bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fine structure of the topological defect cores studied for disclinations in lyotropic chromonic liquid crystals
Authors: Zhou Shuang , Shiyanovskii Sergij V. , Park Heung-Shik , Lavrentovich Oleg D. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe detailed structure of singularities of ordered field represents a fundamental problem in diverse areas of physics. At the defect cores, the deformations are so strong that the system explores states with symmetry different from that of an undistorted material. These regions are difficult to explore experimentally as their spatial extension is very small, a few molecular lengths in the condensed matter. Here we explore the cores of disclinations in the so-called chromonic nematics that extend over macroscopic length scales accessible for optical characterization. We demonstrate that the amplitudeSand the phase "Equation missing"(the director) of the order parameter vary along both the radial and azimuthal directions, in contrast to the classic models in whichSvaries only with the distance from the centre and "Equation missing"depends only on the azimuthal coordinate. This unexpected core structure is explained by a strong coupling of the phase and amplitude of the order parameter in the free energy.
Bone-in-culture array as a platform to model early-stage bone metastases and discover anti-metastasis therapies
Authors: Wang Hai , Tian Lin , Goldstein Amit , Liu Jun , Lo Hin-Ching , Sheng Kuanwei , Welte Thomas , Wong Stephen T.C. , Gugala Zbigniew , Stossi Fabio , Zong Chenghang , Li Zonghai , Mancini Michael A. , Zhang Xiang H.-F. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe majority of breast cancer models for drug discovery are based on orthotopic or subcutaneous tumours. Therapeutic responses of metastases, especially microscopic metastases, are likely to differ from these tumours due to distinct cancer-microenvironment crosstalk in distant organs. Here, to recapitulate such differences, we established an ex vivo bone metastasis model, termed bone-in-culture array or BICA, by fragmenting mouse bones preloaded with breast cancer cells via intra-iliac artery injection. Cancer cells in BICA maintain features of in vivo bone micrometastases regarding the microenvironmental niche, gene expression profile, metastatic growth kinetics and therapeutic responses. Through a proof-of-principle drug screening using BICA, we found that danusertib, an inhibitor of the Aurora kinase family, preferentially inhibits bone micrometastases. In contrast, certain histone methyltransferase inhibitors stimulate metastatic outgrowth of indolent cancer cells, specifically in the bone. Thus, BICA can be used to investigate mechanisms involved in bone colonization and to rapidly test drug efficacies on bone micrometastases.
Direct comparison of distinct naive pluripotent states in human embryonic stem cells
Authors: Warrier S. , Van der Jeught M. , Duggal G. , Tilleman L. , Sutherland E. , Taelman J. , Popovic M. , Lierman S. , Chuva De Sousa Lopes S. , Van Soom A. , Peelman L. , Van Nieuwerburgh F. , De Coninck D. I. M. , Menten B. , Mestdagh P. , Van de Sompele J. , Deforce D. , De Sutter P. , Heindryckx B. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractUntil recently, human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) were shown to exist in a state of primed pluripotency, while mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) display a naive or primed pluripotent state. Here we show the rapid conversion of in-house-derived primed hESCs on mouse embryonic feeder layer (MEF) to a naive state within 5–6 days in naive conversion media (NCM-MEF), 6–10 days in naive human stem cell media (NHSM-MEF) and 14–20 days using the reverse-toggle protocol (RT-MEF). We further observe enhanced unbiased lineage-specific differentiation potential of naive hESCs converted in NCM-MEF, however, all naive hESCs fail to differentiate towards functional cell types. RNA-seq analysis reveals a divergent role of PI3K/AKT/mTORC signalling, specifically of the mTORC2 subunit, in the different naive hESCs. Overall, we demonstrate a direct evaluation of several naive culture conditions performed in the same laboratory, thereby contributing to an unbiased, more in-depth understanding of different naive hESCs.
