bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
5-HT2 receptors mediate functional modulation of GABAa receptors and inhibitory synaptic transmissions in human iPS-derived neurons
Authors: Wang Haitao , Hu Lingli , Liu Chunhua , Su Zhenghui , Wang Lihui , Pan Guangjin , Guo Yiping , He Jufang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNeural progenitors differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS) hold potentials for treating neurological diseases. Serotonin has potent effects on neuronal functions through multiple receptors, underlying a variety of neural disorders. Glutamate and GABA receptors have been proven functional in neurons differentiated from iPS, however, little is known about 5-HT receptor-mediated modulation in such neuronal networks. In the present study, human iPS were differentiated into cells possessing featured physiological properties of cortical neurons. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to examine the involvement of 5-HT2 receptors in functional modulation of GABAergic synaptic transmission. We found that serotonin and DOI (a selective agonist of 5-HT2A/C receptor) reversibly reduced GABA-activated currents and this 5-HT2A/C receptor mediated inhibition required G protein, PLC, PKC and Ca2+ signaling. Serotonin increased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), which could be mimicked by α-methylserotonin, a 5-HT2 receptor agonist. In contrast, DOI reduced both frequency and amplitude of mIPSCs. These findings suggested that in iPS-derived human neurons serotonin postsynaptically reduced GABAa receptor function through 5-HT2A/C receptors, but presynaptically other 5-HT2 receptors counteracted the action of 5-HT2A/C receptors. Functional expression of serotonin receptors in human iPS-derived neurons provides a pre-requisite for their normal behaviors after grafting.
Active layers of high-performance lead zirconate titanate at temperatures compatible with silicon nano- and microelectronic devices
Authors: Bretos Iñigo , Jiménez Ricardo , Tomczyk Monika , Rodríguez-Castellón Enrique , Vilarinho Paula M. , Calzada M. Lourdes 
Published: February 2016

AbstractApplications of ferroelectric materials in modern microelectronics will be greatly encouraged if the thermal incompatibility between inorganic ferroelectrics and semiconductor devices is overcome. Here, solution-processable layers of the most commercial ferroelectric compound ─ morphotrophic phase boundary lead zirconate titanate, namely Pb(Zr0.52Ti0.48)O3 (PZT) ─ are grown on silicon substrates at temperatures well below the standard CMOS process of semiconductor technology. The method, potentially transferable to a broader range of Zr:Ti ratios, is based on the addition of crystalline nanoseeds to photosensitive solutions of PZT resulting in perovskite crystallization from only 350 °C after the enhanced decomposition of metal precursors in the films by UV irradiation. A remanent polarization of 10.0 μC cm−2 is obtained for these films that is in the order of the switching charge densities demanded for FeRAM devices. Also, a dielectric constant of ~90 is measured at zero voltage which exceeds that of current single-oxide candidates for capacitance applications. The multifunctionality of the films is additionally demonstrated by their pyroelectric and piezoelectric performance. The potential integration of PZT layers at such low fabrication temperatures may redefine the concept design of classical microelectronic devices, besides allowing inorganic ferroelectrics to enter the scene of the emerging large-area, flexible electronics.
Should adrenaline be used in patients with hemodynamically stable anaphylaxis? Incident case control study nested within a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ko Byuk Sung , Kim Ji Yeon , Seo Dong-Woo , Kim Won Young , Lee Jae Ho , Sheikh Aziz , Bates David W. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAlthough adrenaline (epinephrine) is a cornerstone of initial anaphylaxis treatment, it is not often used. We sought to assess whether use of adrenaline in hemodynamically stable patients with anaphylaxis could prevent the development of hypotension. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 761 adult patients with anaphylaxis presenting to the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital over a 10-year period. We divided the patients into two groups according to the occurrence of hypotension and compared demographic characteristics, clinical features, treatments and outcomes. Of the 340 patients with anaphylaxis who were normotensive at first presentation, 40 patients experienced hypotension during their ED stay. The ED stay of the hypotension group was significantly longer than that of patients who did not experience hypotension (496 min vs 253 min, P = 0.000). Adrenaline use in hemodynamically stable anaphylaxis patient was independently associated with a lower risk of developing in-hospital occurrence of hypotension: OR, 0.254 [95% CI, 0.091–0.706]. Adrenaline use in hemodynamically stable anaphylaxis patients was associated with a reduced risk of developing in-hospital occurrence of hypotension. Adverse events induced by adrenaline were rare when the intramuscular route was used.
