bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nano-palladium is a cellular catalyst for in vivo chemistry
Authors: Miller Miles A. , Askevold Bjorn , Mikula Hannes , Kohler Rainer H. , Pirovich David , Weissleder Ralph 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPalladium catalysts have been widely adopted for organic synthesis and diverse industrial applications given their efficacy and safety, yet their biological in vivo use has been limited to date. Here we show that nanoencapsulated palladium is an effective means to target and treat disease through in vivo catalysis. Palladium nanoparticles (Pd-NPs) were created by screening different Pd compounds and then encapsulating bis[tri(2-furyl)phosphine]palladium(II) dichloride in a biocompatible poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-polyethyleneglycol platform. Using mouse models of cancer, the NPs efficiently accumulated in tumours, where the Pd-NP activated different model prodrugs. Longitudinal studies confirmed that prodrug activation by Pd-NP inhibits tumour growth, extends survival in tumour-bearing mice and mitigates toxicity compared to standard doxorubicin formulations. Thus, here we demonstrate safe and efficacious in vivo catalytic activity of a Pd compound in mammals.
Anion-capped metallohost allows extremely slow guest uptake and on-demand acceleration of guest exchange
Authors: Sakata Yoko , Murata Chiho , Akine Shigehisa 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe switching of molecular recognition selectivity is important for tuning molecular functions based on host–guest binding. While the switching processes in artificial functional molecules are usually driven by changes of the thermodynamic stabilities, non-equilibrium phenomena also play an important role in biological systems. Thus, here we designed a host–guest system utilizing a non-equilibrium kinetically trapped state for on-demand and time-programmable control of molecular functions. We synthesized a bis(saloph) macrocyclic cobalt(III) metallohost 1(OTf)2, which has anion caps at both sides of the cation-binding site. The anion caps effectively retard the guest uptake/release so that we can easily make a non-equilibrium kinetically trapped state. Indeed, we can obtain a long-lived kinetically trapped state {[1·K]3++La3+} prior to the formation of the thermodynamically more stable state {[1·La]5++K+}. The guest exchange to the more stable state from this kinetically trapped state is significantly accelerated by exchange of TfO− anion caps by AcO− in an on-demand manner.
Idiosyncratic Mòjiāng virus attachment glycoprotein directs a host-cell entry pathway distinct from genetically related henipaviruses
Authors: Rissanen Ilona , Ahmed Asim A. , Azarm Kristopher , Beaty Shannon , Hong Patrick , Nambulli Sham , Duprex W. Paul , Lee Benhur , Bowden Thomas A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn 2012, cases of lethal pneumonia among Chinese miners prompted the isolation of a rat-borne henipavirus (HNV), Mòjiāng virus (MojV). Although MojV is genetically related to highly pathogenic bat-borne henipaviruses, the absence of a conserved ephrin receptor-binding motif in the MojV attachment glycoprotein (MojV-G) indicates a differing host-cell recognition mechanism. Here we find that MojV-G displays a six-bladed β-propeller fold bearing limited similarity to known paramyxoviral attachment glycoproteins, in particular at host receptor-binding surfaces. We confirm the inability of MojV-G to interact with known paramyxoviral receptors in vitro, indicating an independence from well-characterized ephrinB2/B3, sialic acid and CD150-mediated entry pathways. Furthermore, we find that MojV-G is antigenically distinct, indicating that MojV would less likely be detected in existing large-scale serological screening studies focused on well-established HNVs. Altogether, these data indicate a unique host-cell entry pathway for this emerging and potentially pathogenic HNV.
Local magnetic moments in iron and nickel at ambient and Earth’s core conditions
Authors: Hausoel A. , Karolak M. , Şaşιoğlu E. , Lichtenstein A. , Held K. , Katanin A. , Toschi A. , Sangiovanni G. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSome Bravais lattices have a particular geometry that can slow down the motion of Bloch electrons by pre-localization due to the band-structure properties. Another known source of electronic localization in solids is the Coulomb repulsion in partially filled d or f orbitals, which leads to the formation of local magnetic moments. The combination of these two effects is usually considered of little relevance to strongly correlated materials. Here we show that it represents, instead, the underlying physical mechanism in two of the most important ferromagnets: nickel and iron. In nickel, the van Hove singularity has an unexpected impact on the magnetism. As a result, the electron–electron scattering rate is linear in temperature, in violation of the conventional Landau theory of metals. This is true even at Earth’s core pressures, at which iron is instead a good Fermi liquid. The importance of nickel in models of geomagnetism may have therefore to be reconsidered.
