bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Parity Deformed Jaynes-Cummings Model: “Robust Maximally Entangled States”
Authors: Dehghani A. , Mojaveri B. , Shirin S. , Faseghandis S. Amiri 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe parity-deformations of the quantum harmonic oscillator are used to describe the generalized Jaynes-Cummings model based on the λ-analog of the Heisenberg algebra. The behavior is interestingly that of a coupled system comprising a two-level atom and a cavity field assisted by a continuous external classical field. The dynamical characters of the system is explored under the influence of the external field. In particular, we analytically study the generation of robust and maximally entangled states formed by a two-level atom trapped in a lossy cavity interacting with an external centrifugal field. We investigate the influence of deformation and detuning parameters on the degree of the quantum entanglement and the atomic population inversion. Under the condition of a linear interaction controlled by an external field, the maximally entangled states may emerge periodically along with time evolution. In the dissipation regime, the entanglement of the parity deformed JCM are preserved more with the increase of the deformation parameter, i.e. the stronger external field induces better degree of entanglement.
Heterotrophy promotes the re-establishment of photosynthate translocation in a symbiotic coral after heat stress
Authors: Tremblay Pascale , Gori Andrea , Maguer Jean François , Hoogenboom Mia , Ferrier-Pagès Christine 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSymbiotic scleractinian corals are particularly affected by climate change stress and respond by bleaching (losing their symbiotic dinoflagellate partners). Recently, the energetic status of corals is emerging as a particularly important factor that determines the corals’ vulnerability to heat stress. However, detailed studies of coral energetic that trace the flow of carbon from symbionts to host are still sparse. The present study thus investigates the impact of heat stress on the nutritional interactions between dinoflagellates and coral Stylophora pistillata maintained under auto- and heterotrophy. First, we demonstrated that the percentage of autotrophic carbon retained in the symbionts was significantly higher during heat stress than under non-stressful conditions, in both fed and unfed colonies. This higher photosynthate retention in symbionts translated into lower rates of carbon translocation, which required the coral host to use tissue energy reserves to sustain its respiratory needs. As calcification rates were positively correlated to carbon translocation, a significant decrease in skeletal growth was observed during heat stress. This study also provides evidence that heterotrophic nutrient supply enhances the re-establishment of normal nutritional exchanges between the two symbiotic partners in the coral S. pistillata, but it did not mitigate the effects of temperature stress on coral calcification.
13-Methylberberine, a berberine analogue with stronger anti-adipogenic effects on mouse 3T3-L1 cells
Authors: Chow Yit-Lai , Sogame Mami , Sato Fumihiko 
Published: December 2016

AbstractLipid metabolism modulation is a main focus of metabolic syndrome research, an area in which many natural and synthetic chemicals are constantly being screened for in vitro and in vivo activity. Berberine, a benzylisoquinoline plant alkaloid, has been extensively investigated for its anti-obesity effects and as a potential cholesterol and triglyceride-lowering drug. We screened 11 protoberberine and 2 benzophenanthridine alkaloids for their anti-adipogenic effects on 3T3-L1 adipocytes and found that 13-methylberberine exhibited the most potent activity. 13-Methylberberine down-regulated the expression of the main adipocyte differentiation transcription factors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPα), as well as their target genes. PPARγ, C/EBPα, and sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) protein levels were reduced, and this lipid-reducing effect was attenuated by an AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, indicating that the effect of this compound requires the AMPK signaling pathway. Decreased Akt phosphorylation suggested reduced de novo lipid synthesis. C-13 methyl substitution of berberine increased its accumulation in treated cells, suggesting that 13-methylberberine has improved absorption and higher accumulation compared to berberine. Our findings suggest that 13-methylberberine has potential as an anti-obesity drug.
