bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydro-dynamic Solute Transport under Two-Phase Flow Conditions
Authors: Karadimitriou Nikolaos K. , Joekar-Niasar Vahid , Brizuela Omar Godinez 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThere are abundant examples of natural, engineering and industrial applications, in which “solute transport” and “mixing” in porous media occur under multiphase flow conditions. Current state-of-the-art understanding and modelling of such processes are established based on flawed and non-representative models. Moreover, there is no direct experimental result to show the true hydrodynamics of transport and mixing under multiphase flow conditions while the saturation topology is being kept constant for a number of flow rates. With the use of a custom-made microscope, and under well-controlled flow boundary conditions, we visualized directly the transport of a tracer in a Reservoir-on-Chip (RoC) micromodel filled with two immiscible fluids. This study provides novel insights into the saturation-dependency of transport and mixing in porous media. To our knowledge, this is the first reported pore-scale experiment in which the saturation topology, relative permeability, and tortuosity were kept constant and transport was studied under different dynamic conditions in a wide range of saturation. The critical role of two-phase hydrodynamic properties on non-Fickian transport and saturation-dependency of dispersion are discussed, which highlight the major flaws in parametrization of existing models.
Pro-106-Ser mutation and EPSPS overexpression acting together simultaneously in glyphosate-resistant goosegrass (Eleusine indica)
Authors: Gherekhloo Javid , Fernández-Moreno Pablo T. , Alcántara-de la Cruz Ricardo , Sánchez-González Eduardo , Cruz-Hipolito Hugo E. , Domínguez-Valenzuela José A. , De Prado Rafael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractGlyphosate has been used for more than 15 years for weed management in citrus groves in the Gulf of Mexico, at up to 3–4 applications per year. Goosegrass (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertn.) control has sometimes failed. In this research, the mechanisms governing three goosegrass biotypes (Ein-Or from an orange grove, and Ein-Pl1 and Ein-Pl2 from Persian lime groves) with suspected resistance to glyphosate were characterized and compared to a susceptible biotype (Ein-S). Dose-response and shikimate accumulation assays confirmed resistance of the resistant (R) biotypes. There were no differences in glyphosate absorption, but the R biotypes retained up to 62–78% of the herbicide in the treated leaf at 96 h after treatment (HAT), in comparison to the Ein-S biotype (36%). The 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) activity in the Ein-Or and Ein-S biotypes was over 100-fold lower than the Ein-Pl1 and Ein-Pl2 ones. The latter showed a high EPSPS-basal activity, a mutation at Pro-106-Ser position in the EPSPS gene, and EPSPS overexpression. The EPSPS basal and EPSPS overexpression were positively correlated. The R goosegrass biotypes displayed poor glyphosate translocation. Furthermore, this grassweed showed, for the first time, two mechanisms at the target-site level (Pro-106-Ser mutation + EPSPS overexpression) acting together simultaneously against glyphosate.
TGFβ-induced osteogenic potential of human amniotic fluid stem cells via CD73-generated adenosine production
Authors: Hau Kwan-Leong , Ranzoni Anna Maria , Vlahova Filipa , Hawkins Kate , De Coppi Paolo , David Anna L. , Guillot Pascale V. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe human amniotic fluid stem cell (hAFSC) population consists of two morphologically distinct subtypes, spindle-shaped and round-shaped cells (SS-hAFSCs and RS-hAFSCs). Whilst SS-hAFSCs are routinely expanded in mesenchymal-type (MT) conditions, we previously showed that they acquire broader differentiation potential when cultured under embryonic-type (ET) conditions. However, the effects of culture conditions on RS-hAFSCs have not been determined. Here, we show that culturing RS-hAFSCs under ET conditions confers faster proliferation and enhances the efficiency of osteogenic differentiation of the cells. We show that this occurs via TGFβ-induced activation of CD73 and the associated increase in the generation of extracellular adenosine. Our data demonstrate that culture conditions are decisive for the expansion of hAFSCs and that TGFβ present in ET conditions causes the phenotype of RS-hAFSCs to revert to an earlier state of stemness. Cultivating RS-hAFSCs in ET conditions with TGFβ may therefore increase their therapeutic potential for clinical applications.