Transiently antigen-primed B cells return to naive-like state in absence of T-cell help
Authors: Turner Jackson S. , Marthi Matangi , Benet Zachary L. , Grigorova Irina 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe perspective that naive B-cell recognition of antigen in the absence of T-cell help causes cell death or anergy is supported byin vivostudies of B cells that are continuously exposed to self-antigens. However, intravital imaging suggests that early B-cell recognition of large foreign antigens may be transient. Whether B cells are tolerized or can be recruited into humoural immune responses following such encounters is not clear. Here we show that in the presence of T-cell help, single transient antigen acquisition is sufficient to recruit B cells into the germinal centre and induce memory and plasma cell responses. In the absence of T-cell help, transiently antigen-primed B cells do not undergo apoptosisin vivo; they return to quiescence and are recruited efficiently into humoural responses upon reacquisition of antigen and T-cell help.
Clonal evolution in myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: da Silva-Coelho Pedro , Kroeze Leonie I. , Yoshida Kenichi , Koorenhof-Scheele Theresia N. , Knops Ruth , van de Locht Louis T. , de Graaf Aniek O. , Massop Marion , Sandmann Sarah , Dugas Martin , Stevens-Kroef Marian J. , Cermak Jaroslav , Shiraishi Yuichi , Chiba Kenichi , Tanaka Hiroko , Miyano Satoru , de Witte Theo , Blijlevens Nicole M. A. , Muus Petra , Huls Gerwin , van der Reijden Bert A. , Ogawa Seishi , Jansen Joop H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCancer development is a dynamic process during which the successive accumulation of mutations results in cells with increasingly malignant characteristics. Here, we show the clonal evolution pattern in myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients receiving supportive care, with or without lenalidomide (follow-up 2.5–11 years). Whole-exome and targeted deep sequencing at multiple time points during the disease course reveals that both linear and branched evolutionary patterns occur with and without disease-modifying treatment. The application of disease-modifying therapy may create an evolutionary bottleneck after which more complex MDS, but also unrelated clones of haematopoietic cells, may emerge. In addition, subclones that acquired an additional mutation associated with treatment resistance (TP53) or disease progression (NRAS, KRAS) may be detected months before clinical changes become apparent. Monitoring the genetic landscape during the disease may help to guide treatment decisions.
Effect of Unsaturated Sn Atoms on Gas-Sensing Property in Hydrogenated SnO2 Nanocrystals and Sensing Mechanism
Authors: Yuan Y. , Wang Y. , Wang M. , Liu J. , Pei C. , Liu B. , Zhao H. , Liu S. , Yang H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSensing reaction mechanism is crucial for enhancing the sensing performance of semiconductor-based sensing materials. Here we show a new strategy to enhancing sensing performance of SnO2 nanocrystals by increasing the density of unsaturated Sn atoms with dangling bonds at the SnO2 surface through hydrogenation. A concept of the surface unsaturated Sn atoms serving as active sites for the sensing reaction is proposed, and the sensing mechanism is described in detail at atomic and molecule level for the first time. Sensing properties of other metal oxide sensors and catalytic activity of other catalysts may be improved by using the hydrogenation strategy. The concept of the surface unsaturated metal atoms serving as active sites may be very useful for understanding the sensing and catalytic reaction mechanisms and designing advanced sensing sensors, catalysts and photoelectronic devices.
Deficiency of CCN5/WISP-2-Driven Program in breast cancer Promotes Cancer Epithelial cells to mesenchymal stem cells and Breast Cancer growth
Authors: Das Amlan , Dhar Kakali , Maity Gargi , Sarkar Sandipto , Ghosh Arnab , Haque Inamul , Dhar Gopal , Banerjee Snigdha , Banerjee Sushanta K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBreast cancer progression and relapse is conceivably due to tumor initiating cells (TICs)/cancer stem cells. EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal-transition)-signaling regulates TICs’ turnover. However, the mechanisms associated with this episode are unclear. We show that, in triple-negative-breast cancer (TNBC) cells enriched with TICs, CCN5 significantly blocks cellular growth via apoptosis, reversing EMT-signaling and impairing mammosphere formation, thereby blocking the tumor-forming ability and invasive capacity of these cells. To corroborate these findings, we isolated tumor-initiating side populations (SP) and non-side population (NSP or main population) from MCF-7 cell line, and evaluated the impact of CCN5 on these subpopulations. CCN5 was overexpressed in the NSP but downregulated in the SP. Characteristically, NSP cells are ER-α positive and epithelial type with little tumorigenic potency, while SP cells are very similar to triple-negative ones that do not express ER-α- and Her-2 and are highly tumorigenic in xenograft models. The overexpression of CCN5 in SP results in EMT reversion, ER-α upregulation and delays in tumor growth in xenograft models. We reasoned that CCN5 distinguishes SP and NSP and could reprogram SP to NSP transition, thereby delaying tumor growth in the xenograft model. Collectively, we reveal how CCN5-signaling underlies the driving force to prevent TNBC growth and progression.
