bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Persistence in eye movement during visual search
Authors: Amor Tatiana A. , Reis Saulo D. S. , Campos Daniel , Herrmann Hans J. , Andrade José S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs any cognitive task, visual search involves a number of underlying processes that cannot be directly observed and measured. In this way, the movement of the eyes certainly represents the most explicit and closest connection we can get to the inner mechanisms governing this cognitive activity. Here we show that the process of eye movement during visual search, consisting of sequences of fixations intercalated by saccades, exhibits distinctive persistent behaviors. Initially, by focusing on saccadic directions and intersaccadic angles, we disclose that the probability distributions of these measures show a clear preference of participants towards a reading-like mechanism (geometrical persistence), whose features and potential advantages for searching/foraging are discussed. We then perform a Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (MF-DFA) over the time series of jump magnitudes in the eye trajectory and find that it exhibits a typical multifractal behavior arising from the sequential combination of saccades and fixations. By inspecting the time series composed of only fixational movements, our results reveal instead a monofractal behavior with a Hurst exponent "Equation missing", which indicates the presence of long-range power-law positive correlations (statistical persistence). We expect that our methodological approach can be adopted as a way to understand persistence and strategy-planning during visual search.
Simultaneous resonant x-ray diffraction measurement of polarization inversion and lattice strain in polycrystalline ferroelectrics
Authors: Gorfman S. , Simons H. , Iamsasri T. , Prasertpalichat S. , Cann D. P. , Choe H. , Pietsch U. , Watier Y. , Jones J. L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStructure-property relationships in ferroelectrics extend over several length scales from the individual unit cell to the macroscopic device, and with dynamics spanning a broad temporal domain. Characterizing the multi-scale structural origin of electric field-induced polarization reversal and strain in ferroelectrics is an ongoing challenge that so far has obscured its fundamental behaviour. By utilizing small intensity differences between Friedel pairs due to resonant scattering, we demonstrate a time-resolved X-ray diffraction technique for directly and simultaneously measuring both lattice strain and, for the first time, polarization reversal during in-situ electrical perturbation. This technique is demonstrated for BaTiO3-BiZn0.5Ti0.5O3 (BT-BZT) polycrystalline ferroelectrics, a prototypical lead-free piezoelectric with an ambiguous switching mechanism. This combines the benefits of spectroscopic and diffraction-based measurements into a single and robust technique with time resolution down to the ns scale, opening a new door to in-situ structure-property characterization that probes the full extent of the ferroelectric behaviour.
ITF2357 transactivates Id3 and regulate TGFβ/BMP7 signaling pathways to attenuate corneal fibrosis
Authors: Lim Rayne R. , Tan Alison , Liu Yu-Chi , Barathi Veluchamy A. , Mohan Rajiv R. , Mehta Jodhbir S. , Chaurasia Shyam S. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCorneal fibrosis is often seen in patients with ocular trauma and infection that compromises corneal transparency resulting in vision loss. Treatment strategies including NSAIDs, steroids, MMC and corneal transplants have shown tremendous success but with several side effects and cellular toxicity. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) have been shown to inhibit corneal fibrosis via TGFβ signaling pathway. In this study, we investigated safety, efficacy and mechanism of action of a HDACi, ITF2357 in TGFβ-stimulatedin vitroprimary human cornea stromal fibroblasts (pHCSFs) andin vivoin a photorefractive keratectomy-treated rabbit model of corneal fibrosis. We found thatin vivoITF2357 decreased collagen I, collagen IV, fibronectin, integrin αVβ3 expression with a reduction in corneal haze. In addition, ITF2357 reduced myofibroblast formation, suppressed phosphorylation of Smad proteins in TGFβ pathway and inhibited key responsive protein, P4HA1 involved in pro-collagen synthesis. Treatment of pHCSFs with ITF2357 activated BMP7 levels and expressed all the members of inhibitor of differentiation proteins (Id1-Id4), however, it failed to rescue TGFβ-driven transdifferentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in the presence of siRNA specific to Id3. We conclude that ITF2357 is a potential anti-fibrotic drug that exerts its action via activation of Id3, a downstream target of TGFβ/BMP7 signaling pathways.
