Authors: Suelves Nuria , Kirkham-McCarthy Lucy , Lahue Robert S. , Ginés Silvia 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHuntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder whose major symptoms include progressive motor and cognitive dysfunction. Cognitive decline is a critical quality of life concern for HD patients and families. The enzyme histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) appears to be important in HD pathology by negatively regulating genes involved in cognitive functions. Furthermore, HDAC3 has been implicated in the aberrant transcriptional patterns that help cause disease symptoms in HD mice. HDAC3 also helps fuel CAG repeat expansions in human cells, suggesting that HDAC3 may power striatal expansions in the HTT gene thought to drive disease progression. This multifaceted role suggests that early HDAC3 inhibition offers an attractive mechanism to prevent HD cognitive decline and to suppress striatal expansions. This hypothesis was investigated by treating HdhQ111 knock-in mice with the HDAC3-selective inhibitor RGFP966. Chronic early treatment prevented long-term memory impairments and normalized specific memory-related gene expression in hippocampus. Additionally, RGFP966 prevented corticostriatal-dependent motor learning deficits, significantly suppressed striatal CAG repeat expansions, partially rescued striatal protein marker expression and reduced accumulation of mutant huntingtin oligomeric forms. These novel results highlight RGFP966 as an appealing multiple-benefit therapy in HD that concurrently prevents cognitive decline and suppresses striatal CAG repeat expansions.
Change in choroidal blood flow and choroidal morphology due to segmental scleral buckling in eyes with rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Iwase Takeshi , Kobayashi Misato , Yamamoto Kentaro , Yanagida Kosei , Ra Eimei , Terasaki Hiroko 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough scleral buckling is a well-established surgical treatment for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD), the procedure can reportedly cause problems in the ocular circulation. Segmental scleral bucking without a concomitant encircling procedure was performed on 46 eyes with successfully reattached macula-on RRD. Choroidal blood flow was assessed using laser speckle flowgraphy. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography was used to image macular regions, to measure the subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and to calculate the luminal and the stromal areas by the binarization method preoperatively and 1, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Choroidal mean blur rate at the macula did not significantly change, while that at the buckle and unbuckle side significantly reduced at 8 weeks postoperatively in the operated eye (P = 0.007 and P = 0.017, respectively). The SFCT and the luminal area increased temporarily 1 week following surgery in the operated eye (P < 0.001). The trend of SFCT with time coincided with that of the luminal area (P < 0.001). Venous drainage obstruction induced by compression force of scleral buckling leads to SFCT thickening in the acute postoperative phase. The macular choroidal blood flow might be less susceptible because the blood flow at the macula, in contrast to the other areas, does not change following segmental scleral buckling.
Metal Nanoclusters with Synergistically Engineered Optical and Buffering Activity of Intracellular Reactive Oxygen Species by Compositional and Supramolecular Design
Authors: Santiago-Gonzalez B. , Monguzzi A. , Caputo M. , Villa C. , Prato M. , Santambrogio C. , Torrente Y. , Meinardi F. , Brovelli S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMetal nanoclusters featuring tunable luminescence and high biocompatibility are receiving attention as fluorescent markers for cellular imaging. The recently discovered ability of gold clusters to scavenge cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) from the intracellular environment extends their applicability to biomedical theranostics and provides a novel platform for realizing multifunctional luminescent probes with engineered anti-cytotoxic activity for applications in bio-diagnostics and conceivably cellular therapy. This goal could be achieved by using clusters of strongly reactive metals such as silver, provided that strategies are found to enhance their luminescence while simultaneously enabling direct interaction between the metal atoms and the chemical surroundings. In this work, we demonstrate a synergic approach for realizing multifunctional metal clusters combining enhanced luminescence with strong and lasting ROS scavenging activity, based on the fabrication and in situ protection of Ag nanoclusters with a supramolecular mantle of thiolated-Au atoms (Ag/Au-t). Confocal imaging and viability measurements highlight the biocompatibility of Ag/Au-t and their suitability as fluorescent bio-markers. ROS concentration tests reveal the remarkable scavenging activity of Ag-based clusters. Proliferation tests of cells in artificially stressed culture conditions point out their prolonged anti-cytotoxic effect with respect to gold systems, ensuring positive cell proliferation rates even for long incubation time.
