bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optogenetic approach for targeted activation of global calcium transients in differentiated C2C12 myotubes
Authors: Sebille Stéphane , Ayad Oualid , Chapotte-Baldacci Charles-Albert , Cognard Christian , Bois Patrick , Chatelier Aurélien 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExcitation-contraction coupling in muscle cells is initiated by a restricted membrane depolarization delimited within the neuromuscular junction. This targeted depolarization triggers an action potential that propagates and induces a global cellular calcium response and a consequent contraction. To date, numerous studies have investigated this excitation-calcium response coupling by using different techniques to depolarize muscle cells. However, none of these techniques mimic the temporal and spatial resolution of membrane depolarization observed in the neuromuscular junction. By using optogenetics in C2C12 muscle cells, we developed a technique to study the calcium response following membrane depolarization induced by photostimulations of membrane surface similar or narrower than the neuromuscular junction area. These stimulations coupled to confocal calcium imaging generate a global cellular calcium response that is the consequence of a membrane depolarization propagation. In this context, this technique provides an interesting, contactless and relatively easy way of investigation of calcium increase/release as well as calcium decrease/re-uptake triggered by a propagated membrane depolarization.
Development of Monetary and Social Reward Processes
Authors: Wang Di , Liu Tongran , Shi Jiannong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe current study investigated monetary and social reward processing in children, adolescents and adults with adapted incentive-delay tasks and self-report questionnaires. Both tasks had three levels of reward magnitudes (no, low, and high). Qualified participants received 15 Chinese Yuan and an honor certificate as monetary and social rewards, respectively. The results indicated that both monetary and social rewards effectively speeded up responses for all three age groups as reward magnitude increased in the choice reaction time task. Among adolescents and adults, males exhibited faster responses in high reward than in low reward condition, while females responded equally fast in both conditions. Among children, girls responded faster to high reward than low reward condition. However, boys committed more errors than girls in low and high reward conditions, and they had exhibited more errors in high reward than that in no reward condition for social reward. Regarding the subjective ratings, both children and adolescents reported higher motivation for social reward than for monetary reward. These findings indicated that the males in the adolescent and adult groups were more sensitive to reward than were the females. Moreover, tangible and quantitative social reward had stronger incentive power than monetary reward among children and adolescents.
The FAAH inhibitor URB597 suppresses hippocampal maximal dentate afterdischarges and restores seizure-induced impairment of short and long-term synaptic plasticity
Authors: Colangeli Roberto , Pierucci Massimo , Benigno Arcangelo , Campiani Giuseppe , Butini Stefania , Di Giovanni Giuseppe 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSynthetic cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids have been shown to suppress seizures both in humans and experimental models of epilepsy. However, they generally have a detrimental effect on memory and memory-related processes. Here we compared the effect of the inhibition of the endocannabinoid (eCB) degradation versus synthetic CB agonist on limbic seizures induced by maximal dentate activation (MDA) acute kindling. Moreover, we investigated the dentate gyrus (DG) granule cell reactivity and synaptic plasticity in naïve and in MDA-kindled anaesthetised rats. We found that both the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor URB597 and the synthetic cannabinoid agonist WIN55,212-2 displayed AM251-sensitive anti-seizure effects. WIN55,212-2, dose-dependently (0.5–2 mg/kg, i.p.) impaired short-term plasticity (STP) and long-term potentiation (LTP) at perforant path-DG synapses in naïve rats. Strikingly, URB597 (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was devoid of any deleterious effects in normal conditions, while it prevented seizure-induced alterations of both STP and LTP. Our evidence indicates that boosting the eCB tone rather than general CB1 activation might represent a potential strategy for the development of a new class of drugs for treatment of both seizures and comorbid memory impairments associated with epilepsy.