Moral judgment modulates neural responses to the perception of other’s pain: an ERP study
Authors: Cui Fang , Ma Ning , Luo Yue-jia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMorality and empathy are both crucial in building human society. Yet the relationship between them has been merely explored. The present study revealed how the morality influenced empathy for pain by comparing the ERPs elicited by pictures showing the targets’ in pain primed by different moral information about the targets. We found that when the target was a moral one or a neutral one, the painful pictures elicited significantly larger amplitude in N2 than the non-painful pictures, but when the target was an immoral one, the difference between the amplitudes of N2 component elicited by painful and non-painful pictures became insignificant. We proposed that this effect was induced by the decreased affective arousal when observing an immoral person in pain. The reduced neural response towards the immoral one’s pain can keep us alert when we face the potentially dangerous people thereby increasing our chance of survival. SLORTEA results showed the source of this difference in N2 localized in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC) areas.
Progranulin suppresses titanium particle induced inflammatory osteolysis by targeting TNFα signaling
Authors: Zhao Yun-peng , Wei Jian-lu , Tian Qing-yun , Liu Alexander Tianxing , Yi Young-Su , Einhorn Thomas A. , Liu Chuan-ju 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAseptic loosening is a major complication of prosthetic joint surgery, characterized by chronic inflammation, pain and osteolysis surrounding the bone-implant interface. Progranulin (PGRN) is known to have anti-inflammatory action by binding to Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) receptors and antagonizing TNFα. Here we report that titanium particles significantly induced PGRN expression in RAW264.7 cells and also in a mouse air-pouch model of inflammation. PGRN-deficiency enhanced, whereas administration of recombinant PGRN effectively inhibited, titanium particle-induced inflammation in an air pouch model. In addition, PGRN also significantly inhibited titanium particle-induced osteoclastogenesis and calvarial osteolysis in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the inhibition of PGRN on titanium particle induced-inflammation is primarily via neutralizing the titanium particle-activated TNFα/NF-κB signaling pathway and this is evidenced by the suppression of particle-induced IκB phosphorylation, NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation and activity of the NF-κB-specific reporter gene. Collectively, these findings not only demonstrate that PGRN plays an important role in inhibiting titanium particle-induced inflammation, but also provide a potential therapeutic agent for the prevention of wear debris-induced inflammation and osteolysis.
Effects of three permeases on arginine utilization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Zhang Peng , Du Guocheng , Zou Huijun , Chen Jian , Xie Guangfa , Shi Zhongping , Zhou Jingwen 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArginine plays an important role in cellular function and metabolism. Arginine uptake mainly occurs through three amino acid permeases, Alp1p, Gap1p and Can1p, which act as both transporters and receptors for amino acid utilization. In this study, seven mutants were constructed with different combinations of permease deficiencies that inhibit arginine utilization. Their effects on arginine metabolism were measured. The three amino acid permeases were also individually overexpressed in wild-type (WT), Δalp1Δgap1Δcan1 and Δnpr1 strains. The growth and arginine utilization of Δcan1, Δgap1Δcan1 and Δalp1Δgap1Δcan1 mutants were suppressed in YNB medium when arginine was the sole nitrogen source. Meanwhile, overexpression of Alp1p and Can1p enhanced growth and arginine utilization in WT, Δalp1Δgap1Δcan1 and Δnpr1. Besides, overexpression of Can1p caused a 26.7% increase in OD600 and 29.3% increase in arginine utilization compared to that of Alp1p in Δalp1Δgap1Δcan1. Transcription analysis showed that the effects of three amino acid permeases on the arginine utilization and the regulation of related genes, were tightly related to their individual characteristics. However, their overall effects were different for different combinations of mutants. The results presented here suggest some possible synergistic effects of different amino acid permeases on regulation of amino acid utilization and metabolism.
