bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticles Based on Chitosan as Carriers for the Combined Herbicides Imazapic and Imazapyr
Authors: Maruyama Cintia Rodrigues , Guilger Mariana , Pascoli Mônica , Bileshy-José Natalia , Abhilash P.C. , Fraceto Leonardo Fernandes , de Lima Renata 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe use of lower concentrations and fewer applications of herbicides is one of the prime objectives of the sustainable agriculture as it decreases the toxicity to non-targeted organisms and the risk of wider environmental contamination. In the present work, nanoparticles were developed for encapsulation of the herbicides imazapic and imazapyr. Alginate/chitosan and chitosan/tripolyphosphate nanoparticles were manufactured and their physicochemical stability was evaluated. Determinations were made of the encapsulation efficiency and release kinetics and the toxicity of the nanoparticles was evaluated using cytotoxicity and genotoxicity assays. The effects of herbicides and herbicide-loaded nanoparticles on soil microorganisms were studied in detail using real-time polymerase chain reactions. The nanoparticles showed an average size of 400 nm and remained stable during 30 days of storage at ambient temperature. Satisfactory encapsulation efficiencies of between 50 and 70% were achieved for both types of particles. Cytotoxicity assays showed that the encapsulated herbicides were less toxic, compared to the free compounds and genotoxicity was decreased. Analyses of soil microbiota revealed changes in the bacteria of the soils exposed to the different treatments. Our study proves that encapsulation of the herbicides improved their mode of action and reduced their toxicity, indicating their suitability for use in future practical applications.
A novel method for evaluating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity by flowcytometry using cryopreserved human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
Authors: Yamashita Makiko , Kitano Shigehisa , Aikawa Hiroaki , Kuchiba Aya , Hayashi Mitsuhiro , Yamamoto Noboru , Tamura Kenji , Hamada Akinobu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAnalyzing the cytotoxic functions of effector cells, such as NK cells against target cancer cells, is thought to be necessary for predicting the clinical efficacy of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) -dependent antibody therapy. The 51Cr release assay has long been the most widely used method for quantification of ADCC activity. However, the reproducibilities of these release assays are not adequate and they do not allow evaluation of the lysis susceptibilities of distinct cell types within the target cell population. In this study, we established a novel method for evaluating cytotoxicity, which involves the detection and quantification of dead target cells using flowcytometry. CFSE (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester) was used as a dye to specifically stain and thereby label the target cell population, allowing living and dead cells, as well as both target and effector cells, to be quantitatively distinguished. Furthermore, with our new approach, ADCC activity was more reproducibly, sensitively and specifically detectable, not only in freshly isolated but also in frozen human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), than with the calcein-AM release assay. This assay, validated herein, is expected to become a standard assay for evaluating ADCC activity which will ultimately contribute the clinical development of ADCC dependent-antibody therapies.
Urinary N-methylnicotinamide and β-aminoisobutyric acid predict catch-up growth in undernourished Brazilian children
Authors: Mayneris-Perxachs Jordi , Lima Aldo A.M. , Guerrant Richard L. , Leite Álvaro M. , Moura Alessandra F. , Lima Noélia L. , Soares Alberto M. , Havt Alexandre , Moore Sean R. , Pinkerton Relana , Swann Jonathan R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEnteric infections, enteropathy and undernutrition in early childhood are preventable risk factors for child deaths, impaired neurodevelopment and later life metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms linking these exposures and outcomes remain to be elucidated, as do biomarkers for identifying children at risk. By examining the urinary metabolic phenotypes of nourished and undernourished children participating in a case-control study in Semi-Arid Brazil, we identified key differences with potential relevance to mechanisms, biomarkers and outcomes. Undernutrition was found to perturb several biochemical pathways, including choline and tryptophan metabolism, while also increasing the proteolytic activity of the gut microbiome. Furthermore, a metabolic adaptation was observed in the undernourished children to reduce energy expenditure, reflected by increased N-methylnicotinamide and reduced β-aminoisobutyric acid excretion. Interestingly, accelerated catch-up growth was observed in those undernourished children displaying a more robust metabolic adaptation several months earlier. Hence, urinary N-methylnicotinamide and β-aminoisobutyric acid represent promising biomarkers for predicting short-term growth outcomes in undernourished children and for identifying children destined for further growth shortfalls. These findings have important implications for understanding contributors to long-term sequelae of early undernutrition, including cognitive, growth and metabolic functions.