OsSGL, a novel pleiotropic stress-related gene enhances grain length and yield in rice
Authors: Wang Manling , Lu Xuedan , Xu Guoyun , Yin Xuming , Cui Yanchun , Huang Lifang , Rocha Pedro S. C. F. , Xia Xinjie 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAbiotic stress seriously affects the yield of rice (Oryza sativaL.). Grain yield in rice is multiplicatively determined by the number of panicles, number of grains per panicle, and grain weight. Here, we describe the molecular and functional characterization ofSTRESS_tolerance and GRAIN_LENGTH (OsSGL), a rice gene strongly up-regulated by a wide spectrum of abiotic stresses.OsSGLencodes a putative member of the DUF1645 protein family of unknown function. Overexpression ofOsSGLsignificantly altered certain development processes greatly and positively affecting an array of traits in transgenic rice plants, including increased grain length, grain weight and grain number per panicle, resulting in a significant increase in yield. Microscopical analysis showed that the enhancedOsSGLexpression promoted cell division and grain filling. Microarray and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analyses revealed that a large number of genes involved in stress-response, cell cycle and cytokinin signaling processes were induced or suppressed inOsSGL-overexpressing plants. Together, our results suggest thatOsSGLmay regulate stress-tolerance and cell growth by acting via a cytokinin signaling pathway. This study not only contributes to our understanding of the underlying mechanism regulating rice stress-tolerance and grain length, but also provides a strategy for tailor-made crop yield improvement.
Fish DNA-modified clays: Towards highly flame retardant polymer nanocomposite with improved interfacial and mechanical performance
Authors: Zabihi Omid , Ahmadi Mojtaba , Khayyam Hamid , Naebe Minoo 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDeoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) has been recently found to be an efficient renewable and environmentally-friendly flame retardant. In this work, for the first time, we have used waste DNA from fishing industry to modify clay structure in order to increase the clay interactions with epoxy resin and take benefit of its additional thermal property effect on thermo-physical properties of epoxy-clay nanocomposites. Intercalation of DNA within the clay layers was accomplished in a one-step approach confirmed by FT-IR, XPS, TGA, and XRD analyses, indicating that d-space of clay layers was expanded from ~1.2 nm for pristine clay to ~1.9 nm for clay modified with DNA (d-clay). Compared to epoxy nanocomposite containing 2.5%wt of Nanomer I.28E organoclay (m-clay), it was found that at 2.5%wt d-clay loading, significant enhancements of ~14%, ~6% and ~26% in tensile strength, tensile modulus, and fracture toughness of epoxy nanocomposite can be achieved, respectively. Effect of DNA as clay modifier on thermal performance of epoxy nanocomposite containing 2.5%wt d-clay was evaluated using TGA and cone calorimetry analysis, revealing significant decreases of ~4000 kJ/m2 and ~78 kW/m2 in total heat release and peak of heat release rate, respectively, in comparison to that containing 2.5%wt of m-clay.
Implementing a benchmarking and feedback concept decreases postoperative pain after total knee arthroplasty: A prospective study including 256 patients
Authors: Benditz A. , Drescher J. , Greimel F. , Zeman F. , Grifka J. , Meißner W. , Völlner F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPerioperative pain reduction, particularly during the first two days, is highly important for patients after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Problems are not only caused by medical issues but by organization and hospital structure. The present study shows how the quality of pain management can be increased by implementing a standardized pain concept and simple, consistent benchmarking. All patients included into the study had undergone total knee arthroplasty. Outcome parameters were analyzed by means of a questionnaire on the first postoperative day. A multidisciplinary team implemented a regular procedure of data analyzes and external benchmarking by participating in a nationwide quality improvement project. At the beginning of the study, our hospital ranked 16th in terms of activity-related pain and 9th in patient satisfaction among 47 anonymized hospitals participating in the benchmarking project. At the end of the study, we had improved to 1st activity-related pain and to 2nd in patient satisfaction. Although benchmarking started and finished with the same standardized pain management concept, results were initially pure. Beside pharmacological treatment, interdisciplinary teamwork and benchmarking with direct feedback mechanisms are also very important for decreasing postoperative pain and for increasing patient satisfaction after TKA.