Enhanced efficiency of cell death by lysosome-specific photodamage
Authors: Tsubone Tayana Mazin , Martins Waleska Kerllen , Pavani Christiane , Junqueira Helena Couto , Itri Rosangela , Baptista Maurício S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMobilization of specific mechanisms of regulated cell death is a promising alternative to treat challenging illness such as neurodegenerative disease and cancer. The use of light to activate these mechanisms may provide a route for target-specific therapies. Two asymmetric porphyrins with opposite charges, the negatively charged TPPS2aand the positively charged CisDiMPyP were compared in terms of their properties in membrane mimics and in cells. CisDiMPyP interacts to a larger extent with model membranes and with cells than TPPS2a, due to a favorable electrostatic interaction. CisDiMPyP is also more effective than TPPS2ain damaging membranes. Surprisingly, TPPS2ais more efficient in causing photoinduced cell death. The lethal concentration on cell viability of 50% (LC50) found for TPPS2awas ~3.5 (raw data) and ~5 (considering photosensitizer incorporation) times smaller than for CisDiMPyP. CisDiMPyP damaged mainly mitochondria and triggered short-term phototoxicity by necro-apoptotic cell death. Photoexcitation of TPPS2apromotes mainly lysosomal damage leading to autophagy-associated cell death. Our data shows that an exact damage in lysosome is more effective to diminish proliferation of HeLa cells than a similar damage in mitochondria. Precisely targeting organelles and specifically triggering regulated cell death mechanisms shall help in the development of new organelle-target therapies.
Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Z-Scheme Hydrogen Production over Oxygen-Deficient WO3–x Nanorods supported Zn0.3Cd0.7S Heterostructure
Authors: Yousaf Ammar Bin , Imran M. , Zaidi Syed Javaid , Kasak Peter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe demand for clean renewable energy is increasing due to depleting fossil fuels and environmental concerns. Photocatalytic hydrogen production through water splitting is one such promising route to meet global energy demands with carbon free technology. Alternative photocatalysts avoiding noble metals are highly demanded. Herein, we fabricated heterostructure consist of oxygen-deficient WO3–x nanorods with Zn0.3Cd0.7S nanoparticles for an efficient Z-Scheme photocatalytic system. Our as obtained heterostructure showed photocatalytic H2 evolution rate of 352.1 μmol h−1 with apparent quantum efficiency (AQY) of 7.3% at λ = 420 nm. The photocatalytic hydrogen production reaches up to 1746.8 μmol after 5 hours process in repeatable manner. The UV-Visible diffuse reflectance spectra show strong absorption in the visible region which greatly favors the photocatalytic performance. Moreover, the efficient charge separation suggested by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photocurrent response curves exhibit enhancement in H2 evolution rate. The strong interface contact between WO3–x nanorods and Zn0.3Cd0.7S nanoparticles ascertained from HRTEM images also play an important role for the emigration of electron. Our findings provide possibilities for the design and development of new Z-scheme photocatalysts for highly efficient hydrogen production.
Soil natural capital in europe; a framework for state and change assessment
Authors: Robinson David A. , Panagos Panos , Borrelli Pasquale , Jones Arwyn , Montanarella Luca , Tye Andrew , Obst Carl G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSoils underpin our existence through food production and represent the largest terrestrial carbon store. Understanding soil state-and-change in response to climate and land use change is a major challenge. Our aim is to bridge the science-policy interface by developing a natural capital accounting structure for soil, for example, attempting a mass balance between soil erosion and production, which indicates that barren land, and woody crop areas are most vulnerable to potential soil loss. We test out our approach using earth observation, modelling and ground based sample data from the European Union’s Land Use/Cover Area frame statistical Survey (LUCAS) soil monitoring program. Using land cover change data for 2000–2012 we are able to identify land covers susceptible to change, and the soil resources most at risk. Tree covered soils are associated with the highest carbon stocks, and are on the increase, while areas of arable crops are declining, but artificial surfaces are increasing. The framework developed offers a substantial step forward, demonstrating the development of biophysical soil accounts that can be used in wider socio-economic and policy assessment; initiating the development of an integrated soil monitoring approach called for by the United Nations Intergovernmental Technical Panel on Soils.