The centrosomal OFD1 protein interacts with the translation machinery and regulates the synthesis of specific targets
Authors: Iaconis Daniela , Monti Maria , Renda Mario , van Koppen Arianne , Tammaro Roberta , Chiaravalli Marco , Cozzolino Flora , Pignata Paola , Crina Claudia , Pucci Piero , Boletta Alessandra , Belcastro Vincenzo , Giles Rachel H. , Surace Enrico Maria , Gallo Simone , Pende Mario , Franco Brunella 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProtein synthesis is traditionally associated with specific cytoplasmic compartments. We now show that OFD1, a centrosomal/basal body protein, interacts with components of the Preinitiation complex of translation (PIC) and of the eukaryotic Initiation Factor (eIF)4F complex and modulates the translation of specific mRNA targets in the kidney. We demonstrate that OFD1 cooperates with the mRNA binding protein Bicc1 to functionally control the protein synthesis machinery at the centrosome where also the PIC and eIF4F components were shown to localize in mammalian cells. Interestingly, Ofd1 and Bicc1 are both involved in renal cystogenesis and selected targets were shown to accumulate in two models of inherited renal cystic disease. Our results suggest a possible role for the centrosome as a specialized station to modulate translation for specific functions of the nearby ciliary structures and may provide functional clues for the understanding of renal cystic disease.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Clinical Parameters Favoring the Presence of Diabetic Nephropathy could Predict Renal Outcome in Patients with Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Hung Chi-Chih , Lin Hugo You-Hsien , Hwang Daw-Yang , Kuo I-Ching , Chiu Yi-Wen , Lim Lee-Moay , Hwang Shang-Jyh , Chen Hung-Chun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDiabetes duration, diabetic retinopathy (DR), and a diagnostic model have been proposed as clinical parameters favoring the presence of diabetic nephropathy (DN) in biopsied patients with diabetic kidney disease. DN, compared with non-diabetic renal disease, had poorer renal outcomes. We tested whether these clinical parameters favoring DN are associated with poorer renal outcomes in non-biopsied patients. In this study, 1330 patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease stages 1–4 were included and divided according to diabetes mellitus (DM) duration >8 years, DR, or a diagnostic model for DN. These clinical parameters favoring DN were found in 62–77% of patients and associated with higher levels of proteinuria. In a Cox survival analysis, DR and the diagnostic model favoring DN were associated with an increased risk for end-stage renal disease with adjusted hazard ratios of 1.69 (95% CI: 1.16–2.45, P = 0.006) and 1.66 (95% CI: 1.05–2.61, P = 0.029), respectively. DR was associated with an increased risk for rapid renal disease progression. DM >8 years was not associated with renal outcome. Propensity score-matched analyses also showed similar results. In conclusion, DR and the diagnostic model favoring DN were associated with poorer renal outcomes.