Blood-borne phagocytes internalize urate microaggregates and prevent intravascular NETosis by urate crystals
Authors: Pieterse Elmar , Jeremic Ivica , Czegley Christine , Weidner Daniela , Biermann Mona H.C. , Veissi Susan , Maueröder Christian , Schauer Christine , Bilyy Rostyslav , Dumych Tetiana , Hoffmann Markus , Munoz Luis E. , Bengtsson Anders A. , Schett Georg , van der Vlag Johan , Herrmann Martin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHyperuricemia is strongly linked to cardiovascular complications including atherosclerosis and thrombosis. In individuals with hyperuricemia, needle-shaped monosodium urate crystals (nsMSU) frequently form within joints or urine, giving rise to gouty arthritis or renal calculi, respectively. These nsMSU are potent instigators of neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation. Little is known on the mechanism(s) that prevent nsMSU formation within hyperuricemic blood, which would potentially cause detrimental consequences for the host. Here, we report that complement proteins and fetuins facilitate the continuous clearance by blood-borne phagocytes and resident macrophages of small urate microaggregates (UMA; <1 μm in size) that initially form in hyperuricemic blood. If this clearance fails, UMA exhibit bipolar growth to form typical full-sized nsMSU with a size up to 100 μm. In contrast to UMA, nsMSU stimulated neutrophils to release NETs. Under conditions of flow, nsMSU and NETs formed densely packed DNase I-resistant tophus-like structures with a high obstructive potential, highlighting the importance of an adequate and rapid removal of UMA from the circulation. Under pathological conditions, intravascularly formed nsMSU may hold the key to the incompletely understood association between NET-driven cardiovascular disease and hyperuricemia.
Blood hsa-miR-122-5p and hsa-miR-885-5p levels associate with fatty liver and related lipoprotein metabolism—The Young Finns Study
Authors: Raitoharju Emma , Seppälä Ilkka , Lyytikäinen Leo-Pekka , Viikari Jorma , Ala-Korpela Mika , Soininen Pasi , Kangas Antti J. , Waldenberger Melanie , Klopp Norman , Illig Thomas , Leiviskä Jaana , Loo Britt-Marie , Oksala Niku , Kähönen Mika , Hutri-Kähönen Nina , Laaksonen Reijo , Raitakari Olli , Lehtimäki Terho 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMicroRNAs are involved in disease development and may be utilized as biomarkers. We investigated the association of blood miRNA levels and a) fatty liver (FL), b) lipoprotein and lipid pathways involved in liver lipid accumulation and c) levels of predicted mRNA targets in general population based cohort. Blood microRNA profiling (TaqMan OpenArray), genome-wide gene expression arrays and nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics were performed for Young Finns Study participants aged 34–49 years (n = 871). Liver fat status was assessed ultrasonographically. Levels of hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p were up-regulated in individuals with FL (fold change (FC) = 1.55, p = 1.36 * 10−14 and FC = 1.25, p = 4.86 * 10−4, respectively). In regression model adjusted with age, sex and BMI, hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p predicted FL (OR = 2.07, p = 1.29 * 10−8 and OR = 1.41, p = 0.002, respectively). Together hsa-miR-122-5p and -885-5p slightly improved the detection of FL beyond established risk factors. These miRNAs may be associated with FL formation through the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism as hsa-miR-122-5p levels associated with small VLDL, IDL, and large LDL lipoprotein subclass components, while hsa-miR-885-5p levels associated inversely with XL HDL cholesterol levels. Hsa-miR-885-5p levels correlated inversely with oxysterol-binding protein 2 (OSBPL2) expression (r = −0.143, p = 1.00 * 10−4) and suppressing the expression of this lipid receptor and sterol transporter could link hsa-miR-885-5p with HDL cholesterol levels.