Analgesic exposure in pregnant rats affects fetal germ cell development with inter-generational reproductive consequences
Authors: Dean Afshan , van den Driesche Sander , Wang Yili , McKinnell Chris , Macpherson Sheila , Eddie Sharon L. , Kinnell Hazel , Hurtado-Gonzalez Pablo , Chambers Tom J. , Stevenson Kerrie , Wolfinger Elke , Hrabalkova Lenka , Calarrao Ana , Bayne Rosey AL , Hagen Casper P. , Mitchell Rod T. , Anderson Richard A. , Sharpe Richard M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAnalgesics which affect prostaglandin (PG) pathways are used by most pregnant women. As germ cells (GC) undergo developmental and epigenetic changes in fetal life and are PG targets, we investigated if exposure of pregnant rats to analgesics (indomethacin or acetaminophen) affected GC development and reproductive function in resulting offspring (F1) or in the F2 generation. Exposure to either analgesic reduced F1 fetal GC number in both sexes and altered the tempo of fetal GC development sex-dependently, with delayed meiotic entry in oogonia but accelerated GC differentiation in males. These effects persisted in adult F1 females as reduced ovarian and litter size, whereas F1 males recovered normal GC numbers and fertility by adulthood. F2 offspring deriving from an analgesic-exposed F1 parent also exhibited sex-specific changes. F2 males exhibited normal reproductive development whereas F2 females had smaller ovaries and reduced follicle numbers during puberty/adulthood; as similar changes were found for F2 offspring of analgesic-exposed F1 fathers or mothers, we interpret this as potentially indicating an analgesic-induced change to GC in F1. Assuming our results are translatable to humans, they raise concerns that analgesic use in pregnancy could potentially affect fertility of resulting daughters and grand-daughters.
Cytoplasmic Determination of Meiotic Spindle Size Revealed by a Unique Inter-Species Germinal Vesicle Transfer Model
Authors: Wang Zhong-Wei , Zhang Guang-Li , Schatten Heide , Carroll John , Sun Qing-Yuan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSpindle sizes are different in diverse species and cell types. In frogs, the meiotic spindle size is positively correlated with the egg cell volume. Across species, relatively small mouse oocytes (70–80 μm) have a relatively large spindle while larger pig oocytes (about 120 μm) have a considerably smaller spindle. In this study we investigated whether species-specific oocyte spindle size was determined by cytoplasmic or nuclear factors. By exchanging the germinal vesicle between mouse and pig oocytes, we obtained two kinds of reconstructed oocytes: one with mouse ooplasm and pig GV (mCy-pGV oocyte) and the other with pig ooplasm and mouse GV (pCy-mGV oocyte). We show that the MII spindle size of the mCy-pGV oocyte is similar to that of the mouse meiotic spindle and significantly larger than that of the pig meiotic spindle. The timing of oocyte maturation also followed that of the species from which the oocyte cytoplasm arose, although some impact of the origin of the GV was observed. These data suggest that spindle size and the timing of meiotic progression are governed by cytoplasmic components rather than cytoplasmic volume and GV materials.