Comparison of DNA-, PMA-, and RNA-based 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing for detection of live bacteria in water
Authors: Li Ru , Tun Hein Min , Jahan Musarrat , Zhang Zhengxiao , Kumar Ayush , Dilantha Fernando W. G. , Farenhorst Annemieke , Khafipour Ehsan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe limitation of 16S rRNA gene sequencing (DNA-based) for microbial community analyses in water is the inability to differentiate live (dormant cells as well as growing or non-growing metabolically active cells) and dead cells, which can lead to false positive results in the absence of live microbes. Propidium-monoazide (PMA) has been used to selectively remove DNA from dead cells during downstream sequencing process. In comparison, 16S rRNA sequencing (RNA-based) can target live microbial cells in water as both dormant and metabolically active cells produce rRNA. The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency and sensitivity﻿ of﻿ DNA-based, PMA-based and RNA-based 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing methodologies for live bacteria detection in water samples experimentally spiked with different combination of bacteria (2 gram-negative and 2 gram-positive/acid fast species either all live, all dead, or combinations of live and dead species) or obtained from different sources (First Nation community drinking water; city of Winnipeg tap water; water from Red River, Manitoba, Canada). The RNA-based method, while was superior for detection of live bacterial cells still identified a number of 16S rRNA targets in samples spiked with dead cells. In environmental water samples, the DNA- and PMA-based approaches perhaps overestimated the richness of microbial community compared to RNA-based method. Our results suggest that the RNA-based sequencing was superior to DNA- and PMA-based methods in detecting live bacterial cells in water.
Parylene C topographic micropattern as a template for patterning PDMS and Polyacrylamide hydrogel
Authors: Sanzari Ilaria , Callisti Mauro , Grazia Antonio De , Evans Daniel J. , Polcar Tomas , Prodromakis Themistoklis 
Published: July 2017

AbstractParylene C is a well-known polymer and it has been mainly employed as a protective layer for implantable electronics. In this paper, we propose a new approach to use Parylene C as a versatile template for patterning soft materials potentially applicable as scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering (TE). Parylene C substrates were anisotropically patterned through standard lithographic process with hydrophilic channels separating raised hydrophobic strips. Ridges and grooves of the template are 10 µm width and depth ranging from 1 to 17 µm. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and Polyacrylamide (PAm) hydrogel have been chosen as soft polymers to be moulded. Thanks to their chemical and physical properties PDMS and PAm hydrogel mimic the extracellular matrix (ECM). PDMS was spin coated on micropatterned Parylene C obtaining composite substrates with 460 nm and 1.15 µm high grooves. The Young’s modulus of the composite Parylene C/PDMS was evaluated and it was found to be almost half when compared to PDMS. PAm hydrogel was also printed using collagen coated micro-grooved Parylene C. Optical micrographs and fluorescence analysis show the successful topographic and protein pattern transfer on the hydrogel.
Pulsation of electrified jet in capillary microfluidics
Authors: Li Xiong , Wei Shanshan , Chen Liucheng , Qu Gang , Zhang Huisheng , Liu Zhou , Wang Liqiu , Kong Tiantian , Wang Tianfu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this work, we investigate the pulsation of an electrically charged jet surrounded by an immiscible dielectric liquid in flow-focusing capillary microfluidics. We have characterized a low-frequency large-amplitude pulsation and a high-frequency small-amplitude pulsation, respectively. The former, due to the unbalanced charge and fluid transportation is responsible for generating droplets with a broad size distribution. The latter is intrinsic and produces droplets with a relatively narrow size distribution. Moreover, the average size of the final droplets can be tuned via the intrinsic pulsating frequency through changing the diameter of the emitted liquid jet. Our results provide degree of control over the emulsion droplets with submicron sizes generated in microfluidic-electrospray platform.