A century of temporal stability of genetic diversity in wild bumblebees
Authors: Maebe Kevin , Meeus Ivan , Vray Sarah , Claeys Thomas , Dekoninck Wouter , Boevé Jean-Luc , Rasmont Pierre , Smagghe Guy 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSince the 1950s, bumblebee (Bombus) species are showing a clear decline worldwide. Although many plausible drivers have been hypothesized, the cause(s) of this phenomenon remain debated. Here, genetic diversity in recentversushistorical populations of bumblebee species was investigated by selecting four currently restricted and four currently widespread species. Specimens from five locations in Belgium were genotyped at 16 microsatellite loci, comparing historical specimens (1913–1915) with recent ones (2013–2015). Surprisingly, our results showed temporal stability of genetic diversity in the restricted species. Furthermore, both historical and recent populations of restricted species showed a significantly lower genetic diversity than found in populations of co-occurring widespread species. The difference in genetic diversity between species was thus already present before the alleged recent drivers of bumblebee decline could have acted (from the 1950’s). These results suggest that the alleged drivers are not directly linked with the genetic variation of currently declining bumblebee populations. A future sampling in the entire distribution range of these species will infer if the observed link between low genetic diversity and population distribution on the Belgium scale correlates with species decline on a global scale.
Small molecules increase direct neural conversion of human fibroblasts
Authors: Pfisterer Ulrich , Ek Fredrik , Lang Stefan , Soneji Shamit , Olsson Roger , Parmar Malin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe generation of human induced neurons (hiNs) via exogenous delivery of neural transcription factors represents a novel technique to obtain disease and patient specific neurons. These cells have the potential to be used for disease modeling, diagnostics and drug screening, and also to be further developed for brain repair. In the present study, we utilized hiNs to develop an unbiased screening assay for small molecules that increase the conversion efficiency. Using this assay, we screened 307 compounds from five annotated libraries and identified six compounds that were very potent in potentiating the reprogramming process. When combined in an optimal combination and dose, these compounds increased the reprogramming efficiency of human fibroblasts more than 6-fold. Global gene expression and CellNet analysis at different timepoints during the reprogramming process revealed that neuron-specific genes and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) became progressively more activated while converting cells shut down fibroblast-specific GRNs. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed that the addition of the six compound resulted in the accelerated upregulation of a subset of neuronal genes, and also increased expression of genes associated with transcriptional activity and mediation of cellular stress response.
New Insights into Molecular Organization of Human Neuraminidase-1: Transmembrane Topology and Dimerization Ability
Authors: Maurice Pascal , Baud Stéphanie , Bocharova Olga V. , Bocharov Eduard V. , Kuznetsov Andrey S. , Kawecki Charlotte , Bocquet Olivier , Romier Beatrice , Gorisse Laetitia , Ghirardi Maxime , Duca Laurent , Blaise Sébastien , Martiny Laurent , Dauchez Manuel , Efremov Roman G. , Debelle Laurent 
Published: December 2016

AbstractNeuraminidase 1 (NEU1) is a lysosomal sialidase catalyzing the removal of terminal sialic acids from sialyloconjugates. A plasma membrane-bound NEU1 modulating a plethora of receptors by desialylation, has been consistently documented from the last ten years. Despite a growing interest of the scientific community to NEU1, its membrane organization is not understood and current structural and biochemical data cannot account for such membrane localization. By combining molecular biology and biochemical analyses with structural biophysics and computational approaches, we identified here two regions in human NEU1 - segments 139–159 (TM1) and 316–333 (TM2) - as potential transmembrane (TM) domains. In membrane mimicking environments, the corresponding peptides form stable α-helices and TM2 is suited for self-association. This was confirmed with full-size NEU1 by co-immunoprecipitations from membrane preparations and split-ubiquitin yeast two hybrids. The TM2 region was shown to be critical for dimerization since introduction of point mutations within TM2 leads to disruption of NEU1 dimerization and decrease of sialidase activity in membrane. In conclusion, these results bring new insights in the molecular organization of membrane-bound NEU1 and demonstrate, for the first time, the presence of two potential TM domains that may anchor NEU1 in the membrane, control its dimerization and sialidase activity.
