bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative phospho-proteomics reveals the Plasmodium merozoite triggers pre-invasion host kinase modification of the red cell cytoskeleton
Authors: Zuccala Elizabeth S. , Satchwell Timothy J. , Angrisano Fiona , Tan Yan Hong , Wilson Marieangela C. , Heesom Kate J. , Baum Jake 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe invasive blood-stage malaria parasite – the merozoite – induces rapid morphological changes to the target erythrocyte during entry. However, evidence for active molecular changes in the host cell that accompany merozoite invasion is lacking. Here, we use invasion inhibition assays, erythrocyte resealing and high-definition imaging to explore red cell responses during invasion. We show that although merozoite entry does not involve erythrocyte actin reorganisation, it does require ATP to complete the process. Towards dissecting the ATP requirement, we present an in depth quantitative phospho-proteomic analysis of the erythrocyte during each stage of invasion. Specifically, we demonstrate extensive increased phosphorylation of erythrocyte proteins on merozoite attachment, including modification of the cytoskeletal proteins beta-spectrin and PIEZO1. The association with merozoite contact but not active entry demonstrates that parasite-dependent phosphorylation is mediated by host-cell kinase activity. This provides the first evidence that the erythrocyte is stimulated to respond to early invasion events through molecular changes in its membrane architecture.
Phase transition in multimode nonlinear parity-time-symmetric waveguide couplers
Authors: Walasik Wiktor , Litchinitser Natalia M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParity-time-symmetric ("Equation missing"-symmetric) optical waveguide couplers offer new possibilities for fast, ultracompact, configurable, all-optical signal processing. Here, we study nonlinear properties of finite-size multimode "Equation missing"-symmetric couplers and predict the nonlinear oscillatory dynamics that can be controlled by three parameters: input light intensity, gain and loss amplitude and input beam profile. Moreover, we show that this dynamics is driven by a "Equation missing" transition triggered by nonlinearity in these structures and we demonstrate that with the increase of the number of dimers in the system, the transition threshold decreases and converges to the value corresponding to an infinite array. Finally, we present a variety of periodic intensity patterns that can be formed in these couplers depending on the initial excitation.
Voltage divider effect for the improvement of variability and endurance of
TaOx memristor
Authors: Kim Kyung Min , Yang J. Joshua , Strachan John Paul , Grafals Emmanuelle Merced , Ge Ning , Melendez Noraica Davila , Li Zhiyong , Williams R. Stanley 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe impact of a series resistor (RS) on the variability and endurance
performance of memristor was studied in the TaOx memristive system. A
dynamic voltage divider between the RS and memristor during both the set
and the reset switching cycles can suppress the inherent irregularity of the voltage
dropped on the memristor, resulting in a greatly reduced switching variability. By
selecting the proper resistance value of RS for the set and reset cycles
respectively, we observed a dramatically improved endurance of the TaOx
memristor. Such a voltage divider effect can thus be critical for the memristor
applications that require low variability, high endurance and fast speed.
Graphene Oxide Quantum Dots Covalently Functionalized PVDF Membrane with Significantly-Enhanced Bactericidal and Antibiofouling Performances
Authors: Zeng Zhiping , Yu Dingshan , He Ziming , Liu Jing , Xiao Fang-Xing , Zhang Yan , Wang Rong , Bhattacharyya Dibakar , Tan Timothy Thatt Yang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCovalent bonding of graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) onto amino modified polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane has generated a new type of nano-carbon functionalized membrane with significantly enhanced antibacterial and antibiofouling properties. A continuous filtration test using E. coli containing feedwater shows that the relative flux drop over GOQDs modified PVDF is 23%, which is significantly lower than those over pristine PVDF (86%) and GO-sheet modified PVDF (62%) after 10 h of filtration. The presence of GOQD coating layer effectively inactivates E. coli and S. aureus cells and prevents the biofilm formation on the membrane surface, producing excellent antimicrobial activity and potentially antibiofouling capability, more superior than those of previously reported two-dimensional GO sheets and one-dimensional CNTs modified membranes. The distinctive antimicrobial and antibiofouling performances could be attributed to the unique structure and uniform dispersion of GOQDs, enabling the exposure of a larger fraction of active edges and facilitating the formation of oxidation stress. Furthermore, GOQDs modified membrane possesses satisfying long-term stability and durability due to the strong covalent interaction between PVDF and GOQDs. This study opens up a new synthetic avenue in the fabrication of efficient surface-functionalized polymer membranes for potential waste water treatment and biomolecules separation.