GSK-3β downregulates Nrf2 in cultured cortical neurons and in a rat model of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Chen Xi , Liu Yuanling , Zhu Jin , Lei Shipeng , Dong Yuan , Li Lingyu , Jiang Beibei , Tan Li , Wu Jingxian , Yu Shanshan , Zhao Yong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/antioxidant response element (ARE) pathway plays a critical role in protecting against oxidative stress in brain ischemia and reperfusion injury. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) may play a critical role in regulating Nrf2 in a Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-independent manner. However, the relationship between GSK-3β and Nrf2 in brain ischemia and reperfusion injury is not clear. In this study, we explored the mechanisms through which GSK-3β regulates Nrf2 and Nrf-2/ARE pathways in vitro and in vivo. We used oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in primary cultured cortical neurons and a middle cerebral artery occlusion-reperfusion (MCAO/R) rat model to mimic ischemic insult. In this study, GSK-3β siRNA and inhibitors (SB216763 and LiCl) were used to inhibit GSK-3β in vitro and in vivo. After inhibiting GSK-3β, expression of total and nuclear Nrf2, Nrf2-ARE binding activity and expression of Nrf2/ARE pathway-driven genes HO-1 and NQO-1 increased. Overexpression of GSK-3β yielded opposite results. These results suggest that GSK-3β downregulates Nrf2 and the Nrf2/ARE pathway in brain ischemia and reperfusion injury. GSK-3β may be an endogenous antioxidant relevant protein and may represent a new therapeutic target in treatment of ischemia and reperfusion injury.
Effects of high and low 17β-estradiol doses on focal cerebral ischemia in rats
Authors: Ingberg Edvin , Theodorsson Elvar , Theodorsson Annette , Ström Jakob O. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe majority of the numerous animal studies of the effects of estrogens on cerebral ischemia have reported neuroprotective results, but a few have shown increased damage. Differences in hormone administration methods, resulting in highly different 17β-estradiol levels, may explain the discrepancies in previously reported effects. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that it is the delivered dose per se and not the route and method of administration, that determines the effect and that high doses are damaging while lower doses are protective. One hundred and twenty ovariectomized female Wistar rats (n = 40 per group) were randomized into three groups, subcutaneously administered different doses of 17β-estradiol and subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion. The modified sticky tape test was performed after 24 h and the rats were subsequently sacrificed for infarct size measurements. In contrast to our hypothesis, a significant negative correlation between 17β-estradiol dose and infarct size was found (p = 0.018). Thus, no support was found for the hypothesis that 17β-estradiol can be both neuroprotective and neurotoxic merely depending on dose. In fact, on the contrary, the findings indicate that the higher the dose of 17β-estradiol, the smaller the infarct.
Powder metallurgy inspired low-temperature fabrication of high-performance stereocomplexed polylactide products with good optical transparency
Authors: Bai Dongyu , Liu Huili , Bai Hongwei , Zhang Qin , Fu Qiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractStereocomplexation between enantiomeric poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) and poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) provides an avenue to greatly enhance performance of eco-friendly polylactide (PLA). Unfortunately, although the manufacturing of semicrystalline polymers generally involves melt processing, it is still hugely challenging to create high-performance stereocomplexed polylactide (sc-PLA) products from melt-processed high-molecular-weight PLLA/PDLA blends due to the weak crystallization memory effect of stereocomplex (sc) crystallites after complete melting as well as the substantial degradation of PLA chains at elevated melt-processing temperatures of ca. 240–260 °C. Inspired by the concept of powder metallurgy, here we report a new facile route to address these obstacles by sintering of sc-PLA powder at temperatures as low as 180–210 °C, which is distinctly different from traditional sintering of polymer powders performed at temperatures far exceeding their melting temperatures. The enantiomeric PLA chain segments from adjacent powder particles can interdiffuse across particle interfaces and co-crystallize into new sc crystallites capable of tightly welding the interfaces during the low-temperature sintering process and thus highly transparent sc-PLA products with outstanding heat resistance, mechanical strength and hydrolytic stability have been successfully fabricated for the first time.