An approach to scoring cursorial limb proportions in carnivorous dinosaurs and an attempt to account for allometry
Authors: Persons IV W. Scott , Currie Philip J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFrom an initial dataset of 53 theropod species, the general relationship between theropod lower-leg length and body mass is identified. After factoring out this allometric relationship, theropod hindlimb proportions are assessed irrespective of body mass. Cursorial-limb-proportion (CLP) scores derived for each of the considered theropod taxa offer a measure of the extent to which a particular species deviates in favour of higher or lower running speeds. Within the same theropod species, these CLP scores are found to be consistent across multiple adult specimens and across disparate ontogenetic stages. Early theropods are found to have low CLP scores, while the coelurosaurian tyrannosauroids and compsognathids are found to have high CLP scores. Among deinonychosaurs, troodontids have consistently high CLP scores, while many dromaeosaur taxa, including Velociraptor and Deinonychus, have low CLP scores. This indicates that dromaeosaurs were not, overall, a particularly cursorily adapted group. Comparisons between the CLP scores of Tyrannosaurus and specimens referred to the controversial genus Nanotyrannus indicate a strong discrepancy in cursorial adaptations, which supports the legitimacy of Nanotyrannus and the previous suggestions of ecological partitioning between Nanotyrannus and the contemporaneous Tyrannosaurus.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 inhibits lung injury induced by respiratory syncytial virus
Authors: Gu Hongjing , Xie Zhengde , Li Tieling , Zhang Shaogeng , Lai Chengcai , Zhu Ping , Wang Keyu , Han Lina , Duan Yueqiang , Zhao Zhongpeng , Yang Xiaolan , Xing Li , Zhang Peirui , Wang Zhouhai , Li Ruisheng , Yu Jane J. , Wang Xiliang , Yang Penghui 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is a major cause of severe lower respiratory illness in infants and young children, but the underlying mechanisms responsible for viral pathogenesis have not been fully elucidated. To date, no drugs or vaccines have been employed to improve clinical outcomes for RSV-infected patients. In this paper, we report that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) protected against severe lung injury induced by RSV infection in an experimental mouse model and in pediatric patients. Moreover, ACE2 deficiency aggravated RSV-associated disease pathogenesis, mainly by its action on the angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R). Furthermore, administration of a recombinant ACE2 protein alleviated the severity of RSV-induced lung injury. These findings demonstrate that ACE2 plays a critical role in preventing RSV-induced lung injury and suggest that ACE2 is a promising potential therapeutic target in the management of RSV-induced lung disease.
Rich diversity and potency of skin antioxidant peptides revealed a novel molecular basis for high-altitude adaptation of amphibians
Authors: Yang Xinwang , Wang Ying , Zhang Yue , Lee Wen-Hui , Zhang Yun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractElucidating the mechanisms of high-altitude adaptation is an important research area in modern biology. To date, however, knowledge has been limited to the genetic mechanisms of adaptation to the lower oxygen and temperature levels prevalent at high altitudes, with adaptation to UV radiation largely neglected. Furthermore, few proteomic or peptidomic analyses of these factors have been performed. In this study, the molecular adaptation of high-altitude Odorrana andersonii and cavernicolous O. wuchuanensis to elevated UV radiation was investigated. Compared with O. wuchuanensis, O. andersonii exhibited greater diversity and free radical scavenging potentiality of skin antioxidant peptides to cope with UV radiation. This implied that O. andersonii evolved a much more complicated and powerful skin antioxidant peptide system to survive high-altitude UV levels. Our results provided valuable peptidomic clues for understanding the novel molecular basis for adaptation to high elevation habitats.
Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy discriminates the response to microglial stimulation of wild type and Alzheimer’s disease models
Authors: Pardon Marie-Christine , Yanez Lopez Maria , Yuchun Ding , Marjańska Małgorzata , Prior Malcolm , Brignell Christopher , Parhizkar Samira , Agostini Alessandra , Bai Li , Auer Dorothee P. , Faas Henryk M 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMicroglia activation has emerged as a potential key factor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. Metabolite levels assessed by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) are used as markers of neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases, but how they relate to microglial activation in health and chronic disease is incompletely understood. Using MRS, we monitored the brain metabolic response to lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced microglia activation in vivo in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease (APP/PS1) and healthy controls (wild-type (WT) littermates) over 4 hours. We assessed reactive gliosis by immunohistochemistry and correlated metabolic and histological measures. In WT mice, LPS induced a microglial phenotype consistent with activation, associated with a sustained increase in macromolecule and lipid levels (ML9). This effect was not seen in APP/PS1 mice, where LPS did not lead to a microglial response measured by histology, but induced a late increase in the putative inflammation marker myoinositol (mI) and metabolic changes in total creatine and taurine previously reported to be associated with amyloid load. We argue that ML9 and mI distinguish the response of WT and APP/PS1 mice to immune mediators. Lipid and macromolecule levels may represent a biomarker of activation of healthy microglia, while mI may not be a glial marker.