Fabrication of three-dimensional suspended, interlayered and hierarchical nanostructures by accuracy-improved electron beam lithography overlay
Authors: Yoon Gwanho , Kim Inki , So Sunae , Mun Jungho , Kim Minkyung , Rho Junsuk 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNanofabrication techniques are essential for exploring nanoscience and many closely related research fields such as materials, electronics, optics and photonics. Recently, three-dimensional (3D) nanofabrication techniques have been actively investigated through many different ways, however, it is still challenging to make elaborate and complex 3D nanostructures that many researchers want to realize for further interesting physics studies and device applications. Electron beam lithography, one of the two-dimensional (2D) nanofabrication techniques, is also feasible to realize elaborate 3D nanostructures by stacking each 2D nanostructures. However, alignment errors among the individual 2D nanostructures have been difficult to control due to some practical issues. In this work, we introduce a straightforward approach to drastically increase the overlay accuracy of sub-20 nm based on carefully designed alignmarks and calibrators. Three different types of 3D nanostructures whose designs are motivated from metamaterials and plasmonic structures have been demonstrated to verify the feasibility of the method, and the desired result has been achieved. We believe our work can provide a useful approach for building more advanced and complex 3D nanostructures.
Deformability based Cell Sorting using Microfluidic Ratchets Enabling Phenotypic Separation of Leukocytes Directly from Whole Blood
Authors: Guo Quan , Duffy Simon P. , Matthews Kerryn , Islamzada Emel , Ma Hongshen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe separation of leukocytes from whole blood is a prerequisite for many biological assays. Traditional methods require significant sample volumes and are often undesirable because they expose leukocytes to harsh physical or chemical treatment. Existing microfluidic approaches can work with smaller volumes, but lack selectivity. In particular, the selectivity of microfluidic systems based on microfiltration is limited by fouling due to clogging. Here, we developed a method to separate leukocytes from whole blood using the microfluidic ratchet mechanism, which filters the blood sample using a matrix of micrometer-scale tapered constrictions. Deforming single cells through such constrictions requires directionally asymmetrical forces, which enables oscillatory flow to create a ratcheting transport that depends on cell size and deformability. Simultaneously, oscillatory flow continuously agitates the cells to limit the contact time with the filter microstructure to prevent adsorption and clogging. We show this device is capable of isolating leukocytes from whole blood with 100% purity (i.e. no contaminant erythrocytes) and <2% leukocytes loss. We further demonstrate the potential to phenotypically sort leukocytes to enrich for granulocytes and lymphocytes subpopulations. Together, this process provides a sensitive method to isolate and sort leukocytes directly from whole blood based on their biophysical properties.
Distribution and genotype-phenotype correlation of GDAP1 mutations in Spain
Authors: Sivera Rafael , Frasquet Marina , Lupo Vincenzo , García-Sobrino Tania , Blanco-Arias Patricia , Pardo Julio , Fernández-Torrón Roberto , de Munain Adolfo López , Márquez-Infante Celedonio , Villarreal Liliana , Carbonell Pilar , Rojas-García Ricard , Segovia Sonia , Illa Isabel , Frongia Anna Lia , Nascimento Andrés , Ortez Carlos , García-Romero María del Mar , Pascual Samuel Ignacio , Pelayo-Negro Ana Lara , Berciano José , Guerrero Antonio , Casasnovas Carlos , Camacho Ana , Esteban Jesús , Chumillas María José , Barreiro Marisa , Díaz Carmen , Palau Francesc , Vílchez Juan Jesús , Espinós Carmen , Sevilla Teresa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMutations in the GDAP1 gene can cause Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. These mutations are quite rare in most Western countries but not so in certain regions of Spain or other Mediterranean countries. This cross-sectional retrospective multicenter study analyzed the clinical and genetic characteristics of patients with GDAP1 mutations across Spain. 99 patients were identified, which were distributed across most of Spain, but especially in the Northwest and Mediterranean regions. The most common genotypes were p.R120W (in 81% of patients with autosomal dominant inheritance) and p.Q163X (in 73% of autosomal recessive patients). Patients with recessively inherited mutations had a more severe phenotype, and certain clinical features, like dysphonia or respiratory dysfunction, were exclusively detected in this group. Dominantly inherited mutations had prominent clinical variability regarding severity, including 29% of patients who were asymptomatic. There were minor clinical differences between patients harboring specific mutations but not when grouped according to localization or type of mutation. This is the largest clinical series to date of patients with GDAP1 mutations, and it contributes to define the genetic distribution and genotype-phenotype correlation in this rare form of CMT.