Dynamic changes in global microRNAome and transcriptome reveal complex miRNA-mRNA regulated host response to Japanese Encephalitis Virus in microglial cells
Authors: Kumari Bharti , Jain Pratistha , Das Shaoli , Ghosal Suman , Hazra Bibhabasu , Trivedi Ashish Chandra , Basu Anirban , Chakrabarti Jayprokas , Vrati Sudhanshu , Banerjee Arup 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMicroglia cells in the brain play essential role during Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) infection and may lead to change in microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA profile. These changes may together control disease outcome. Using Affymetrix microarray platform, we profiled cellular miRNA and mRNA expression at multiple time points during viral infection in human microglial (CHME3) cells. In silico analysis of microarray data revealed a phased pattern of miRNAs expression, associated with JEV replication and provided unique signatures of infection. Target prediction and pathway enrichment analysis identified anti correlation between differentially expressed miRNA and the gene expression at multiple time point which ultimately affected diverse signaling pathways including Notch signaling pathways in microglia. Activation of Notch pathway during JEV infection was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The expression of a subset of miRNAs that target multiple genes in Notch signaling pathways were suppressed and their overexpression could affect JEV induced immune response. Further analysis provided evidence for the possible presence of cellular competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) associated with innate immune response. Collectively, our data provide a uniquely comprehensive view of the changes in the host miRNAs induced by JEV during cellular infection and identify Notch pathway in modulating microglia mediated inflammation.
Atomic structures and oxygen dynamics of CeO2 grain boundaries
Authors: Feng Bin , Sugiyama Issei , Hojo Hajime , Ohta Hiromichi , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMaterial performance is significantly governed by grain boundaries (GBs), a typical crystal defects inside, which often exhibit unique properties due to the structural and chemical inhomogeneity. Here, it is reported direct atomic scale evidence that oxygen vacancies formed in the GBs can modify the local surface oxygen dynamics in CeO2, a key material for fuel cells. The atomic structures and oxygen vacancy concentrations in individual GBs are obtained by electron microscopy and theoretical calculations at atomic scale. Meanwhile, local GB oxygen reduction reactivity is measured by electrochemical strain microscopy. By combining these techniques, it is demonstrated that the GB electrochemical activities are affected by the oxygen vacancy concentrations, which is, on the other hand, determined by the local structural distortions at the GB core region. These results provide critical understanding of GB properties down to atomic scale and new perspectives on the development strategies of high performance electrochemical devices for solid oxide fuel cells.
A novel nitro-dexamethasone inhibits agr system activity and improves therapeutic effects in MRSA sepsis models without antibiotics
Authors: Yang Yun , Li Haibo , Sun Hongwu , Gong Li , Guo Ling , Shi Yun , Cai Changzhi , Gu Hao , Song Zhen , Yang Liuyang , Tong Yanan , Wei Chao , Zou Quanming , Zeng Hao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMethicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sepsis is a life-threatening medical condition that involves systemic inflammation throughout the body. Glucocorticoids are widely used in combination with antibiotics in the treatment of MRSA sepsis to fight the overwhelming inflammation. Here, we describe the improved anti-inflammatory properties of a nitric oxide (NO)-releasing derivative of dexamethasone, ND8008. ND8008 affected MRSA biofilm formation, caused biofilm cell death and reduced the effects of virulence factors, such as α-toxin, by inhibiting the activity of the Staphylococcus aureus accessory gene regulator (agr) system. Dosing of mice with ND8008 (127.4 nmol/kg, i.p.) alone greatly reduced the inflammatory response caused by MRSA blood stream infection and considerably increased the survival rate of septic mice. These findings suggest that this novel NO-releasing derivative of dexamethasone ND8008 could be helpful in the treatment of MRSA sepsis.