Raman-Enhanced Phase-Sensitive Fibre Optical Parametric Amplifier
Authors: Fu Xuelei , Guo Xiaojie , Shu Chester 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPhase-sensitive amplification is of great research interest owing to its potential in noiseless amplification. One key feature in a phase-sensitive amplifier is the gain extinction ratio defined as the ratio of the maximum to the minimum gains. It quantifies the capability of the amplifier in performing low-noise amplification for high phase-sensitive gain. Considering a phase-sensitive fibre optical parametric amplifier for linear amplification, the gain extinction ratio increases with the phase-insensitive parametric gain achieved from the same pump. In this work, we use backward Raman amplification to increase the phase-insensitive parametric gain, which in turn improves the phase-sensitive operation. Using a 955 mW Raman pump, the gain extinction ratio is increased by 9.2 dB. The improvement in the maximum phase-sensitive gain is 18.7 dB. This scheme can significantly boost the performance of phase-sensitive amplification in a spectral range where the parametric pump is not sufficiently strong but broadband Raman amplification is available.
Enhancement of oxidation resistance via a self-healing boron carbide coating on diamond particles
Authors: Sun Youhong , Meng Qingnan , Qian Ming , Liu Baochang , Gao Ke , Ma Yinlong , Wen Mao , Zheng Weitao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA boron carbide coating was applied to diamond particles by heating the particles in a powder mixture consisting of H3BO3, B and Mg. The composition, bond state and coverage fraction of the boron carbide coating on the diamond particles were investigated. The boron carbide coating prefers to grow on the diamond (100) surface than on the diamond (111) surface. A stoichiometric B4C coating completely covered the diamond particle after maintaining the raw mixture at 1200 °C for 2 h. The contribution of the boron carbide coating to the oxidation resistance enhancement of the diamond particles was investigated. During annealing of the coated diamond in air, the priory formed B2O3, which exhibits a self-healing property, as an oxygen barrier layer, which protected the diamond from oxidation. The formation temperature of B2O3 is dependent on the amorphous boron carbide content. The coating on the diamond provided effective protection of the diamond against oxidation by heating in air at 1000 °C for 1 h. Furthermore, the presence of the boron carbide coating also contributed to the maintenance of the static compressive strength during the annealing of diamond in air.
Low-dose carbon-based nanoparticle-induced effects in A549 lung cells determined by biospectroscopy are associated with increases in genomic methylation
Authors: Li Junyi , Tian Meiping , Cui Li , Dwyer John , Fullwood Nigel J. , Shen Heqing , Martin Francis L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNanotechnology has introduced many manufactured carbon-based nanoparticles (CNPs) into our environment, generating a debate into their risks and benefits. Numerous nanotoxicology investigations have been carried and nanoparticle-induced toxic effects have been reported. However, there remain gaps in our knowledge, primarily regarding mechanism. Herein, we assessed the global alterations induced by CNPs in A549 lung cells using biospectroscopy techniques, including attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). A549 cells were treated with fullerene (C60), long or short multi-walled carbon nanotubes, or single-walled carbon nanotubes at concentrations of 0.1 mg/L, 0.01 mg/L and 0.001 mg/L. Exposed cells were then analysed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and SERS. Spectra were pre-processed via computational analysis and information on biochemical alterations in exposed cells were identified. Additionally, global DNA methylation levels in cells exposed to CNPs at 0.1 mg/L were determined using HPLC-MS and genetic regulators (for DNA methylation) were checked by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. It was found that CNPs exert marked effects in A549 cells and also contribute to increases in global DNA methylation. For the first time, this study highlights that real-world levels of nanoparticles can alter the methylome of exposed cells; this could have enormous implications for their regulatory assessment.
