bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic L-amino-acid oxidases from Amanita phalloides and Clitocybe geotropa induce caspase-dependent apoptosis
Authors: Pišlar A , Sabotič J , Šlenc J , Brzin J , Kos J 
Published: March 2016

AbstractL-amino-acid oxidases (LAO) purified from fungi induce cell death in various mammalian cells including human tumor cell lines. The mechanism, however, remains poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to define a precise mechanism of cell death induced in Jurkat and MCF7 cancer cell lines by ApLAO and CgLAO, LAOs isolated from Amanita phalloides and Clitocybe geotropa, respectively. Cell death induced by both LAOs is shown to be concentration- and time-dependent, with higher toxic effects in Jurkat cells. LAO activity is required for the cytotoxicity. Detailed study on Jurkat cells further demonstrated that ApLAO and CgLAO both induce the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, accompanied by a time-dependent depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane through the generation of reactive oxygen species. Treatment with the LAOs resulted in an increased ratio of the expression of proapoptotic Bax to that of antiapoptotic Bcl-2, subsequently leading to the activation of caspase-9 and -3. However, the pancaspase inhibitor, Z-VAD-FMK, did not completely abolish the cell death induced by either ApLAO or CgLAO, suggesting an alternative pathway for LAO-induced apoptosis. Indeed, caspase-8 activity in ApLAO- and CgLAO-treated cells was increased. Further, Fas/FasL (Fas ligand) antagonist caused a slight reduction in toxin-induced cell death, supporting the involvement of ApLAO and CgLAO in death-receptor-mediated apoptosis. These results thus provide new evidence that ApLAO and CgLAO induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells via both the intrinsic and extrinsic pathways, although the significantly higher increase of caspase-9 over caspase-8 activity suggests that it is the intrinsic pathway that is the predominant mode of ApLAO- and CgLAO-induced apoptosis.
Active temporal multiplexing of indistinguishable heralded single photons
Authors: Xiong C. , Zhang X. , Liu Z. , Collins M. J. , Mahendra A. , Helt L. G. , Steel M. J. , Choi D. -Y. , Chae C. J. , Leong P. H. W. , Eggleton B. J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIt is a fundamental challenge in quantum optics to deterministically generate indistinguishable single photons through non-deterministic nonlinear optical processes, due to the intrinsic coupling of single- and multi-photon-generation probabilities in these processes. Actively multiplexing photons generated in many temporal modes can decouple these probabilities, but key issues are to minimize resource requirements to allow scalability, and to ensure indistinguishability of the generated photons. Here we demonstrate the multiplexing of photons from four temporal modes solely using fibre-integrated optics and off-the-shelf electronic components. We show a 100% enhancement to the single-photon output probability without introducing additional multi-photon noise. Photon indistinguishability is confirmed by a fourfold Hong–Ou–Mandel quantum interference with a 91±16% visibility after subtracting multi-photon noise due to high pump power. Our demonstration paves the way for scalable multiplexing of many non-deterministic photon sources to a single near-deterministic source, which will be of benefit to future quantum photonic technologies.
Nonlinear optomechanical measurement of mechanical motion
Authors: Brawley G. A. , Vanner M. R. , Larsen P. E. , Schmid S. , Boisen A. , Bowen W. P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPrecision measurement of nonlinear observables is an important goal in all facets of quantum optics. This allows measurement-based non-classical state preparation, which has been applied to great success in various physical systems, and provides a route for quantum information processing with otherwise linear interactions. In cavity optomechanics much progress has been made using linear interactions and measurement, but observation of nonlinear mechanical degrees-of-freedom remains outstanding. Here we report the observation of displacement-squared thermal motion of a micro-mechanical resonator by exploiting the intrinsic nonlinearity of the radiation-pressure interaction. Using this measurement we generate bimodal mechanical states of motion with separations and feature sizes well below 100 pm. Future improvements to this approach will allow the preparation of quantum superposition states, which can be used to experimentally explore collapse models of the wavefunction and the potential for mechanical-resonator-based quantum information and metrology applications.
Coagulation induced by C3aR-dependent NETosis drives protumorigenic neutrophils during small intestinal tumorigenesis
Authors: Guglietta Silvia , Chiavelli Andrea , Zagato Elena , Krieg Carsten , Gandini Sara , Ravenda Paola Simona , Bazolli Barbara , Lu Bao , Penna Giuseppe , Rescigno Maria 
Published: March 2016