Conformational dynamics is key to understanding loss-of-function of NQO1 cancer-associated polymorphisms and its correction by pharmacological ligands
Authors: Medina-Carmona Encarnación , Palomino-Morales Rogelio J. , Fuchs Julian E. , Padín-Gonzalez Esperanza , Mesa-Torres Noel , Salido Eduardo , Timson David J. , Pey Angel L. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractProtein dynamics is essential to understand protein function and stability, even though is rarely investigated as the origin of loss-of-function due to genetic variations. Here, we use biochemical, biophysical, cell and computational biology tools to study two loss-of-function and cancer-associated polymorphisms (p.R139W and p.P187S) in human NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), a FAD-dependent enzyme which activates cancer pro-drugs and stabilizes several oncosuppressors. We show that p.P187S strongly destabilizes the NQO1 dimer in vitro and increases the flexibility of the C-terminal domain, while a combination of FAD and the inhibitor dicoumarol overcome these alterations. Additionally, changes in global stability due to polymorphisms and ligand binding are linked to the dynamics of the dimer interface, whereas the low activity and affinity for FAD in p.P187S is caused by increased fluctuations at the FAD binding site. Importantly, NQO1 steady-state protein levels in cell cultures correlate primarily with the dynamics of the C-terminal domain, supporting a directional preference in NQO1 proteasomal degradation and the use of ligands binding to this domain to stabilize p.P187S in vivo. In conclusion, protein dynamics are fundamental to understanding loss-of-function in p.P187S and to develop new pharmacological therapies to rescue this function.
Cold atmospheric plasma jet-generated RONS and their selective effects on normal and carcinoma cells
Authors: Kim Sun Ja , Chung T. H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCold atmospheric helium plasma jets were fabricated and utilized for plasma–cell interactions. The effect of operating parameters and jet design on the generation of specific reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) within cells and cellular response were investigated. It was found that plasma treatment induced the overproduction of RONS in various cancer cell lines selectively. The plasma under a relatively low applied voltage induced the detachment of cells, a reduction in cell viability and apoptosis, while the plasma under higher applied voltage led to cellular necrosis in our case. To determine whether plasma-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation occurs through interfering with mitochondria-related cellular response, we examined the plasma effects on ROS generation in both parental A549 cells and A549 ρ0 cells. It was observed that cancer cells were more susceptible to plasma-induced RONS (especially nitric oxide (NO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2−) radicals) than normal cells and consequently, plasma induced apoptotic cell responses mainly in cancer cells.
Ultra-low Doping on Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides using DNA Nanostructure Doped by a Combination of Lanthanide and Metal Ions
Authors: Kang Dong-Ho , Dugasani Sreekantha Reddy , Park Hyung-Youl , Shim Jaewoo , Gnapareddy Bramaramba , Jeon Jaeho , Lee Sungjoo , Roh Yonghan , Park Sung Ha , Park Jin-Hong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHere, we propose a novel DNA-based doping method on MoS2 and WSe2 films, which enables ultra-low n- and p-doping control and allows for proper adjustments in device performance. This is achieved by selecting and/or combining different types of divalent metal and trivalent lanthanide (Ln) ions on DNA nanostructures, using the newly proposed concept of Co-DNA (DNA functionalized by both divalent metal and trivalent Ln ions). The available n-doping range on the MoS2 by Ln-DNA is between 6 × 109 and 2.6 × 1010 cm−2. The p-doping change on WSe2 by Ln-DNA is adjusted between −1.0 × 1010 and −2.4 × 1010 cm−2. In Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA doping, a light p-doping is observed on MoS2 and WSe2 (~1010 cm−2). However, in the devices doped by Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA, a light n-doping (~1010 cm−2) occurs. A significant increase in on-current is also observed on the MoS2 and WSe2 devices, which are, respectively, doped by Tb3+- and Gd3+-Co-DNA, due to the reduction of effective barrier heights by the doping. In terms of optoelectronic device performance, the Tb3+ or Er3+-Co-DNA (n-doping) and the Eu3+ or Gd3+-Co-DNA (p-doping) improve the MoS2 and WSe2 photodetectors, respectively. We also show an excellent absorbing property by Tb3+ ions on the TMD photodetectors.