Multifunctional flexible free-standing titanate nanobelt membranes as efficient sorbents for the removal of radioactive 90Sr2+ and 137Cs+ ions and oils
Authors: Wen Tao , Zhao Zhiwei , Shen Congcong , Li Jiaxing , Tan Xiaoli , Zeb Akif , Wang Xiangke , Xu An-Wu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractFor the increasing attention focused on saving endangered environments, there is a growing need for developing membrane materials able to perform complex functions such as removing radioactive pollutants and oil spills from water. A major challenge is the scalable fabrication of membranes with good mechanical and thermal stability, superior resistance to radiation, and excellent recyclability. In this study, we constructed a multifunctional flexible free-standing sodium titanate nanobelt (Na-TNB) membrane that was assembled as advanced radiation-tainted water treatment and oil uptake. We compared the adsorption behavior of 137Cs+ and 90Sr2+ on Na-TNB membranes under various environmental conditions. The maximum adsorption coefficient value (Kd) for Sr2+ reaches 107 mL g−1. The structural collapse of the exchange materials were confirmed by XRD, FTIR and XPS spectroscopy as well as Raman analysis. The adsorption mechanism of Na-TNB membrane is clarified by forming a stable solid with the radioactive cations permanently trapped inside. Besides, the engineered multilayer membrane is exceptionally capable in selectively and rapidly adsorbing oils up to 23 times the adsorbent weight when coated with a thin layer of hydrophobic molecules. This multifunctional membrane has exceptional potential as a suitable material for next generation water treatment and separation technologies.
Highly bendable bilayer-type photo-actuators comprising of reduced graphene oxide dispersed in hydrogels
Authors: Kim Dowan , Lee Heon Sang , Yoon Jinhwan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo avoid the problem of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) restacking in aqueous solution, the preparation of light-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) incorporating rGO (PNIPAm/rGO) was achieved by the chemical reduction of GO dispersed in the hydrogel matrix. Due to the enhanced photothermal efficiency of the rGO, the prepared PNIPAm/rGO underwent large volume reductions in response to irradiation by visible light of modest intensity. With respect to potential applications, bilayer-type photo-actuators comprising a PNIPAm/rGO active layer and poly(acrylamide) passive layer were fabricated; these achieved a full bending motion upon visible-light exposure. Adjusting the swelling ratio of each layer in the initial state yielded bidirectional photo-actuators that showed the active motion of turning inside out. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the fabricated actuation system would exhibit controlled bending motion in response to solar radiation.
Protective efficacy of the chimeric Staphylococcus aureus vaccine candidate IC in sepsis and pneumonia models
Authors: Yang Liuyang , Cai Changzhi , Feng Qiang , Shi Yun , Zuo Qianfei , Yang Huijie , Jing Haiming , Wei Chao , Zhuang Yuan , Zou Quanming , Zeng Hao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus causes serious sepsis and necrotic pneumonia worldwide. Due to the spread of multidrug-resistant strains, developing an effective vaccine is the most promising method for combating S. aureus infection. In this study, based on the immune-dominant areas of the iron surface determinant B (IsdB) and clumping factor A (ClfA), we designed the novel chimeric vaccine IsdB151-277ClfA33-213 (IC). IC formulated with the AlPO4 adjuvant induced higher protection in an S. aureus sepsis model compared with the single components alone and showed broad immune protection against several clinical S. aureus isolates. Immunisation with IC induced strong antibody responses. The protective effect of antibodies was demonstrated through the opsonophagocytic assay (OPA) and passive immunisation experiment. Moreover, this new chimeric vaccine induced Th1/Th17-skewed cellular immune responses based on cytokine profiles and CD4+ T cell stimulation tests. Neutralisation of IL-17A alone (but not IFN-γ) resulted in a significant decrease in vaccine immune protection. Finally, we found that IC showed protective efficacy in a pneumonia model. Taken together, these data provide evidence that IC is a potentially promising vaccine candidate for combating S. aureus sepsis and pneumonia.