RNA sequencing reveals resistance of TLR4 ligand-activated microglial cells to inflammation mediated by the selective jumonji H3K27 demethylase inhibitor
Authors: Das Amitabh , Arifuzzaman Sarder , Yoon Taeho , Kim Sun Hwa , Chai Jin Choul , Lee Young Seek , Jung Kyoung Hwa , Chai Young Gyu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPersistent microglial activation is associated with the production and secretion of various pro-inflammatory genes, cytokines and chemokines, which may initiate or amplify neurodegenerative diseases. A novel synthetic histone 3 lysine 27 (H3K27) demethylase JMJD3 inhibitor, GSK-J4, was proven to exert immunosuppressive activities in macrophages. However, a genome-wide search for GSK-J4 molecular targets has not been undertaken in microglia. To study the immuno-modulatory effects of GSK-J4 at the transcriptomic level, triplicate RNA sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR analyses were performed with resting, GSK-J4-, LPS- and LPS + GSK-J4-challenged primary microglial (PM) and BV-2 microglial cells. Among the annotated genes, the transcriptional sequencing of microglia that were treated with GSK-J4 revealed a selective effect on LPS-induced gene expression, in which the induction of cytokines/chemokines, interferon-stimulated genes, and prominent transcription factors TFs, as well as previously unidentified genes that are important in inflammation was suppressed. Furthermore, we showed that GSK-J4 controls are important inflammatory gene targets by modulating STAT1, IRF7, and H3K27me3 levels at their promoter sites. These unprecedented results demonstrate that the histone demethylase inhibitor GSK-J4 could have therapeutic applications for neuroinflammatory diseases.
IL28B rs12979860 genotype as a predictor marker of progression to BKVirus Associated nephropathy, after kidney transplantation
Authors: Dvir Roee , Paloschi Vera , Canducci Filippo , Dell’Antonio Giacomo , Racca Sara , Caldara Rossana , Pantaleo Giuseppe , Clementi Massimo , Secchi Antonio 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBK virus (BKV) associated nephropathy (BKVAN) is still an important cause of allograft dysfunction after kidney transplantation (KT). Recent data have shown that the new interferon (IFN)-λ family has been ascribed antiviral properties similar to IFNα, and that the response to IFNλ in kidney is restricted to epithelial cells, suggesting that the IFNλ system evolves as specific protection of the epithelia. We aimed to test the hypothesis of correlation between a single nucleotide polymorphism (C/T dimorphism rs12979860) in the genomic region of IL28B and BKVAN, in patients after KT. Fifty kidney-transplanted patients were included as follow: Group 1 (BKV+/BKVAN+): 11 patients with active BKV− replication and biopsy-proven BKVAN; Group 2 (BKV+/BKVAN−): 22 patients with active BKV− replication but without evidence of BKVAN; Group 3 (BKV−/BKVAN−): 17 patients without evidence of BKV− replication (control group). Here we show that the C/C genotype was statistically higher in group 2 than in group 1 and BKVAN was detected significantly more frequently in patients with C/T and T/T genotypes than in patients with C/C genotype. We therefore propose IL28B polymorphism (rs12979860), as a predictor-marker to differentiate between patients with self-limited, even if persistent, BKV− reactivation and patients with a high risk of progression towards BKVAN, and to modulate the clinical management of these patients accordingly.
Towards water-free biobanks: long-term dry-preservation at room temperature of desiccation-sensitive enzyme luciferase in air-dried insect cells
Authors: Kikuta Shingo , Watanabe Shunsuke J. , Sato Ryoichi , Gusev Oleg , Nesmelov Alexander , Sogame Yoichiro , Cornette Richard , Kikawada Takahiro 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDesiccation-tolerant cultured cells Pv11 derived from the anhydrobiotic midge embryo endure complete desiccation in an ametabolic state and resume their metabolism after rehydration. These features led us to develop a novel dry preservation technology for enzymes as it was still unclear whether Pv11 cells could preserve an exogenous enzyme in the dry state. This study shows that Pv11 cells protect an exogenous desiccation-sensitive enzyme, luciferase (Luc), preserving the enzymatic activity even after dry storage for 372 days at room temperature. A process including preincubation with trehalose, dehydration, storage, and rehydration allowed Pv11 (Pv11-Luc) cells stably expressing luciferase to survive desiccation and still emit luminescence caused by luciferase after rehydration. Luminescence produced by luciferase in Pv11-Luc cells after rehydration did not significantly decrease in presence of a translation inhibitor, showing that the activity did not derive from de novo enzyme synthesis following the resumption of cell metabolism. These findings indicate that the surviving Pv11 cells almost completely protect luciferase during desiccation. Lacking of the preincubation step resulted in the loss of luciferase activity after rehydration. We showed that preincubation with trehalose associated to induction of desiccation tolerance-related genes in Pv11 cells allowed effective in vivo preservation of enzymes in the dry state.