AbstractExcessive activation of blood coagulation and neutrophil accumulation have been described in several human cancers. However, whether hypercoagulation and neutrophilia are linked and involved in cancer development is currently unknown. Here we show that spontaneous intestinal tumorigenesis correlates with the accumulation of low-density neutrophils with a pro-tumorigenic N2 phenotype and unprompted neutrophil extracellular traps (NET) formation. We find that increased circulating lipopolysaccharide induces upregulation of complement C3a receptor on neutrophils and activation of the complement cascade. This leads to NETosis, induction of coagulation and N2 polarization, which prompts tumorigenesis, showing a novel link between coagulation, neutrophilia and complement activation. Finally, in a cohort of patients with small but not large intestinal cancer, we find a correlation between neutrophilia and hypercoagulation. This study provides a mechanistic explanation for the tumour-promoting effects of hypercoagulation, which could be used as a new biomarker or as a therapeutic target.
Controllable positive exchange bias via redox-driven oxygen migration
Authors: Gilbert Dustin A. , Olamit Justin , Dumas Randy K. , Kirby B. J. , Grutter Alexander J. , Maranville Brian B. , Arenholz Elke , Borchers Julie A. , Liu Kai 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIonic transport in metal/oxide heterostructures offers a highly effective means to tailor material properties via modification of the interfacial characteristics. However, direct observation of ionic motion under buried interfaces and demonstration of its correlation with physical properties has been challenging. Using the strong oxygen affinity of gadolinium, we design a model system of GdxFe1−x/NiCoO bilayer films, where the oxygen migration is observed and manifested in a controlled positive exchange bias over a relatively small cooling field range. The exchange bias characteristics are shown to be the result of an interfacial layer of elemental nickel and cobalt, a few nanometres in thickness, whose moments are larger than expected from uncompensated NiCoO moments. This interface layer is attributed to a redox-driven oxygen migration from NiCoO to the gadolinium, during growth or soon after. These results demonstrate an effective path to tailoring the interfacial characteristics and interlayer exchange coupling in metal/oxide heterostructures.
Range wide molecular data and niche modeling revealed the Pleistocene history of a global invader (Halyomorpha halys)
Authors: Zhu Geng-Ping , Ye Zhen , Du Juan , Zhang Dan-Li , Zhen Ya-hui , Zheng Chen-guang , Zhao Li , Li Min , Bu Wen-Jun 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInvasive species’ Pleistocene history contains much information on its present population structure, dispersability and adaptability. In this study, the Pleistocene history of a global invasive pest (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug BMSB, Halyomorpha halys) was unveiled using the coupled approach of phylogeography and ecological niche modelling. Rangewide molecular data suggests that the Taiwan and other native populations had diverged in mid-Pleistocene. In mainland China, the native BMSB did not experience population contraction and divergence during last glacial, but persisted in interconnected populations. Combined Bayesian Skyline Plot (BSP) and niche modelling revealed a rapid expansion occurred during the transition of Last Inter Glacial (LIG) to Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). High genetic diversity and multi-reticular haplotypes network exist in the original sources populations of BMSB invasion in northern China. They were speculated to be colonized from the central China, with many derived haplotypes evolved to adapt the novel environment. The ENM future prediction suggest that BMSB may expand northward to higher latitudes in the US and Europe, because of its high invasive ability, together with the available suitable climate space there.
The miR-20-Rest-Wnt signaling axis regulates neural progenitor cell differentiation
Authors: Cui Yi , Han Jin , Xiao Zhifeng , Chen Tong , Wang Bin , Chen Bing , Liu Sumei , Han Sufang , Fang Yongxiang , Wei Jianshu , Wang Xiujie , Ma Xu , Dai Jianwu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that three dimensional (3-D) cell cultures are an improvement over traditional two dimensional (2-D) cell cultures. Current researches have extensively focused on the study of utilizing biomaterial-based 3-D culture systems to study and direct stem-cell fate both in vitro and in vivo. Here in our study, we screened the differential expression patterns of miRNAs between 2-D cultured and 3-D cultured NPCs using microarray analysis. Among these differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-20 was found to increase during differentiation of NPCs. Specifically, the facilitative effect on neural differentiation of miR-20 is mediated, at least in part by directly target the Rest gene, which is essential for preventing neural differentiation and maintaining NPCs self-renewal. Furthermore, the expression of miR-20 was decreased when the WNT pathway was inhibited by knock down of β-catenin or by exogenous Dkk protein, whereas it increased when the WNT pathway was activated by exogenous Wnt3a protein. Overall, miR-20, Rest and Wnt signaling are suggested to be involved in a regulatory circuit that can modulate the neural differention of NPCs. This novel regulatory circuit provides additional insight into how microRNAs interact with signaling molecules during neural differentiation of NPCs, allowing for fine-tuning of intricate cellular processes.
Metabolic phenotyping for monitoring ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Ke Chaofu , Li Ang , Hou Yan , Sun Meng , Yang Kai , Cheng Jinlong , Wang Jingtao , Ge Tingting , Zhang Fan , Li Qiang , Li Junnan , Wu Ying , Lou Ge , Li Kang 
Published: March 2016

AbstractEpithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most deadly of the gynecological cancers. New approaches and better tools for monitoring treatment efficacy and disease progression of EOC are required. In this study, metabolomics using rapid resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry was applied to a systematic investigation of metabolic changes in response to advanced EOC, surgery and recurrence. The results revealed considerable metabolic differences between groups. Moreover, 37, 30, and 26 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers for primary, surgical and recurrent EOC, respectively. Primary EOC was characterized by abnormal lipid metabolism and energy disorders. Oxidative stress and surgical efficacy were clear in the post-operative EOC patients. Recurrent EOC patients showed increased amino acid and lipid metabolism compared with primary EOC patients. After cytoreductive surgery, eight metabolites (e.g. l-kynurenine, retinol, hydroxyphenyllactic acid, 2-octenoic acid) corrected towards levels of the control group, and four (e.g. hydroxyphenyllactic acid, 2-octenoic acid) went back again to primary EOC levels after disease relapse. In conclusion, this study delineated metabolic changes in response to advanced EOC, surgery and recurrence, and identified biomarkers that could facilitate both understanding and monitoring of EOC development and progression.
In vivo dynamics of active edema and lethal factors during anthrax
Authors: Rougeaux Clémence , Becher François , Ezan Eric , Tournier Jean-Nicolas , Goossens Pierre L. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractLethal and edema toxins are critical virulence factors of Bacillus anthracis. However, little is known about their in vivo dynamics of production during anthrax. In this study, we unraveled for the first time the in vivo kinetics of production of the toxin components EF (edema factor) and LF (lethal factor) during cutaneous infection with a wild-type toxinogenic encapsulated strain in immuno-competent mice. We stratified the asynchronous infection process into defined stages through bioluminescence imaging (BLI), while exploiting sensitive quantitative methods by measuring the enzymatic activity of LF and EF. LF was produced in high amounts, while EF amounts steadily increased during the infectious process. This led to high LF/EF ratios throughout the infection, with variations between 50 to a few thousands. In the bloodstream, the early detection of active LF and EF despite the absence of bacteria suggests that they may exert long distance effects. Infection with a strain deficient in the protective antigen toxin component enabled to address its role in the diffusion of LF and EF within the host. Our data provide a picture of the in vivo complexity of the infectious process.
Generalized energy failure criterion
Authors: Qu R. T. , Zhang Z. J. , Zhang P. , Liu Z. Q. , Zhang Z. F. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDiscovering a generalized criterion that can predict the mechanical failure of various different structural materials is one of ultimate goals for scientists in both material and mechanics communities. Since the first study on the failure criterion of materials by Galileo, about three centuries have passed. Now we eventually find the “generalized energy criterion”, as presented here, which appears to be one universal law for various different kinds of materials. The validity of the energy criterion for quantitatively predicting the failure is experimentally confirmed using a metallic glass. The generalized energy criterion reveals the competition and interaction between shear and cleavage, the two fundamental inherent failure mechanisms, and thus provides new physical insights into the failure prediction of materials and structural components.
A method for detailed analysis of the structure of mast cell secretory granules by negative contrast imaging
Authors: Tanaka Shotaro , Takakuwa Yuichi 
Published: March 2016