Presence of retinal pericyte-reactive autoantibodies in diabetic retinopathy patients
Authors: Zhang Lingjun , Li Yan , Payne John , Srivastava Sunil , Fan Xingjun , Fung John , Li Xiaorong , Kern Timothy S. , Lin Feng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe loss of retinal pericytes (RPCs) is a hallmark of early stage diabetic retinopathy (DR), but the mechanism underlying RPC death is unclear. Although it was postulated in previous studies using bovine RPCs that autoantibodies against RPCs might develop and induce RPC death, it is unknown whether autoantibodies against cell-surface antigens on human RPCs exist in DR patients, whether such autoantibodies contribute to RPC damage/loss and if they do, through which mechanism. We screened serum samples from DR patients and controls using primary human RPCs and found that that levels of IgGs reactive to RPCs were significantly higher in the DR group than the control group. Serum samples with higher RPC-reactive IgG levels induced more severe complement-mediated RPC damage than those with lower RPC-reactive IgG levels. We also assessed levels of the complement-activation products C3a, C4a and C5a in these serum samples and found that serum levels of C3a and C5a, but not C4a, were higher in the DR group than control group. These data provide evidence the first time showing that autoantibodies against RPCs can develop in DR patients and that these autoantibodies could contribute to pericyte damage through complement activation.
Controllable band structure and topological phase transition in two-dimensional hydrogenated arsenene
Authors: Wang Ya-ping , Ji Wei-xiao , Zhang Chang-wen , Li Ping , Li Feng , Ren Miao-juan , Chen Xin-Lian , Yuan Min , Wang Pei-ji 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDiscovery of two-dimensional (2D) topological insulator such as group-V films initiates challenges in exploring exotic quantum states in low dimensions. Here, we perform first-principles calculations to study the geometric and electronic properties in 2D arsenene monolayer with hydrogenation (HAsH). We predict a new σ-type Dirac cone related to the px,y orbitals of As atoms in HAsH, dependent on in-plane tensile strain. Noticeably, the spin-orbit coupling (SOC) opens a quantum spin Hall (QSH) gap of 193 meV at the Dirac cone. A single pair of topologically protected helical edge states is established for the edges and its QSH phase is confirmed with topological invariant Z2 = 1. We also propose a 2D quantum well (QW) encapsulating HAsH with the h-BN sheet on each side, which harbors a nontrivial QSH state with the Dirac cone lying within the band gap of cladding BN substrate. These findings provide a promising innovative platform for QSH device design and fabrication operating at room temperature.
Estrogen receptor-α is localized to neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Chunyu , Zhang Fan , Jiang Sirui , Siedlak Sandra L. , Shen Lu , Perry George , Wang Xinglong , Tang Beisha , Zhu Xiongwei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe female predominance for developing Alzheimer disease (AD) suggests the involvement of gender specific factor(s) such as a reduced estrogen-estrogen receptor signaling in the pathogenesis of AD. The potential role of ERα in AD pathogenesis has been explored by several groups with mixed results. We revisited this issue of expression and distribution of ERα in AD brain using a specific ERα antibody. Interestingly, we found that ERα co-localized with neurofibrillary pathology in AD brain and further demonstrated that ERα interacts with tau protein in vivo. Immunoprecipitaion experiments found increased ERα-tau interaction in the AD cases, which may account for ERα being sequestered in neuronal tau pathology. Indeed, tau overexpression in M17 cells leads to interruption of estrogen signaling. Our data support the idea that sequestration of ERα by tau pathology underlies the loss of estrogen neuroprotection during the course of AD.