Evolution of short inverted repeat in cupressophytes, transfer of accD to nucleus in Sciadopitys verticillata and phylogenetic position of Sciadopityaceae
Authors: Li Jia , Gao Lei , Chen Shanshan , Tao Ke , Su Yingjuan , Wang Ting 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSciadopitys verticillata is an evergreen conifer and an economically valuable tree used in construction, which is the only member of the family Sciadopityaceae. Acquisition of the S. verticillata chloroplast (cp) genome will be useful for understanding the evolutionary mechanism of conifers and phylogenetic relationships among gymnosperm. In this study, we have first reported the complete chloroplast genome of S. verticillata. The total genome is 138,284 bp in length, consisting of 118 unique genes. The S. verticillata cp genome has lost one copy of the canonical inverted repeats and shown distinctive genomic structure comparing with other cupressophytes. Fifty-three simple sequence repeat loci and 18 forward tandem repeats were identified in the S. verticillata cp genome. According to the rearrangement of cupressophyte cp genome, we proposed one mechanism for the formation of inverted repeat: tandem repeat occured first, then rearrangement divided the tandem repeat into inverted repeats located at different regions. Phylogenetic estimates inferred from 59-gene sequences and cpDNA organizations have both shown that S. verticillata was sister to the clade consisting of Cupressaceae, Taxaceae and Cephalotaxaceae. Moreover, accD gene was found to be lost in the S. verticillata cp genome and a nucleus copy was identified from two transcriptome data.
Femtosecond laser for cavity preparation in enamel and dentin: ablation efficiency related factors
Authors: Chen H. , Li H. , Sun YC. , Wang Y. , Lü PJ. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo study the effects of laser fluence (laser energy density), scanning line spacing and ablation depth on the efficiency of a femtosecond laser for three-dimensional ablation of enamel and dentin. A diode-pumped, thin-disk femtosecond laser (wavelength 1025 nm, pulse width 400 fs) was used for the ablation of enamel and dentin. The laser spot was guided in a series of overlapping parallel lines on enamel and dentin surfaces to form a three-dimensional cavity. The depth and volume of the ablated cavity was then measured under a 3D measurement microscope to determine the ablation efficiency. Different values of fluence, scanning line spacing and ablation depth were used to assess the effects of each variable on ablation efficiency. Ablation efficiencies for enamel and dentin were maximized at different laser fluences and number of scanning lines and decreased with increases in laser fluence or with increases in scanning line spacing beyond spot diameter or with increases in ablation depth. Laser fluence, scanning line spacing and ablation depth all significantly affected femtosecond laser ablation efficiency. Use of a reasonable control for each of these parameters will improve future clinical application.
Broadband perfect light trapping in the thinnest monolayer graphene-MoS2 photovoltaic cell: the new application of spectrum-splitting structure
Authors: Wu Yun-Ben , Yang Wen , Wang Tong-Biao , Deng Xin-Hua , Liu Jiang-Tao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe light absorption of a monolayer graphene-molybdenum disulfide photovoltaic (GM-PV) cell in a wedge-shaped microcavity with a spectrum-splitting structure is investigated theoretically. The GM-PV cell, which is three times thinner than the traditional photovoltaic cell, exhibits up to 98% light absorptance in a wide wavelength range. This rate exceeds the fundamental limit of nanophotonic light trapping in solar cells. The effects of defect layer thickness, GM-PV cell position in the microcavity, incident angle, and lens aberration on the light absorptance of the GM-PV cell are explored. Despite these effects, the GM-PV cell can still achieve at least 90% light absorptance with the current technology. Our proposal provides different methods to design light-trapping structures and apply spectrum-splitting systems.