The ancient cline of haplogroup K implies that the Neolithic transition in Europe was mainly demic
Authors: Isern Neus , Fort Joaquim , de Rioja Víctor L. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUsing a database with the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) of 513 Neolithic individuals, we quantify the space-time variation of the frequency of haplogroup K, previously proposed as a relevant Neolithic marker. We compare these data to simulations, based on a mathematical model in which a Neolithic population spreads from Syria to Anatolia and Europe, possibly interbreeding with Mesolithic individuals (who lack haplogroup K) and/or teaching farming to them. Both the data and the simulations show that the percentage of haplogroup K (%K) decreases with increasing distance from Syria and that, in each region, the %K tends to decrease with increasing time after the arrival of farming. Both the model and the data display a local minimum of the genetic cline, and for the same Neolithic regional culture (Sweden). Comparing the observed ancient cline of haplogroup K to the simulation results reveals that about 98% of farmers were not involved in interbreeding neither acculturation (cultural diffusion). Therefore, cultural diffusion involved only a tiny fraction (about 2%) of farmers and, in this sense, the most relevant process in the spread of the Neolithic in Europe was demic diffusion (i.e., the dispersal of farmers), as opposed to cultural diffusion (i.e., the incorporation of hunter-gatherers).
Control of antiferromagnetic spin axis orientation in bilayer Fe/CuMnAs films
Authors: Wadley P. , Edmonds K. W. , Shahedkhah M. R. , Campion R. P. , Gallagher B. L. , Železný J. , Kuneš J. , Novák V. , Jungwirth T. , Saidl V. , Němec P. , Maccherozzi F. , Dhesi S. S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUsing x-ray magnetic circular and linear dichroism techniques, we demonstrate a collinear exchange coupling between an epitaxial antiferromagnet, tetragonal CuMnAs, and an Fe surface layer. A small uncompensated Mn magnetic moment is observed which is antiparallel to the Fe magnetization. The staggered magnetization of the 5 nm thick CuMnAs layer is rotatable under small magnetic fields, due to the interlayer exchange coupling. This allows us to obtain the x-ray magnetic linear dichroism spectra for different crystalline orientations of CuMnAs in the (001) plane. This is a key parameter for enabling the understanding of domain structures in CuMnAs imaged using x-ray magnetic linear dichroism microscopy techniques.
High coercivity, anisotropic, heavy rare earth-free Nd-Fe-B by Flash Spark Plasma Sintering
Authors: Castle Elinor , Sheridan Richard , Zhou Wei , Grasso Salvatore , Walton Allan , Reece Michael J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn the drive to reduce the critical Heavy Rare Earth (HRE) content of magnets for green technologies, HRE-free Nd-Fe-B has become an attractive option. HRE is added to Nd-Fe-B to enhance the high temperature performance of the magnets. To produce similar high temperature properties without HRE, a crystallographically textured nanoscale grain structure is ideal; and this conventionally requires expensive “die upset” processing routes. Here, a Flash Spark Plasma Sintering (FSPS) process has been applied to a Dy-free Nd30.0Fe61.8Co5.8Ga0.6Al0.1B0.9 melt spun powder (MQU-F, neo Magnequench). Rapid sinter-forging of a green compact to near theoretical density was achieved during the 10 s process, and therefore represents a quick and efficient means of producing die-upset Nd-Fe-B material. The microstructure of the FSPS samples was investigated by SEM and TEM imaging, and the observations were used to guide the optimisation of the process. The most optimal sample is compared directly to commercially die-upset forged (MQIII-F) material made from the same MQU-F powder. It is shown that the grain size of the FSPS material is halved in comparison to the MQIII-F material, leading to a 14% increase in coercivity (1438 kA m−1) and matched remanence (1.16 T) giving a BHmax of 230 kJ m−3.
ATM-deficiency increases genomic instability and metastatic potential in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Drosos Yiannis , Escobar David , Chiang Ming-Yi , Roys Kathryn , Valentine Virginia , Valentine Marc B. , Rehg Jerold E. , Sahai Vaibhav , Begley Lesa A. , Ye Jianming , Paul Leena , McKinnon Peter J. , Sosa-Pineda Beatriz 
Published: September 2017

AbstractGermline mutations in ATM (encoding the DNA-damage signaling kinase, ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated) increase Familial Pancreatic Cancer (FPC) susceptibility, and ATM somatic mutations have been identified in resected human pancreatic tumors. Here we investigated how Atm contributes to pancreatic cancer by deleting this gene in a murine model of the disease expressing oncogenic Kras (KrasG12D). We show that partial or total ATM deficiency cooperates with KrasG12D to promote highly metastatic pancreatic cancer. We also reveal that ATM is activated in pancreatic precancerous lesions in the context of DNA damage and cell proliferation, and demonstrate that ATM deficiency leads to persistent DNA damage in both precancerous lesions and primary tumors. Using low passage cultures from primary tumors and liver metastases we show that ATM loss accelerates Kras-induced carcinogenesis without conferring a specific phenotype to pancreatic tumors or changing the status of the tumor suppressors p53, p16Ink4a and p19Arf. However, ATM deficiency markedly increases the proportion of chromosomal alterations in pancreatic primary tumors and liver metastases. More importantly, ATM deficiency also renders murine pancreatic tumors highly sensitive to radiation. These and other findings in our study conclusively establish that ATM activity poses a major barrier to oncogenic transformation in the pancreas via maintaining genomic stability.