Microfluidic Cell Retention Device for Perfusion of Mammalian Suspension Culture
Authors: Kwon Taehong , Prentice Holly , Oliveira Jonas De , Madziva Nyasha , Warkiani Majid Ebrahimi , Hamel Jean-François P. , Han Jongyoon 
Published: July 2017

AbstractContinuous production of biologics, a growing trend in the biopharmaceutical industry, requires a reliable and efficient cell retention device that also maintains cell viability. Current filtration methods, such as tangential flow filtration using hollow-fiber membranes, suffer from membrane fouling, leading to significant reliability and productivity issues such as low cell viability, product retention, and an increased contamination risk associated with filter replacement. We introduce a novel cell retention device based on inertial sorting for perfusion culture of suspended mammalian cells. The device was characterized in terms of cell retention capacity, biocompatibility, scalability, and long-term reliability. This technology was demonstrated using a high concentration (>20 million cells/mL) perfusion culture of an IgG1-producing Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line for 18–25 days. The device demonstrated reliable and clog-free cell retention, high IgG1recovery (>99%) and cell viability (>97%). Lab-scale perfusion cultures (350 mL) were used to demonstrate the technology, which can be scaled-out with parallel devices to enable larger scale operation. The new cell retention device is thus ideal for rapid perfusion process development in a biomanufacturing workflow.
Gene-based Therapy in a Mouse Model of Blue Cone Monochromacy
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Deng Wen-Tao , Du Wei , Zhu Ping , Li Jie , Xu Fan , Sun Jingfen , Gerstner Cecilia D. , Baehr Wolfgang , Boye Sanford L. , Zhao Chen , Hauswirth William W. , Pang Ji-jing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCones are responsible for daylight, central, high acuity and color vision. Three proteins found in human cones, i.e. long-wavelength (L)-, middle-wavelength (M)-, and short-wavelength sensitive (S)-opsins, are responsible for red, green and blue color recognition, respectively. Human blue cone monochromacy (BCM) is characterized by functional loss of both L- and M-cone opsins due to mutations in the OPN1LW/OPN1MW gene cluster on the X chromosome. BCM patients, who rely on their vision from only S-cones and rods, suffer severely reduced visual acuity and impaired color vision. Recent studies show that there is sufficient cone structure remaining in the central fovea of BCM patients to consider AAV-mediated gene augmentation therapy. In contrast, mouse retina has only two opsins, S-opsin and M-opsin, but no L-opsin. We generated an M-opsin knockout mouse (Opn1mw−/−) expressing only S-opsin as a model for human BCM. We show that recombinant M-opsin delivered by AAV5 vectors rescues M-cone function in Opn1mw−/− mice. We also show that AAV delivered M-opsin localizes in the dorsal cone outer segments, and co-localizes with S-opsin in the ventral retina. Our study demonstrates that cones without M-opsin remain viable and respond to gene augmentation therapy, thereby providing proof-of-concept for cone function restoration in BCM patients.
Food Protective Effects of 3-Methylbenzaldehyde Derived from Myosotis arvensis and Its Analogues against Tyrophagus putrescentiae
Authors: Park Jun-Hwan , Lee Na-Hyun , Yang Young-Cheol , Lee Hoi-Seon 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe potential abilities of 3-methylbenzaldehyde derived fromMyosotis arvensisoil and its structural analogues to act as new acaricide and mite kit (mite color deformation) againstTyrophagus putrescentiae(Schrank) were evaluated in the present study. Based on the LD50values, 2,4,5-trimethylbenzaldehyde (0.78 μg/cm3) had highest vapor action againstT.putrescentiae, followed by 2,4-methylbenzaldehyde (1.14 μg/cm3), 2,5-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.29 μg/cm3), 2-methylbenzaldehyde (1.32 μg/cm3), 2,3-dimethylbenzaldehyde (1.55 μg/cm3), 3-methylbenzaldehyde (1.97 μg/cm3), and 4-methylbenzaldehyde (2.34 μg/cm3). The color deformation of seven methylbenzaldehyde analogues mixed with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde againstT.putrescentiaeshowed mite color deformation, from coloress to reddish brown, and valuable to distinguish with the naked eye. In addition, there was no antagonistic interactions between 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and the methylbenzaldehyde analogues. These finding suggests that the methylbenzaldehyde analogues could be developed as dual functional agent to protect from fall in the commercial value of stored food products.