Diagnostic and Prognostic Value of Circulating Tumor Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Xiang-Lei , Tu Qian , Faure Gilbert , Gallet Patrice , Kohler Chantal , Bittencourt Marcelo De Carvalho 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSeveral techniques have been developed to detect circulating tumor cells (CTC) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but their diagnostic and prognostic value are not yet fully established. A computerized retrieval of literatures was conducted without time restrictions using the electronic database in December 2014. Diagnostic accuracy variables were pooled and analyzed by the Meta-DiSc software. Engauge Digitizer and Stata software were used for pooled survival analysis. Twenty-two retrieved studies were eligible for systematic review, of which 9 conformed for the diagnostic test meta-analysis and 5 for the prognostic analysis. Subgroup analysis showed 24.6% pooled sensitivity and 100% pooled specificity of detections by using positive selection strategy, which moreover presented low heterogeneity. The presence of CTC was significantly associated with shorter disease free survival (DFS, HR 4.62, 95% CI 2.51–8.52). In conclusion, current evidence identifies the CTC detection assay as an extremely specific, but low sensitive test in HNSCC. Also, the presence of CTC indicates a worse DFS.
The Effect of Oxytocin on Third-Party Altruistic Decisions in Unfair Situations: An fMRI Study
Authors: Hu Yang , Scheele Dirk , Becker Benjamin , Voos Georg , David Bastian , Hurlemann René , Weber Bernd 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHumans display an intriguing propensity to help the victim of social norm violations or punish the violators which require theory-of-mind (ToM)/mentalizing abilities. The hypothalamic peptide oxytocin (OXT) has been implicated in modulating various pro-social behaviors/perception including trust, cooperation and empathy. However, it is still elusive whether OXT also influences neural responses during third-party altruistic decisions, especially in ToM-related brain regions such as the temporo-parietal junction (TPJ). To address this question, we conducted a pharmacological functional magnetic resonance imaging experiment with healthy male participants in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over design. After the intranasal administration synthetic OXT (OXTIN) or placebo (PLC), participants could transfer money from their own endowment to either punish a norm violator or help the victim. In some trials, participants observed the decisions made by a computer. Behaviorally, participants under OXTIN showed a trend to accelerate altruistic decisions. At the neural level, we observed a strong three-way interaction between drug treatment (OXT/PLC), agency (self/computer) and decision (help/punish), such that OXTIN selectively enhanced activity in the left TPJ during observations of others being helped by the computer. Collectively, our findings indicate that OXT enhances prosocial-relevant perception by increasing ToM-related neural activations.
A Novel COL4A4 Mutation Identified in a Chinese Family with Thin Basement Membrane Nephropathy
Authors: Xu Yan , Guo Min , Dong Hui , Jiang Wei , Ma Ruixia , Liu Shiguo , Li Shenqian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThin basement membrane nephropathy (TBMN) is often attributable to mutations in the COL4A3 or COL4A4 genes that encode the α3 and α4 chains of type IV collagen, respectively, a major structural protein in the glomerular basement membrane. The aim of this study was to explore a new disease-related genetic mutation associated with the clinical phenotype observed in a Chinese Han family with autosomal dominant TBMN. We conducted a clinical and genetic study comprising seven members of this TBMN family. Mutation screening for COL4A3 and COL4A4 was carried out by direct sequencing. The RNA sequences associated with both proteins were also analyzed with reverse transcription PCR and TA cloning. The result showed that every affected patient had a novel heterozygous splicing mutation in COL4A4 (c.1459 + 1G > A), which led to the elimination of the entire exon 21 from the COL4A4 cDNA and resulted in the direct splicing of exons 20 and 22. This in turn caused a frameshift mutation after exon 20 in the open reading frame of COL4A4. In conclusion, we describe a novel splicing mutation in COL4A4 that results in TBMN. This analysis increases our understanding of TBMN phenotype-genotype correlations, which should facilitate more accurate diagnosis and prenatal diagnosis of TBMN.