Reaching Agreement in Quantum Hybrid Networks
Authors: Shi Guodong , Li Bo , Miao Zibo , Dower Peter M. , James Matthew R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe consider a basic quantum hybrid network model consisting of a number of nodes each holding a qubit, for which the aim is to drive the network to a consensus in the sense that all qubits reach a common state. Projective measurements are applied serving as control means, and the measurement results are exchanged among the nodes via classical communication channels. In this way the quantum-opeartion/classical-communication nature of hybrid quantum networks is captured, although coherent states and joint operations are not taken into consideration in order to facilitate a clear and explicit analysis. We show how to carry out centralized optimal path planning for this network with all-to-all classical communications, in which case the problem becomes a stochastic optimal control problem with a continuous action space. To overcome the computation and communication obstacles facing the centralized solutions, we also develop a distributed Pairwise Qubit Projection (PQP) algorithm, where pairs of nodes meet at a given time and respectively perform measurements at their geometric average. We show that the qubit states are driven to a consensus almost surely along the proposed PQP algorithm, and that the expected qubit density operators converge to the average of the network’s initial values.
UV-activated ZnO films on a flexible substrate for room temperature O2 and H2O sensing
Authors: Jacobs Christopher B. , Maksov Artem B. , Muckley Eric S. , Collins Liam , Mahjouri-Samani Masoud , Ievlev Anton , Rouleau Christopher M. , Moon Ji-Won , Graham David E. , Sumpter Bobby G. , Ivanov Ilia N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate that UV-light activation of polycrystalline ZnO films on flexible polyimide (Kapton) substrates can be used to detect and differentiate between environmental changes in oxygen and water vapor. The in-plane resistive and impedance properties of ZnO films, fabricated from bacteria-derived ZnS nanoparticles, exhibit unique resistive and capacitive responses to changes in O2 and H2O. We propose that the distinctive responses to O2 and H2O adsorption on ZnO could be utilized to statistically discriminate between the two analytes. Molecular dynamic simulations (MD) of O2 and H2O adsorption energy on ZnO surfaces were performed using the large-scale Atomic/Molecular Massively Parallel Simulator (LAMMPS) with a reactive force-field (ReaxFF). These simulations suggest that the adsorption mechanisms differ for O2 and H2O adsorption on ZnO, and are governed by the surface termination and the extent of surface hydroxylation. Electrical response measurements, using DC resistance, AC impedance spectroscopy, and Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), demonstrate differences in response to O2 and H2O, confirming that different adsorption mechanisms are involved. Statistical and machine learning approaches were applied to demonstrate that by integrating the electrical and kinetic responses the flexible ZnO sensor can be used for detection and discrimination between O2 and H2O at low temperature.
Memristive property’s effects on the I–V characteristics of perovskite solar cells
Authors: Yan Kai , Dong Bin , Xiao Xinyu , Chen Si , Chen Buxin , Gao Xue , Hu Hsienwei , Wen Wen , Zhou Jingbo , Zou Dechun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe unfavorable I–V characteristics of perovskite solar cells (PSCs), such as the I–V hysteresis phenomena, have been one major obstacle for their future practical application. However, corresponding analysis based on traditional theories have shown non-negligible flaws and failed for satisfactory explanation. To present a novel mechanism, here we utilize for the first time the memristive property of the perovskite material to analyze the I–V characteristics of PSCs. The obtained joint physical model and the deduced equation may help solving the long-existent mysteries of the I–V characteristics of PSCs. On the basis of our analysis and memristor theory, we also propose an original device optimization strategy for PSCs, which may help further increase their performance to the limit.