AbstractSecretory granules (SGs) in mast cells contain various molecules that elicit allergy symptoms and are generally considered therapeutic targets. However, the biogenesis, maintenance, regulation and recycling of these granules remain controversial, mainly due to the lack of suitable live-cell imaging methods. In this study, we applied negative contrast imaging with soluble green fluorescent protein (GFP) expressed in the cytoplasm as a method to validate structural information of mast cell SGs. We evaluated the accuracy of the method in detail and we demonstrated that it can be used for quantitative analysis. Using this technique, secretory granules, the nucleus, mitochondria and the cell body were visualized in individual RBL-2H3 mast cells without any influence. When combined with conventional multicolor fluorescence imaging, visualization of SG-associated proteins and SG–SG fusion was achieved. Moreover, 3D images were constructed based on this method and detailed information on the number, size and shape of individual SGs was obtained. We found that cell volume was correlated with SG number. In summary, the technique provides valuable and unique data and will therefore advance SG research.
Au-NiCo2O4 supported on three-dimensional hierarchical porous graphene-like material for highly effective oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Xia Wei-Yan , Li Nan , Li Qing-Yu , Ye Kai-Hang , Xu Chang-Wei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractA three-dimensional hierarchical porous graphene-like (3D HPG) material was synthesized by a one-step ion-exchange/activation combination method using a cheap metal ion exchanged resin as carbon precursor. The 3D HPG material as support for Au-NiCo2O4 gives good activity and stability for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The 3D HPG material is induced into NiCo2O4 as conductive support to increase the specific area and improve the poor conductivity of NiCo2O4. The activity of and stability of NiCo2O4 significantly are enhanced by a small amount of Au for OER. Au is a highly electronegative metal and acts as an electron adsorbate, which is believed to facilitate to generate and stabilize Co4+ and Ni3+ cations as the active centres for the OER.
Palaeomagnetism of the Upper Miocene- Lower Pliocene lavas from the East Carpathians: contribution to the paleosecular variation of geomagnetic field
Authors: Vişan Mădălina , Panaiotu Cristian G. , Necula Cristian , Dumitru Anca 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInvestigations of the paleosecular variation of the geomagnetic field on geological timescales depend on globally distributed data sets from lava flows. We report new paleomagnetic results from lava flows of the East Carpathian Mountains (23.6°E, 46.4°N) erupted between 4 and 6 Ma. The average virtual geomagnetic pole position (76 sites) includes the North Geographic Pole and the dispersion of virtual geomagnetic poles is in general agreement with the data of the Time Averaged geomagnetic Field Initiative. Based on this study and previous results from the East Carpathians obtained from 0.04–4 Ma old lava flows, we show that high value of dispersion are characteristic only for 1.5–2.8 Ma old lava flows. High values of dispersion during the Matuyama chron are also reported around 50°N, in the global paleosecular variation data set. More data are needed at a global level to determine if these high dispersions reflect the behaviour of the geomagnetic field or an artefact of inadequate number of sites. This study of the East Carpathians volcanic rocks brings new data from southeastern Europe and which can contribute to the databases for time averaged field and paleosecular variation from lavas in the last 6 Ma.
Potential of mean force between like-charged nanoparticles: Many-body effect
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Jin-Si , Shi Ya-Zhou , Zhu Xiao-Long , Tan Zhi-Jie 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIon-mediated interaction is important for the properties of polyelectrolytes such as colloids and nucleic acids. The effective pair interactions between two polyelectrolytes have been investigated extensively, but the many-body effect for multiple polyelectrolytes still remains elusive. In this work, the many-body effect in potential of mean force (PMF) between like-charged nanoparticles in various salt solutions has been comprehensively examined by Monte Carlo simulation and the nonlinear Poisson-Boltzmann theory. Our calculations show that, at high 1:1 salt, the PMF is weakly repulsive and appears additive, while at low 1:1 salt, the additive assumption overestimates the repulsive many-body PMF. At low 2:2 salt, the pair PMF appears weakly repulsive while the many-body PMF can become attractive. In contrast, at high 2:2 salt, the pair PMF is apparently attractive while the many-body effect can cause a weaker attractive PMF than that from the additive assumption. Our microscopic analyses suggest that the elusive many-body effect is attributed to ion-binding which is sensitive to ion concentration, ion valence, number of nanoparticles and charges on nanoparticles.
Relating Hearing Aid Use to Social and Emotional Loneliness in Older Adults
Authors: Weinstein Barbara E. , Sirow Lynn W. , Moser Sarah 
Published: March 2016