Transcriptome analysis of Glomus mosseae/Medicago sativa mycorrhiza on atrazine stress
Authors: Song Fuqiang , Li Jize , Fan Xiaoxu , Zhang Quan , Chang Wei , Yang Fengshan , Geng Gui 
Published: February 2016

AbstractArbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) protect host plants against diverse biotic and abiotic stresses and promote biodegradation of various contaminants. In this study effect of Glomus mosseae/Medicago sativa mycorrhiza on atrazine degradation was investigated. It was observed that the atrazine degradation rates with any addition level in mycorrhizal treatments were all significantly higher than those in non- mycorrhizal treatments. When atrazine was applied at 20 mg kg−1, the removal efficiency was up to 74.65%. Therefore, G. mosseae can be considered as ideal inhabitants of technical installations to facilitate phytoremediation. Furthermore, a total of 10.4 Gb was used for de novo transcriptome assembly, resulting in a comprehensive data set for the identification of genes corresponding to atrazine stress in the AM association. After comparative analysis with edgeR, a total of 2,060 differential expressed genes were identified, including 570 up-regulated genes and 1490 down-regulated genes. After excluding ‘function unknown’ and ‘general function predictions only’ genes, 172 up-regulated genes were obtained. The differentially expressed genes in AM association with and without atrazine stress were associated with molecular processes/other proteins, zinc finger protein, intracellular/extracellular enzymes, structural proteins, anti-stress/anti-disease protein, electron transport-related protein and plant growth associated protein. Our results not only prove AMF has important ecological significance on atrazine degradation but also provide evidence for the molecular mechanisms of atrazine degradation by AMF.
Preparation and investigation of nano-thick FTO/Ag/FTO multilayer transparent electrodes with high figure of merit
Authors: Yu Shihui , Li Lingxia , Lyu Xiaosong , Zhang Weifeng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn order to improve the conductivity of the single–layered nano-thick F doped SnO2 (FTO) thin films, an Ag mid–layer is embedded between the FTO layers. In our work, the effects of mid–layer Ag and top FTO layer on the structural, electrical and optical properties of FTO/Ag/FTO multilayered composite structures deposited on quartz glass substrates by magnetron sputtering at 100 °C have been investigated. As the thickness of Ag mid–layer increases, the resistivity decreases. As the top FTO layer thickness increases, the resistivity increases. The highest value of figure of merit φTC is 7.8 × 10−2 Ω−1 for the FTO (20 nm)/Ag (7 nm)/FTO (30 nm) multilayers, while the average optical transmittance is 95.5% in the visible range of wavelengths and the resistivity is 8.8 × 10−5 Ω·cm. In addition, we also describe the influence of Ag and top FTO layer thickness on structural, electrical and optical properties of the nano-thick FTO (20 nm)/Ag/FTO multilayers and the mechanism of the changes of electrical and optical properties at different Ag and top FTO layer thicknesses.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles and characterization of their inhibitory effects on AGEs formation using biophysical techniques
Authors: Ashraf Jalaluddin M. , Ansari Mohammad Azam , Khan Haris M. , Alzohairy Mohammad A. , Choi Inho 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAdvanced glycation end-products (AGEs) resulting from non-enzymatic glycation are one of the major factors implicated in secondary complications of diabetes. Scientists are focusing on discovering new compounds that may be used as potential AGEs inhibitors without affecting the normal structure and function of biomolecules. A number of natural and synthetic compounds have been proposed as AGE inhibitors. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) in AGEs formation. AgNPs (~30.5 nm) synthesized from Aloe Vera leaf extract were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), high resolution-transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering (DLS) techniques. The inhibitory effects of AgNPs on AGEs formation were evaluated by investigating the degree of reactivity of free amino groups (lysine and arginine residues), protein-bound carbonyl and carboxymethyl lysine (CML) content and the effects on protein structure using various physicochemical techniques. The results showed that AgNPs significantly inhibit AGEs formation in a concentration dependent manner and that AgNPs have a positive effect on protein structure. These findings strongly suggest that AgNPs may play a therapeutic role in diabetes-related complications.