Patients with Orthostatic Intolerance: Relationship to Autonomic Function Tests results and Reproducibility of Symptoms on Tilt
Authors: Lee Hyung , Low Phillip A. , Kim Hyun Ah 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study was designed to investigate the frequency and pattern of orthostatic symptoms during head-up tilt (HUT) in patients with orthostatic intolerance during daily life, and to identify the relationship between the orthostatic symptoms during HUT and autonomic parameters. We prospectively collected autonomic data from 464 patients with orthostatic symptoms. Adrenergic and cardiovagal function tests including HUT were performed. Based on HUT results, we divided patients into orthostatic hypotension (OH), postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS), or normal HUT groups. We also investigated orthostatic symptoms during HUT. Only 25% of the patients reported orthostatic symptoms during HUT and 75% were asymptomatic. Typical orthostatic symptoms such as orthostatic dizziness and blurred vision, and atypical symptoms like chest tightness and headache occurred in 86% and 66%, respectively. Patients with POTS had symptoms more frequently than patients with OH during HUT. There were no differences in degrees of BP or HR changes between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups within the OH and POTS groups. HUT fails to reproduce symptoms of orthostatic intolerance in the majority of patients. Clinicians need to be aware that most patients with OH are asymptomatic during HUT and patients with POTS are more likely to be symptomatic than patients with OH.
Generation of spin waves by a train of fs-laser pulses: a novel approach for tuning magnon wavelength
Authors: Savochkin I. V. , Jäckl M. , Belotelov V. I. , Akimov I. A. , Kozhaev M. A. , Sylgacheva D. A. , Chernov A. I. , Shaposhnikov A. N. , Prokopov A. R. , Berzhansky V. N. , Yakovlev D. R. , Zvezdin A. K. , Bayer M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCurrently spin waves are considered for computation and data processing as an alternative to charge currents. Generation of spin waves by ultrashort laser pulses provides several important advances with respect to conventional approaches using microwaves. In particular, focused laser spot works as a point source for spin waves and allows for directional control of spin waves and switching between their different types. For further progress in this direction it is important to manipulate with the spectrum of the optically generated spin waves. Here we tackle this problem by launching spin waves by a sequence of femtosecond laser pulses with pulse interval much shorter than the relaxation time of the magnetization oscillations. This leads to the cumulative phenomenon and allows us to generate magnons in a specific narrow range of wavenumbers. The wavelength of spin waves can be tuned from 15 μm to hundreds of microns by sweeping the external magnetic field by only 10 Oe or by slight variation of the pulse repetition rate. Our findings expand the capabilities of the optical spin pump-probe technique and provide a new method for the spin wave generation and control.
Some coral diseases track climate oscillations in the Caribbean
Authors: Randall C. J. , van Woesik R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDisease outbreaks continue to reduce coral populations worldwide. Understanding coral diseases and their relationships with environmental drivers is necessary to forecast disease outbreaks, and to predict future changes in coral populations. Yet, the temporal dynamics of coral diseases are rarely reported. Here we evaluate trends and periodicities in the records of three common coral diseases (white-band disease, yellow-band disease, and dark-spot syndrome) that were surveyed between 1997 and 2014 at 2082 sites throughout the Caribbean. The relationship between the periodicities of disease prevalence and El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) cycles was examined using cross-wavelet analyses and convergent cross mapping (CCM). The prevalence of the diseases peaked every two to four years, and matched periodicities in ENSO conditions. CCM models suggested that environmental conditions associated with recent ENSO cycles may have influenced the patterns in disease prevalence. We also found no increasing trends in disease prevalence through time. Instead, our work suggests that the prevalence of coral diseases is dynamic and complex. The gradual increase in sea-surface temperature, a consequence of increasing greenhouse gas emissions, progressively raises the modal temperature threshold of each ENSO cycle. These dynamic cycles and the increasing modal temperatures appear to influence the dynamics of coral diseases.