Impacts of aquaculture wastewater irrigation on soil microbial functional diversity and community structure in arid regions
Authors: Chen Lijuan , Feng Qi , Li Changsheng , Wei Yongping , Zhao Yan , Feng Yongjiu , Zheng Hang , Li Fengrui , Li Huiya 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAquaculture wastewater is one of the most important alternative water resources in arid regions where scarcity of fresh water is common. Irrigation with this kind of water may affect soil microbial functional diversity and community structure as changes of soil environment would be significant. Here, we conducted a field sampling to investigate these effects using Biolog and metagenomic methods. The results demonstrated that irrigation with aquaculture wastewater could dramatically reduce soil microbial functional diversity. The values of diversity indices and sole carbon source utilization were all significantly decreased. Increased soil salinity, especially Cl concentration, appeared primarily associated with the decreases. Differently, higher bacterial community diversity was obtained in aquaculture wastewater irrigated soils. More abundant phyla Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Gemmatimonadetes and fewer members of Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Planctomycetes were found in this kind of soils. Changes in the concentration of soil Cl mainly accounted for the shifts of bacterial community composition. This research can improve our understanding of how aquaculture wastewater irrigation changes soil microbial process and as a result, be useful to manage soil and wastewater resources in arid regions.
Electroretinography Reveals Difference in Cone Function between Syndromic and Nonsyndromic USH2A Patients
Authors: Sengillo Jesse D. , Cabral Thiago , Schuerch Kaspar , Duong Jimmy , Lee Winston , Boudreault Katherine , Xu Yu , Justus Sally , Sparrow Janet R. , Mahajan Vinit B. , Tsang Stephen H. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUsher syndrome is an inherited and irreversible disease that manifests as retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and bilateral neurosensory hearing loss. Mutations in Usherin 2A (USH2A) are not only a frequent cause of Usher syndrome, but also nonsyndromic RP. Although gene- and cell-based therapies are on the horizon for RP and Usher syndrome, studies characterizing natural disease are lacking. In this retrospective analysis, retinal function of USH2A patients was quantified with electroretinography. Both groups had markedly reduced rod and cone responses, but nonsyndromic USH2A patients had 30 Hz-flicker electroretinogram amplitudes that were significantly higher than syndromic patients, suggesting superior residual cone function. There was a tendency for Usher syndrome patients to have a higher distribution of severe mutations, and alleles in this group had a higher odds of containing nonsense or frame-shift mutations. These data suggest that the previously reported severe visual phenotype seen in syndromic USH2A patients could relate to a greater extent of cone dysfunction. Additionally, a genetic threshold may exist where mutation burden relates to visual phenotype and the presence of hearing deficits. The auditory phenotype and allelic hierarchy observed among patients should be considered in prospective studies of disease progression and during enrollment for future clinical trials.
Preferential synthesis of (6,4) single-walled carbon nanotubes by controlling oxidation degree of Co catalyst
Authors: Xu Bin , Kaneko Toshiro , Shibuta Yasushi , Kato Toshiaki 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChirality-selective synthesis of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) has been a research goal for the last two decades and is still challenging due to the difficulty in controlling the atomic structure in the one-dimensional material. Here, we develop an optimized approach for controlling the chirality of species by tuning the oxidation degree of Co catalyst. Predominant synthesis of (6,4) SWNTs is realized for the first time. The detailed mechanism is investigated through a systematic experimental study combined with first-principles calculations, revealing that the independent control of tube diameter and chiral angle achieved by changing the binding energy between SWNTs (cap and tube edge) and catalyst causes a drastic transition of chirality of SWNTs from (6,5) to (6,4). Since our approach of independently controlling the diameter and chiral angle can be applied to other chirality species, our results can be useful in achieving the on-demand synthesis of specific-chirality SWNTs.