Sensitization of glioblastoma tumor micro-environment to chemo- and immunotherapy by Galectin-1 intranasal knock-down strategy
Authors: Van Woensel Matthias , Mathivet Thomas , Wauthoz Nathalie , Rosière Rémi , Garg Abhishek D. , Agostinis Patrizia , Mathieu Véronique , Kiss Robert , Lefranc Florence , Boon Louis , Belmans Jochen , Van Gool Stefaan W. , Gerhardt Holger , Amighi Karim , De Vleeschouwer Steven 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn this study, we evaluated the consequences of reducing Galectin-1 (Gal-1) in the tumor micro-environment (TME) of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), via nose-to-brain transport. Gal-1 is overexpressed in GBM and drives chemo- and immunotherapy resistance. To promote nose-to-brain transport, we designed siRNA targeting Gal-1 (siGal-1) loaded chitosan nanoparticles that silence Gal-1 in the TME. Intranasal siGal-1 delivery induces a remarkable switch in the TME composition, with reduced myeloid suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, and increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Gal-1 knock-down reduces macrophages’ polarization switch from M1 (pro-inflammatory) to M2 (anti-inflammatory) during GBM progression. These changes are accompanied by normalization of the tumor vasculature and increased survival for tumor bearing mice. The combination of siGal-1 treatment with temozolomide or immunotherapy (dendritic cell vaccination and PD-1 blocking) displays synergistic effects, increasing the survival of tumor bearing mice. Moreover, we could confirm the role of Gal-1 on lymphocytes in GBM patients by matching the Gal-1 expression and their T cell signatures. These findings indicate that intranasal siGal-1 nanoparticle delivery could be a valuable adjuvant treatment to increase the efficiency of immune-checkpoint blockade and chemotherapy.
Complement factors C4 and C3 are down regulated in response to short term overfeeding in healthy young men
Authors: Foghmar Caroline , Brøns Charlotte , Pilely Katrine , Vaag Allan , Garred Peter 
Published: April 2017

AbstractInsulin resistance is associated with high circulating level of complement factor C3. Animal studies suggest that improper complement activation mediates high-fat-diet-induced insulin resistance. Individuals born with low birth weight (LBW) are at increased risk of developing insulin resistance. We hypothesized that high-fat overfeeding (HFO) increase circulating C3 and induce complement activation in a birth weight differential manner. Twenty LBW and 26 normal birth weight (NBW) young men were studied using a randomised crossover design. Insulin resistance was measured after a control-diet and after 5-days HFO by a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic-clamp. Circulating C4, C3, ficolins, mannose-binding-lectin, complement activation products C3bc, terminal complement complex (TCC) and complement activation capacity were determined using turbidimetry and ELISA. HFO induced peripheral insulin resistance in LBW individuals only, while both groups had the same degree of hepatic insulin resistance after HFO. Viewing all individuals circulating levels of C4, C3, C3bc, TCC and complement activation capacity decreased paradoxically along the development of insulin resistance after HFO (P = 0.0015, P < 0.0001, P = 0.01, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0002, P < 0.0001, P = 0.0006). Birth weight did not influence these results. This might reflect a hitherto unrecognized down-regulatory mechanism of the complement system. More human studies are needed to understand the underlying physiology and the potential consequences of these findings.
Monitoring Chemical Changes on the Surface of Kenaf Fiber during Degumming Process Using Infrared Microspectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Wei , Han Guangting , Zhang Yuanming , Liu Shaoyang , Zhou Chengfeng , Song Yan , Zhang Xiao , Xia Yanzhi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDegumming is the dominant method to obtain lignocellulosic fibers in the textile industry. Traditionally, wet chemistry methods are used to monitor the evolution of major chemical components during the degumming process. However, these methods lack the ability to provide spatial information for these heterogeneous materials. In this study, besides wet chemistry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, a Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) method was employed to monitor the changes in spatial distribution of the main chemical components on the kenaf surface during a steam explosion followed by chemical degum process. The results showed that hemicellulose and lignin were degummed at different rates, and the mechanisms of their degumming are different. The infrared microspectral images revealed the distribution changes of chemical components on the fiber bundle surface during the process, indicating that FTIRM is an effective tool to analyze the degumming process and improve degumming methods.
Pressure Self-focusing Effect and Novel Methods for Increasing the Maximum Pressure in Traditional and Rotational Diamond Anvil Cells
Authors: Feng Biao , Levitas Valery I. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe main principles of producing a region near the center of a sample, compressed in a diamond anvil cell (DAC), with a very high pressure gradient and, consequently, with high pressure are predicted theoretically. The revealed phenomenon of generating extremely high pressure gradient is called the pressure self-focusing effect. Initial analytical predictions utilized generalization of a simplified equilibrium equation. Then, the results are refined using our recent advanced model for elastoplastic material under high pressures in finite element method (FEM) simulations. The main points in producing the pressure self-focusing effect are to use beveled anvils and reach a very thin sample thickness at the center. We find that the superposition of torsion in a rotational DAC (RDAC) offers drastic enhancement of the pressure self-focusing effect and allows one to reach the same pressure under a much lower force and deformation of anvils.