Time Invariant Surface Roughness Evolution during Atmospheric Pressure Thin Film Depositions
Authors: Merkh Thomas , Spivey Robert , Lu Toh Ming 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe evolution of thin film morphology during atmospheric pressure deposition has been studied utilizing Monte Carlo methods. Time invariant root-mean-squared roughness and local roughness morphology were both observed when employing a novel simulation parameter, modeling the effect of the experimental high pressure condition. This growth regime, where the surface roughness remains invariant after reaching a critical value, has not been classified by any existing universality class. An anti-shadowing growth mechanism responsible for this regime occurs when particles undergo binary collisions beneath the surface apexes. Hence, this mechanism is applicable when the mean free path of the depositing species is comparable to the amplitude of the surface features. Computationally this has been modeled by allowing particles to change direction at a specified height above the local film surface. This modification of the incoming flux trajectory consequently has a dramatic smoothening effect and the resulting surfaces appear in agreement with recent experimental observations.
Stimulation of terrestrial ecosystem carbon storage by nitrogen addition: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yue Kai , Peng Yan , Peng Changhui , Yang Wanqin , Peng Xin , Wu Fuzhong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractElevated nitrogen (N) deposition alters the terrestrial carbon (C) cycle, which is likely to feed back to further climate change. However, how the overall terrestrial ecosystem C pools and fluxes respond to N addition remains unclear. By synthesizing data from multiple terrestrial ecosystems, we quantified the response of C pools and fluxes to experimental N addition using a comprehensive meta-analysis method. Our results showed that N addition significantly stimulated soil total C storage by 5.82% ([2.47%, 9.27%], 95% CI, the same below) and increased the C contents of the above- and below-ground parts of plants by 25.65% [11.07%, 42.12%] and 15.93% [6.80%, 25.85%], respectively. Furthermore, N addition significantly increased aboveground net primary production by 52.38% [40.58%, 65.19%] and litterfall by 14.67% [9.24%, 20.38%] at a global scale. However, the C influx from the plant litter to the soil through litter decomposition and the efflux from the soil due to microbial respiration and soil respiration showed insignificant responses to N addition. Overall, our meta-analysis suggested that N addition will increase soil C storage and plant C in both above- and below-ground parts, indicating that terrestrial ecosystems might act to strengthen as a C sink under increasing N deposition.
Semiquantum key distribution with secure delegated quantum computation
Authors: Li Qin , Chan Wai Hong , Zhang Shengyu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSemiquantum key distribution allows a quantum party to share a random key with a “classical” party who only can prepare and measure qubits in the computational basis or reorder some qubits when he has access to a quantum channel. In this work, we present a protocol where a secret key can be established between a quantum user and an almost classical user who only needs the quantum ability to access quantum channels, by securely delegating quantum computation to a quantum server. We show the proposed protocol is robust even when the delegated quantum server is a powerful adversary and is experimentally feasible with current technology. As one party of our protocol is the most quantum-resource efficient, it can be more practical and significantly widen the applicability scope of quantum key distribution.
A Cell-Penetrating Peptide with a Guanidinylethyl Amine Structure Directed to Gene Delivery
Authors: Oba Makoto , Kato Takuma , Furukawa Kaori , Tanaka Masakazu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA peptide composed of lysine with a guanidinylethyl (GEt) amine structure in the side chain [Lys(GEt)] was developed as a cell-penetrating peptide directed to plasmid DNA (pDNA) delivery. The GEt amine adopted a diprotonated form at neutral pH, which may have led to the more efficient cellular uptake of a Lys(GEt)-peptide than an arginine-peptide at a low concentration. Lys(GEt)-peptide/pDNA complexes showed the highest transfection efficiency due to efficient endosomal escape without any cytotoxicity. Lys(GEt)-peptide may be a promising candidate as a gene delivery carrier.
Microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 is involved in melanogenesis via regulation of MITF expression in melanocytes
Authors: Yun Woo Jin , Kim Eun-Young , Park Ji-Eun , Jo Soo Youn , Bang Seung Hyun , Chang Eun-Ju , Chang Sung Eun 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAlthough autophagy plays a role in melanogenesis by regulating melanosome degradation and biogenesis in melanocytes, a detailed understanding of the regulatory functions of autophagy factors is lacking. Here, we report a mechanistic link between microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) activation and melanogenesis. We observed high expression of LC3 in melanosome-associated pigment-rich melanocytic nevi of sun-exposed skin, as indicated by patterns of melanosomal protein MART1 expression. Rapamycin-induced autophagy significantly increased the melanin index, tyrosinase activity and expression of several proteins linked to melanosome biogenesis, including microphthalmia transcription factor (MITF), pre-melanosome protein and tyrosinase, in Melan-a melanocytes. siRNA-mediated knockdown of LC3, but not beclin-1 or ATG5, decreased melanin content and tyrosinase activity. LC3 knockdown also markedly inhibited MITF expression and subsequent rapamycin-induced melanosome formation. More importantly, LC3 knockdown suppressed α-MSH-mediated melanogenesis by attenuating cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation and MITF expression in Melan-a cells via decreased extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity. Overexpression of constitutively active ERK reversed the effect of LC3 knockdown on CREB phosphorylation and MITF expression. These findings demonstrate that LC3 contributes to melanogenesis by increasing ERK-dependent MITF expression, thereby providing a mechanistic insight into the signaling network that links autophagy to melanogenesis.
Photonic Crystal Optical Tweezers with High Efficiency for Live Biological Samples and Viability Characterization
Authors: Jing Peifeng , Wu Jingda , Liu Gary W. , Keeler Ethan G. , Pun Suzie H. , Lin Lih Y. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe propose and demonstrate a new optical trapping method for single cells that utilizes modulated light fields to trap a wide array of cell types, including mammalian, yeast and Escherichia coli cells, on the surface of a two-dimensional photonic crystal. This method is capable of reducing the required light intensity and thus minimizing the photothermal damage to living cells, thereby extending cell viability in optical trapping and cell manipulation applications. To this end, a thorough characterization of cell viability in optical trapping environments was performed. This study also demonstrates the technique using spatial light modulation in patterned manipulation of live cell arrays over a broad area.
Fano resonances from gradient-index metamaterials
Authors: Xu Yadong , Li Sucheng , Hou Bo , Chen Huanyang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFano resonances – resonant scattering features with a characteristic asymmetric profile – have generated much interest, due to their extensive and valuable applications in chemical or biological sensors, new types of optical switches, lasers and nonlinear optics. They have been observed in a wide variety of resonant optical systems, including photonic crystals, metamaterials, metallic gratings and nanostructures. In this work, a waveguide structure is designed by employing gradient-index metamaterials, supporting strong Fano resonances with extremely sharp spectra. As the changes in the transmission spectrum originate from the interaction of guided modes from different channels, instead of resonance structures or metamolecules, the Fano resonances can be observed for both transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarizations. These findings are verified by fine agreement with analytical calculations and experimental results at microwave, as well as simulated results at near infrared frequencies.
Atomic-layer soft plasma etching of MoS2
Authors: Xiao Shaoqing , Xiao Peng , Zhang Xuecheng , Yan Dawei , Gu Xiaofeng , Qin Fang , Ni Zhenhua , Han Zhao Jun , Ostrikov Kostya 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTransition from multi-layer to monolayer and sub-monolayer thickness leads to the many exotic properties and distinctive applications of two-dimensional (2D) MoS2. This transition requires atomic-layer-precision thinning of bulk MoS2without damaging the remaining layers, which presently remains elusive. Here we report a soft, selective and high-throughput atomic-layer-precision etching of MoS2in SF6+ N2plasmas with low-energy (<0.4 eV) electrons and minimized ion-bombardment-related damage. Equal numbers of MoS2layers are removed uniformly across domains with vastly different initial thickness, without affecting the underlying SiO2substrate and the remaining MoS2layers. The etching rates can be tuned to achieve complete MoS2removal and any desired number of MoS2layers including monolayer. Layer-dependent vibrational and photoluminescence spectra of the etched MoS2are also demonstrated. This soft plasma etching technique is versatile, scalable, compatible with the semiconductor manufacturing processes and may be applicable for a broader range of 2D materials and intended device applications.