Canopy physiology, vine performance and host-pathogen interaction in a fungi resistant cv. Sangiovese x Bianca accession vs. a susceptible clone
Authors: Poni S. , Chiari G. , Caffi T. , Bove F. , Tombesi S. , Moncalvo A. , Gatti M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe present study compares the physiological and cropping response of the new fungi-resistant grapevine Accession 72–096 (‘Sangiovese’ x ‘Bianca’ hybrid) against a susceptible ‘Sangiovese’ clone which was either fully (FS-SG) or partially sprayed (PS-SG). Data logged on Accession 72–096 indicate that while two early season sprays were enough to avoid major downy mildew (DM) and powdery mildew (PM) outbreaks, Accession 72–096 also showed concurrent desirable features such as moderate cropping, loose clusters, fast sugar accumulation coupled with sufficient acidity even at peak total soluble solids (TSS) concentration (around 24 °Brix), good color and higher flavonols prompting co-pigmentation. Conversely, FS-SG showed final lower acidity despite the notably lower sugar concentration (≅18 °Brix), as well as larger clusters and berries that resulted in more compact bunches. From a methodological viewpoint, end of season single-leaf readings appeared to overestimate the limitation of leaf function due to PM and DM infections in SG-PS vines which, when assessed via a whole-canopy approach, did not show significant differences vs. Accession 72–096, a result likely due to counteracting effects linked to a compensation mechanism by healthy tissues. Our data also suggest that a PM infection can lead to a decoupling in sugar-color accumulation patterns.
Novel Intraperitoneal Treatment With Non-Thermal Plasma-Activated Medium Inhibits Metastatic Potential of Ovarian Cancer Cells
Authors: Nakamura Kae , Peng Yang , Utsumi Fumi , Tanaka Hiromasa , Mizuno Masaaki , Toyokuni Shinya , Hori Masaru , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNon-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma has been proposed as a new therapeutic tool for cancer treatment. Recently, plasma-activated medium (PAM) has been widely studied in various cancer types. However, there are only few reports demonstrating the anti-tumour effects of PAM in an animal model reflecting pathological conditions and the accompanying mechanism. Here we investigated the inhibitory effect of PAM on the metastasis of ovarian cancer ES2 cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that ES2 cell migration, invasion and adhesion were suppressed by PAM at a certain PAM dilution ratio, whereas cell viability remained unaffected. In an in vivo mouse model of intraperitoneal metastasis, PAM inhibited peritoneal dissemination of ES2 cells, resulting in prolonged survival. Moreover, we assessed the molecular mechanism and found that MMP-9 was decreased by PAM. On further investigation, we also found that PAM prevented the activation of the MAPK pathway by inhibiting the phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and p38 MAPK. These findings indicate that PAM inhibits the metastasis of ovarian cancer cells through reduction of MMP-9 secretion, which is critical for cancer cell motility. Our findings suggest that PAM intraperitoneal therapy may be a promising treatment option for ovarian cancer.
The use of radiocobalt as a label improves imaging of EGFR using DOTA-conjugated Affibody molecule
Authors: Garousi Javad , Andersson Ken G. , Dam Johan H. , Olsen Birgitte B. , Mitran Bogdan , Orlova Anna , Buijs Jos , Ståhl Stefan , Löfblom John , Thisgaard Helge , Tolmachev Vladimir 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral anti-cancer therapies target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Radionuclide imaging of EGFR expression in tumours may aid in selection of optimal cancer therapy. The 111In-labelled DOTA-conjugated ZEGFR:2377 Affibody molecule was successfully used for imaging of EGFR-expressing xenografts in mice. An optimal combination of radionuclide, chelator and targeting protein may further improve the contrast of radionuclide imaging. The aim of this study was to evaluate the targeting properties of radiocobalt-labelled DOTA-ZEGFR:2377. DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 was labelled with 57Co (T1/2 = 271.8 d), 55Co (T1/2 = 17.5 h), and, for comparison, with the positron-emitting radionuclide 68Ga (T1/2 = 67.6 min) with preserved specificity of binding to EGFR-expressing A431 cells. The long-lived cobalt radioisotope 57Co was used in animal studies. Both 57Co-DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 and 68Ga-DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 demonstrated EGFR-specific accumulation in A431 xenografts and EGFR-expressing tissues in mice. Tumour-to-organ ratios for the radiocobalt-labelled DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 were significantly higher than for the gallium-labelled counterpart already at 3 h after injection. Importantly, 57Co-DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 demonstrated a tumour-to-liver ratio of 3, which is 7-fold higher than the tumour-to-liver ratio for 68Ga-DOTA-ZEGFR:2377. The results of this study suggest that the positron-emitting cobalt isotope 55Co would be an optimal label for DOTA-ZEGFR:2377 and further development should concentrate on this radionuclide as a label.