Estrogen reprograms the activity of neutrophils to foster protumoral microenvironment during mammary involution
Authors: Chung Hwa Hwa , Or Yu Zuan , Shrestha Smeeta , Loh Jia Tong , Lim Chew Leng , Ong Zoe , Woo Amanda Rui En , Su I-Hsin , Lin Valerie C. L. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractEpidemiological studies have indicated increased risk for breast cancer within 10 years of childbirth. Acute inflammation during mammary involution has been suggested to promote this parity-associated breast cancer. We report here that estrogen exacerbates mammary inflammation during involution. Microarray analysis shows that estrogen induces an extensive proinflammatory gene signature in the involuting mammary tissue. This is associated with estrogen-induced neutrophil infiltration. Furthermore, estrogen induces the expression of protumoral cytokines/chemokines, COX-2 and tissue-remodeling enzymes in isolated mammary neutrophils and systemic neutrophil depletion abolished estrogen-induced expression of these genes in mammary tissue. More interestingly, neutrophil depletion diminished estrogen-induced growth of ERα-negative mammary tumor 4T1 in Balb/c mice. These findings highlight a novel aspect of estrogen action that reprograms the activity of neutrophils to create a pro-tumoral microenvironment during mammary involution. This effect on the microenvironment would conceivably aggravate its known neoplastic effect on mammary epithelial cells.
Intracellular lipid binding protein family diversity from Oyster Crassostrea gigas: genomic and structural features of invertebrate lipid transporters
Authors: de Toledo-Silva Guilherme , Razzera Guilherme , Zacchi Flavia Lucena , Wendt Nestor Cubas , Mattos Jacó Joaquim , Bainy Afonso Celso Dias 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIntracellular lipid binding proteins (iLBPs) play a role in the transport and cellular uptake of fatty acids and gene expression regulation. The aim of this work was to characterize the iLBP gene family of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, one of the most cultivated marine bivalves in the world, using bioinformatics and molecular biology approaches. A total of 26 different iLBPs transcripts were identified in the Pacific oyster genome, including alternative splicing and gene duplication events. The oyster iLBP gene family seems to be more expanded than in other invertebrates. Furthermore, 3D structural modeling and molecular docking analysis mapped the main amino acids involved in ligand interactions, and comparisons to available protein structures from vertebrate families revealed new binding cavities. Ten different CgiLBPs were analyzed by quantitative PCR in various tissues of C. gigas, which suggested differential prevalent gene expression of CgiLBPs among tissue groups. The data indicate a wider repertoire of iLBPs in labial palps, a food-sorting tissue. The different gene transcription profiles and reported docking systems suggest that the iLBPs are a non-generalist ligand binding protein family with specific functions.
Sites of overt and covert attention define simultaneous spatial reference centers for visuomotor response
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liang Lixin , Pan Yujun , Qian Ning , Zhang Mingsha 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe site of overt attention (fixation point) defines a spatial reference center that affects visuomotor response as indicated by the stimulus-response-compatibility (SRC) effect: When subjects press, e.g., a left key to report stimuli, their reaction time is shorter when stimuli appear to the left than to the right of the fixation. Covert attention to a peripheral site appears to define a similar reference center but previous studies did not control for confounding spatiotemporal factors or investigate the relationship between overt- and covert-attention-defined centers. Using an eye tracker to monitor fixation, we found an SRC effect relative to the site of covert attention induced by a flashed cue dot, and a concurrent reduction, but not elimination, of the overt-attention SRC effect. The two SRC effects jointly determined the overall motor reaction time. Since trials with different cue locations were randomly interleaved, the integration of the two reference centers must be updated online. When the cue was invalid and diminished covert attention, the covert-attention SRC effect disappeared and the overt-attention SRC effect retained full strength, excluding non-attention-based interpretations. We conclude that both covert- and overt-attention sites define visual reference centers that simultaneously contribute to motor response.