Titanium Dioxide Photocatalytic Polymerization of Acrylamide for Gel Electrophoresis (TIPPAGE) of Proteins and Structural Identification by Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Wenyang , Yuan Zhiwei , Huang Lulu , Kang Jie , Jiang Ruowei , Zhong Hongying 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPolyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) coupled with mass spectrometry has been well established for separating, identifying and quantifying protein mixtures from cell lines, tissues or other biological samples. The copolymerization process of acrylamide and bis-acrylamide is the key to mastering this powerful technique. In general, this is a vinyl addition reaction initiated by free radical-generating reagents such as ammonium persulfate (APS) and tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) under basic pH and degassing experimental condition. We report herein a photocatalytic polymerization approach that is based on photo-generated hydroxyl radicals with nanoparticles of titanium dioxide. It was shown that the polymerization process is greatly accelerated in acidic condition when ultraviolet light shots on the gel solution containing TiO2nanoparticles without degassing. This feature makes it very useful in preparing Triton X-100 acid urea (TAU) gel that has been developed for separating basic proteins such as histones and variants in acidic experimental condition. Additionally, the presence of titanium dioxide in the gel not only improves mechanistic property of gels but also changes the migration pattern of different proteins that have different affinities to titanium dioxide.
Integration of lipidomics and transcriptomics unravels aberrant lipid metabolism and defines cholesteryl oleate as potential biomarker of prostate cancer
Authors: Li Jia , Ren Shancheng , Piao Hai-long , Wang Fubo , Yin Peiyuan , Xu Chuanliang , Lu Xin , Ye Guozhu , Shao Yaping , Yan Min , Zhao Xinjie , Sun Yinghao , Xu Guowang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn-depth delineation of lipid metabolism in prostate cancer (PCa) is significant to open new insights into prostate tumorigenesis and progression, and provide potential biomarkers with greater accuracy for improved diagnosis. Here, we performed lipidomics and transcriptomics in paired prostate cancer tumor (PCT) and adjacent nontumor (ANT) tissues, followed by external validation of biomarker candidates. We identified major dysregulated pathways involving lipogenesis, lipid uptake and phospholipids remodeling, correlated with widespread lipid accumulation and lipid compositional reprogramming in PCa. Specifically, cholesteryl esters (CEs) were most prominently accumulated in PCa, and significantly associated with cancer progression and metastasis. We showed that overexpressed scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) may contribute to CEs accumulation. In discovery set, CEs robustly differentiated PCa from nontumor (area under curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), 0.90–0.94). In validation set, CEs potently distinguished PCa and non-malignance (AUC, 0.84–0.91), and discriminated PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (AUC, 0.90–0.96), superior to serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (AUC = 0.83). Cholesteryl oleate showed highest AUCs in distinguishing PCa from non-malignance or BPH (AUC = 0.91 and 0.96). Collectively, our results unravel the major lipid metabolic aberrations in PCa and imply the potential role of CEs, particularly, cholesteryl oleate, as molecular biomarker for PCa detection.
Illuminating necrosis: From mechanistic exploration to preclinical application using fluorescence molecular imaging with indocyanine green
Authors: Fang Cheng , Wang Kun , Zeng Chaoting , Chi Chongwei , Shang Wenting , Ye Jinzuo , Mao Yamin , Fan Yingfang , Yang Jian , Xiang Nan , Zeng Ning , Zhu Wen , Fang Chihua , Tian Jie 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTissue necrosis commonly accompanies the development of a wide range of serious diseases. Therefore, highly sensitive detection and precise boundary delineation of necrotic tissue via effective imaging techniques are crucial for clinical treatments; however, no imaging modalities have achieved satisfactory results to date. Although fluorescence molecular imaging (FMI) shows potential in this regard, no effective necrosis-avid fluorescent probe has been developed for clinical applications. Here, we demonstrate that indocyanine green (ICG) can achieve high avidity of necrotic tissue owing to its interaction with lipoprotein (LP) and phospholipids. The mechanism was explored at the cellular and molecular levels through a series of in vitro studies. Detection of necrotic tissue and real-time image-guided surgery were successfully achieved in different organs of different animal models with the help of FMI using in house-designed imaging devices. The results indicated that necrotic tissue with a 0.6 mm diameter could be effectively detected with precise boundary definition. We believe that the new discovery and the associated imaging techniques will improve personalized and precise surgery in the near future.