Association of MTDH immunohistochemical expression with metastasis and prognosis in female reproduction malignancies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hou Yongbin , Yu Lihua , Mi Yonghua , Zhang Jiwang , Wang Ke , Hu Liyi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractVarious literatures have demonstrated that overexpression of Metadherin (MTDH) is correlated with tumor metastasis and it can predict poor survival outcomes in female reproduction malignancies. In order to enhance the statistical power and reach a recognized conclusion, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to thoroughly investigate the association of MTDH expression with tumor metastasis and survival outcomes following PRISMA guidelines. Odds ratios (ORs) and hazard ratios (HRs) were used to demonstrate the impact of MTDH on tumor metastasis and prognosis respectively. Data were pooled with appropriate effects model on STATA12.0. Our results indicated that high MTDH expression is significantly correlated with higher mortality for breast, ovarian and cervical cancer. High immunohistochemical expression of MTDH is remarkably associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) in breast cancer but not in ovarian cancer. The pooled results suggested that high level of MTDH significantly predicted distant metastasis and lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Strong associations were observed between MTDH expression and lymph node metastasis in ovarian and cervical cancer. In conclusion, MTDH might be a novel biomarker which can effectively reflect metastasis status and prognosis of breast cancer. However, its application in clinical practice needs more prospective studies with large samples.
Characteristics of NH4+ and NO3− fluxes in tea (Camellia sinensis) roots measured by scanning ion-selective electrode technique
Authors: Ruan Li , Wei Kang , Wang Liyuan , Cheng Hao , Zhang Fen , Wu Liyun , Bai Peixian , Zhang Chengcai 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAs a vital beverage crop, tea has been extensively planted in tropical and subtropical regions. Nitrogen (N) levels and forms are closely related to tea quality. Based on different N levels and forms, we studied changes in NO3− and NH4+ fluxes in tea roots utilizing scanning ion-selective electrode technique. Our results showed that under both single and mixed N forms, influx rates of NO3− were much lower than those of NH4+, suggesting a preference for NH4+ in tea. With the increase in N concentration, the influx rate of NO3− increased more than that of NH4+. The NH4+ influx rates in a solution without NO3− were much higher than those in a solution with NO3−, while the NO3− influx rates in a solution without NH4+ were much lower than those in a solution with NH4+. We concluded that (1) tea roots showed a preference for NH4+, (2) presence of NO3− had a negative effect on NH4+ influx, and (3) NH4+ had a positive effect on NO3− influx. Our findings not only may help advance hydroponic tea experiments but also may be used to develop efficient fertilization protocols for soil-grown tea in the future.
Establishment of a gastric cancer subline with high metastatic potential using a novel microfluidic system
Authors: Chen Zhe-zhou , Li Wan-ming , Zhang Yu , Yu Min , Shan Lian-feng , Yuan De-zheng , Liu Fu-rong , Fang Jin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMetastasis is an important hallmark of malignant tumors. In this study, we developed a microfluidic system to screen highly metastatic sublines via differential resolution of cell invasiveness. The system was composed of a PDMS-glass device connected with a syringe pump and a Petri dish. To facilitate the selection process, a long-term cell invasion driving force based on a chemotactic factor gradient was created using the Petri dish-based liquid supply pattern, and the invasive cells were collected for round-by-round selection via an open region in the chip. Using the system, we established an SGC-7901/B2 subline from the human gastric cancer SGC-7901 cell line by only two rounds of selection. In vitro assays showed that the SGC-7901/B2 cells were superior to the parental cells in proliferation and invasiveness. Furthermore, an in vivo tumorigenicity assay demonstrated that compared with the parental cells, the subline had stronger spontaneous metastatic and proliferative capability, which led to a shorter survival duration. Additionally, the protein expression differences including E-cadherin and Smad3 between the subline and parental cells were revealed. In conclusion, this microfluidic system is a highly effective tool for selecting highly metastatic sublines, and SGC-7901/B2 cells could serve as a potential model for tumor metastasis research.