Ferromagnetic Resonance Revised – Electrodynamic Approach
Authors: Krupka Jerzy , Aleshkevych Pavlo , Salski Bartlomiej , Kopyt Pawel , Pacewicz Adam 
Published: July 2017

AbstractResonance in a ferromagnetic sphere, known in the body of literature as the mode of uniform precession, has recently been proven to be magnetic plasmon resonance (MPR). This finding has prompted research which is presented in this paper on the relation between the Q-factor at the MPR and the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) linewidth ΔH, which is a parameter of magnetized gyromagnetic materials. It is proven in this paper that ΔH can be unequivocally determined from the Q-factor measured at the MPR, if all losses in the resonance system are properly accounted for. It can be undertaken through a rigorous but simple electrodynamic study involving the transcendental equation, as proposed in this paper. The present study also reveals that electric losses have a substantially reduced impact on ΔH due to the large magnetic to electric energy storage ratio at the MPR. Theoretical results are supported by measurements of the Q-factors on a monocrystalline yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere.
Cell-type specific differences in promoter activity of the ALS-linked C9orf72 mouse ortholog
Authors: Langseth Abraham J. , Kim Juhyun , Ugolino Janet E. , Shah Yajas , Hwang Ho-Yon , Wang Jiou , Bergles Dwight E. , Brown Solange P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA hexanucleotide repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene is the most common cause of inherited forms of the neurodegenerative disease amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mechanisms have been proposed to underlie this disease, but the pathogenic pathways are not fully understood. To better understand the involvement of different cell types in the pathogenesis of ALS, we systematically analyzed the distribution of promoter activity of the mouse ortholog of C9orf72 in the central nervous system. We demonstrate that C9orf72 promoter activity is widespread in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocyte precursor cells. In contrast, few microglia and astrocytes exhibit detectable C9orf72 promoter activity. Although at a gross level, the distribution of C9orf72 promoter activity largely follows overall cellular density, we found that it is selectively enriched in subsets of neurons and glial cells that degenerate in ALS. Specifically, we show that C9orf72 promoter activity is enriched in corticospinal and spinal motor neurons as well as in oligodendrocytes in brain regions that are affected in ALS. These results suggest that cell autonomous changes in both neurons and glia may contribute to C9orf72-mediated disease, as has been shown for mutations in superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1).
Analysis of the Conduction Mechanism and Copper Vacancy Density in p-type Cu2O Thin Films
Authors: Han Sanggil , Flewitt Andrew J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA quantitative and analytical investigation on the conduction mechanism in p-type cuprous oxide (Cu2O) thin films is performed based on analysis of the relative dominance of trap-limited and grain-boundary-limited conduction. It is found that carrier transport in as-deposited Cu2O is governed by grain-boundary-limited conduction (GLC), while after high-temperature annealing, GLC becomes insignificant and trap-limited conduction (TLC) dominates. This suggests that the very low Hall mobility of as-deposited Cu2O is due to significant GLC, and the Hall mobility enhancement by high-temperature annealing is determined by TLC. Evaluation of the grain size and the energy barrier height at the grain boundary shows an increase in the grain size and a considerable decrease in the energy barrier height after high-temperature annealing, which is considered to be the cause of the significant reduction in the GLC effect. Additionally, the density of copper vacancies was extracted; this quantitatively shows that an increase in annealing temperature leads to a reduction in copper vacancies.
Positioning of the SCRAMBLED receptor requires UDP-Glc:sterol glucosyltransferase 80B1 in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Pook Victoria G. , Nair Meera , Ryu KookHui , Arpin James C. , Schiefelbein John , Schrick Kathrin , DeBolt Seth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe biological function of sterol glucosides (SGs), the most abundant sterol derivatives in higher plants, remains uncertain. In an effort to improve our understanding of these membrane lipids we examined phenotypes exhibited by the roots of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) lines carrying insertions in the UDP-Glc:sterol glucosyltransferase genes, UGT80A2 and UGT80B1. We show that although ugt80A2 mutants exhibit significantly lower levels of total SGs they are morphologically indistinguishable from wild-type plants. In contrast, the roots of ugt80B1 mutants are only deficient in stigmasteryl glucosides but exhibit a significant reduction in root hairs. Sub-cellular investigations reveal that the plasma membrane cell fate regulator, SCRAMBLED (SCM), is mislocalized in ugt80B1 mutants, underscoring the aberrant root epidermal cell patterning. Live imaging of roots indicates that SCM:GFP is localized to the cytoplasm in a non cell type dependent manner instead of the hair (H) cell plasma membrane in these mutants. In addition, we provide evidence for the localization of the UGT80B1 enzyme in the plasma membrane. These data lend further support to the notion that deficiencies in specific SGs are sufficient to disrupt normal cell function and point to a possible role for SGs in cargo transport and/or protein targeting to the plasma membrane.