A New Tactic for Label-Free Recognition of β-Trophin via Electrochemiluminescent Signalling on an AuNPs Supported Immuno-Interface
Authors: Zheng Lijuan , Fang Chen , Yan Jilin , Li Huiling , Tu Yifeng 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a new strategy is reported for preparing a label-free β-trophin electrochemiluminescent (ECL) immunosensor with good specificity, reproducibility and stability. An aquagel polymer from the hydrolysis of (3-aminopropyl) trimethoxysilane acted as the linker to catch the Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on the indium-tin oxide (ITO) substrate by a two-step method. The AuNPs play an important role in enhancing ECL and immobilizing the β-trophin antibody. This immunosensor can test for β-trophin using luminol as an ECL probe. The ECL intensity at the resultant sensor, after the direct immuno-interaction, was proportional to the concentration of β-trophin and had a low limit of quantification as 4.2 ng mL−1. After deep discussions on the ECL mechanism of this immunosensor, we found that its sensitivity is greatly affected by the presence of oxygen and improved under deoxygenation. We believe that this sensor can be used for clinical cases.
Generation of a new mouse model of glaucoma characterized by reduced expression of the AP-2β and AP-2δ proteins
Authors: Barzago Maria Monica , Kurosaki Mami , Fratelli Maddalena , Bolis Marco , Giudice Chiara , Nordio Laura , Cerri Elisa , Domenici Luciano , Terao Mineko , Garattini Enrico 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe generated 6 transgenic lines with insertion of an expression plasmid for the R883/M xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) mutant protein. Approximately 20% of the animals deriving from one of the transgenic lines show ocular abnormalities and an increase in intra-ocular pressure which are consistent with glaucoma. The observed pathologic phenotype is not due to expression of the transgene, but rather the consequence of the transgene insertion site, which has been defined by genome sequencing. The insertion site maps to chromosome 1qA3 in close proximity to the loci encoding AP-2β and AP-2δ, two proteins expressed in the eye. The insertion leads to a reduction in AP-2β and AP-2δ levels. Down-regulation of AP-2β expression is likely to be responsible for the pathologic phenotype, as conditional deletion of the Tfap2b gene in the neural crest has recently been shown to cause defective development of the eye anterior segment and early-onset glaucoma. In these conditional knock-out and our transgenic mice, the morphological/histological features of the glaucomatous pathology are surprisingly similar. Our transgenic mouse represents a model of angle-closure glaucoma and a useful tool for the study of the pathogenesis and the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.
Monolithically integrated power circuits in high‐voltage GaN‐on‐Si heterojunction technology
Authors: Reiner Richard , Waltereit Patrick , Weiss Beatrix , Moench Stefan , Wespel Matthias , Müller Stefan , Quay Rüdiger , Ambacher Oliver 
Published: September 2017

This study presents monolithically integrated power circuits, fabricated in a high‐voltage GaN‐on‐Si heterojunction technology. Different advanced concepts are presented and compared with solutions found in the literature. High switching transition slew rates are demonstrated by means of a monolithic power circuit with integrated gate driver. A highly linear temperature sensor is integrated in a GaN‐high‐electron‐mobility transistor (HEMT) power device for the 600 V class and on‐state resistance of 53 mΩ. An area‐efficient HEMT structure with integrated freewheeling diodes is presented. This structure is applied in a monolithic multilevel converter chip, as well as in a 600 V class half‐bridge chip. The multilevel chip is integrated by an advanced printed circuit board embedding technology and tested in inverter operation with a mains voltage output of 120 VRMS. The performance of the half‐bridge is demonstrated in a synchronous buck converter operation from 400 to 200 V and with a switching frequency of 3 MHz.