Exome sequencing in dementia with Lewy bodies
Authors: Keogh M J , Kurzawa-Akanbi M , Griffin H , Douroudis K , Ayers K L , Hussein R I , Hudson G , Pyle A , Cordell H J , Attems J , McKeith I G , O'Brien J T , Burn D J , Morris C M , Thomas A J , Chinnery P F 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the second most common form of degenerative dementia. Siblings of affected individuals are at greater risk of developing DLB, but little is known about the underlying genetic basis of the disease. We set out to determine whether mutations in known highly penetrant neurodegenerative disease genes are found in patients with DLB. Whole-exome sequencing was performed on 91 neuropathologically confirmed cases of DLB, supplemented by independent APOE genotyping. Genetic variants were classified using established criteria, and additional neuropathological examination was performed for putative mutation carriers. Likely pathogenic variants previously described as causing monogenic forms of neurodegenerative disease were found in 4.4% of patients with DLB. The APOE ɛ4 allele increased the risk of disease (P=0.0001), conferred a shorter disease duration (P=0.043) and earlier age of death (P=0.0015). In conclusion, although known pathogenic mutations in neurodegenerative disease genes are uncommon in DLB, known genetic risk factors are present in >60% of cases. APOE ɛ4 not only modifies disease risk, but also modulates the rate of disease progression. The reduced penetrance of reported pathogenic alleles explains the lack of a family history in most patients, and the presence of variants previously described as causing frontotemporal dementia suggests a mechanistic overlap between DLB and other neurodegenerative diseases.
The interaction between AMPKβ2 and the PP1-targeting subunit R6 is dynamically regulated by intracellular glycogen content
Authors: Oligschlaeger Yvonne , Miglianico Marie , Dahlmans Vivian , Rubio-Villena Carla , Chanda Dipanjan , Garcia-Gimeno Maria Adelaida , Coumans Will A. , Liu Yilin , Voncken J. Willem , Luiken Joost J.F.P. , Glatz Jan F.C. , Sanz Pascual , Neumann Dietbert 
Published: February 2016

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a metabolic stress-sensing kinase. We previously showed that glucose deprivation induces autophosphorylation of AMPKβ at Thr-148, which prevents the binding of AMPK to glycogen. Furthermore, in MIN6 cells, AMPKβ1 binds to R6 (PPP1R3D), a glycogen-targeting subunit of protein phosphatase type 1 (PP1), thereby regulating the glucose-induced inactivation of AMPK. In the present study, we further investigated the interaction of R6 with AMPKβ and the possible dependency on Thr-148 phosphorylation status. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) analyses and co-immunoprecipitation (IP) of the overexpressed proteins in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293T) cells revealed that both AMPKβ1 and AMPK-β2 wild-type (WT) isoforms bind to R6. The AMPKβ–R6 interaction was stronger with the muscle-specific AMPKβ2-WT and required association with the substrate-binding motif of R6. When HEK293T cells or C2C12 myotubes were cultured in high-glucose medium, AMPKβ2-WT and R6 weakly interacted. In contrast, glycogen depletion significantly enhanced this protein interaction. Mutation of AMPKβ2 Thr-148 prevented the interaction with R6 irrespective of the intracellular glycogen content. Treatment with the AMPK activator oligomycin enhanced the AMPKβ2–R6 interaction in conjunction with increased Thr-148 phosphorylation in cells grown in low-glucose medium. These data are in accordance with R6 binding directly to AMPKβ2 when both proteins detach from the diminishing glycogen particle, which is simultaneous with increased AMPKβ2 Thr-148 autophosphorylation. Such a model points to a possible control of AMPK by PP1-R6 upon glycogen depletion in muscle.