Symmetry of learning rate in synaptic plasticity modulates formation of flexible and stable memories
Authors: Park Youngjin , Choi Woochul , Paik Se-Bum 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSpike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is considered critical to learning and memory functions in the human brain. Across various types of synapse, STDP is observed as different profiles of Hebbian and anti-Hebbian learning rules. However, the specific roles of diverse STDP profiles in memory formation still remain elusive. Here, we show that the symmetry of the learning rate profile in STDP is crucial to determining the character of stored memory. Using computer simulations, we found that an asymmetric learning rate generates flexible memory that is volatile and easily overwritten by newly appended information. Moreover, a symmetric learning rate generates stable memory that can coexist with newly appended information. In addition, by combining these two conditions, we could realize a hybrid memory type that operates in a way intermediate between stable and flexible memory. Our results demonstrate that various attributes of memory functions may originate from differences in the synaptic stability.
Functional divergence and origin of the DAG-like gene family in plants
Authors: Luo Meijie , Cai Manjun , Zhang Jianhua , Li Yurong , Zhang Ruyang , Song Wei , Zhang Ke , Xiao Hailin , Yue Bing , Zheng Yonglian , Zhao Yanxin , Zhao Jiuran , Qiu Fazhan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe nuclear-encoded DAG-like (DAL) gene family plays critical roles in organelle C-to-U RNA editing in Arabidopsis thaliana. However, the origin, diversification and functional divergence of DAL genes remain unclear. Here, we analyzed the genomes of diverse plant species and found that: DAL genes are specific to spermatophytes, all DAL genes share a conserved gene structure and protein similarity with the inhibitor I9 domain of subtilisin genes found in ferns and mosses, suggesting that DAL genes likely arose from I9-containing proproteases via exon shuffling. Based on phylogenetic inference, DAL genes can be divided into five subfamilies, each composed of putatively orthologous and paralogous genes from different species, suggesting that all DAL genes originated from a common ancestor in early seed plants. Significant type I functional divergence was observed in 6 of 10 pairwise comparisons, indicating that shifting functional constraints have contributed to the evolution of DAL genes. This inference is supported by the finding that functionally divergent amino acids between subfamilies are predominantly located in the DAL domain, a critical part of the RNA editosome. Overall, these findings shed light on the origin of DAL genes in spermatophytes and outline functionally important residues involved in the complexity of the RNA editosome.
Functional variants of the melanocortin-4 receptor associated with the Odontoceti and Mysticeti suborders of cetaceans
Authors: Zhao Liyuan , Zhou Xiaofan , Rokas Antonis , Cone Roger D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCetaceans, a group of mammals adapted to the aquatic environment that descended from terrestrial artiodactyls, exhibit tremendous interspecific differences in a number of phenotypes, including feeding behavior, such as filter feeding in the Mysticeti vs prey-hunting Odontoceti, and size, with the smallest cetacean, the vaquita, at 1.4 meters and the largest, the blue whale, reaching 33 meters. The Melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) regulates food intake, energy balance, and somatic growth in both mammals and teleosts. In this study, we examined allelic variants of the MC4R in cetaceans. We sequenced the MC4R from 20 cetaceans, and pharmacologically characterized 17 of these protein products. Results identified a single variation at amino acid 156 in the MC4R from representative species of major cetacean lineages uniquely associated with the toothed whales or Odontoceti (arginine at 156) and baleen whales or Mysticeti (glutamine at 156). The Q156 receptor variant found in the larger baleen whales was functionally less responsive to its endogenous anorexigenic ligand, α-MSH. Furthermore, the R156 receptor variant showed greater constitutive activity and a higher affinity for ligand. These data suggest that the MC4R may be one gene involved in the evolution of feeding ecology, energy balance, and body size in cetaceans.