Straightforward Strategies for the Preparation of NH-Sulfox­imines: A Serendipitous Story
Authors: Bull James , Luisi Renzo , Degennaro Leonardo 
Published: September 2017

Sulfoximines are emerging as valuable new isosteres for use in medicinal chemistry, with the potential to modulate physicochemical properties. Recent developments in synthetic strategies have made the unprotected ‘free’ NH-sulfoximine group more readily available, facilitating further study. This account reviews approaches to NH-sulfoximines, with a focus on our contribution to the field. Starting from the development of catalytic strategies involving transition metals, more sustainable metal-free processes have been discovered. In particular, the use of hypervalent iodine reagents to mediate NH-transfer to sulfoxides is described, along with an assessment of the substrate scope. Furthermore, a one-pot strategy to convert sulfides directly into NH-sulfoximines is discussed, with N- and O-transfer occurring under the reaction conditions. Mechanistic evidence for the new procedures is included as well as relevant synthetic applications that further exemplify the potential of these approaches.1	Introduction2	Strategies to Form NH-Sulfoximines Involving Transition-Metal Catalysts3	Metal-Free Strategies to Prepare NH-Sulfoximines4	Mechanistic Evidence for the Direct Synthesis of NH-Sulfoximines from Sulfoxides and Sulfides5	Further Applications6	Conclusion
No Tissue Expression of KRAS or BRAF Mutations in 61 Adult Patients Treated for Esophageal Atresia in Early Childhood
Authors: Ho Tho , Sistonen Saara , Koivusalo Antti , Pakarinen Mikko , Rintala Risto , Stenman Ulf-Hakan , Orpana Arto , Stenman Jakob , Dang Kien 
Published: September 2017

Background Previous studies have reported an association among esophageal atresia (EA), Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma later in life.
Objective The objective of the article is to evaluate KRAS and BRAF mutations as potential genetic markers for early detection of malignant transformation, we used an ultrasensitive technique to detect tissue expression of KRAS and BRAF mutations in endoscopic biopsies from 61 adult patients under follow-up after treatment for EA.
Materials and Methods RNA was extracted from 112 fresh-frozen endoscopic tissue biopsies from 61 adult patients treated for EA in early childhood. RNA was reverse transcribed using the extendable blocking probe reverse transcription method. KRAS codons 12 and 13, as well as BRAF mutations were detected by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
Results No mutations of KRAS codon 12, KRAS codon 13, or BRAF were found in 112 endoscopic biopsy samples from 61 patients.
Conclusion Despite the presence of histological findings indicating long-standing gastroesophageal reflux in 25%, as well as symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux in more than 40%, there was no detectable tissue expression of KRAS or BRAF mutations in this cohort of patients.
Corrective Intra-articular Osteotomies for Tibial Plateau Malunion
Authors: Schatzker Joseph , Kfuri Mauricio 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAnatomical reduction of the articular surface, restoration of mechanical axis, and containment of articular rim are the goals of the treatment of tibial plateau fractures, with an ultimate aim to restore joint congruity and stability. Tibial plateau malunions or nonunions are a result of a failed treatment. This article aims to review the most typical failure models and some strategies to overcome them by using joint preservation surgical techniques.
Growth among Twins: Use of Singleton versus Twin-Specific Growth Nomograms
Authors: Mendez-Figueroa Hector , Truong Van , Pedroza Claudia , Chauhan Suneet 
Published: September 2017

Objective We hypothesized that utilization of a twin-specific nomograms, when compared with one based on singleton data, is less likely to classify twins as having abnormal growth and more likely to identify perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Materials and Methods Data were culled from seven Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) studies, the included twin gestations in their study population. Each newborn twin's birth weight percentile was categorized using Alexander et al (singleton data) and Ananth et al (twin data) nomogram. Logistic regression models were adjusted for maternal race and body mass index, neonatal sex, study, and twin correlation.
Results More twins were categorized as small for gestational age (SGA) when singleton nomogram was used (33%) compared with twin nomogram (4%). The use of singleton nomogram revealed a higher composite neonatal morbidity (CNM) and stillbirth rates among SGA twins but a similar neonatal mortality rate when compared with appropriate for gestational age. Correspondingly, when twin-specific nomogram was utilized, the CNM, odds of stillbirth, and neonatal mortality were higher among SGA twins. The rate of large for gestational age among twins was increased with the use of twin-specific nomograms.
Conclusion Utilization of twin-specific nomogram is less likely to categorize twins as SGA and more likely to identify those at risk for stillbirth and neonatal mortality.