Purpose
Hearing loss is a risk factor for social isolation and loneliness. We investigated the buffering effects of hearing aid use on perceived social and emotional loneliness.

Method
Forty older adults participated. Prior to and following the hearing aid fitting, participants completed the De Jong Gierveld Loneliness Scale (De Jong Gierveld & Kamphuis, 1985); a change in feelings of loneliness following hearing aid use was the outcome indicator.

Results
There was a significant decline in perceptions of loneliness following 4 to 6 weeks of hearing aid use. A dose effect emerged with persons with moderate-to-severe hearing loss experiencing the greatest reduction in perceived loneliness with hearing aid use.

Conclusion
Associated with poorer health status and higher consumption of health care services, perceived loneliness is a challenge to treat. Hearing aid use appears to be a buffer against the experience of loneliness.
First-order modal logic in the necessary framework of objects
Authors: Fritz Peter 
Published: March 2016

AbstractI consider the first-order modal logic which counts as valid those sentences which are true on every interpretation of the non-logical constants. Based on the assumptions that it is necessary what individuals there are and that it is necessary which propositions are necessary, Timothy Williamson has tentatively suggested an argument for the claim that this logic is determined by a possible world structure consisting of an infinite set of individuals and an infinite set of worlds. He notes that only the cardinalities of these sets matters, and that not all pairs of infinite sets determine the same logic. I use so-called two-cardinal theorems from model theory to investigate the space of logics and consequence relations determined by pairs of infinite sets, and show how to eliminate the assumption that worlds are individuals from Williamson's argument.
Herquline A, produced by Penicillium herquei FKI-7215, exhibits anti-influenza virus properties
Authors: Chiba Takuya , Asami Yukihiro , Suga Takuya , Watanabe Yoshihiro , Nagai Takayuki , Momose Fumitaka , Nonaka Kenichi , Iwatsuki Masato , Yamada Haruki , Ōmura Satoshi , Shiomi Kazuro 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In the course of screening for new anti-influenza virus antibiotics, we isolated herquline A from a culture broth of the fungus, Penicillium herquei FKI-7215. Herquline A inhibited replication of influenza virus A/PR/8/34 strain in a dose-dependent manner without exhibiting cytotoxicity against several human cell lines. It did not inhibit the viral neuraminidase.
Comparing international curriculum systems: the international instructional systems study
Authors: Creese Brian , Gonzalez Alvaro , Isaacs Tina 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper sets out the main findings of the International Instructional Systems Study (IISS), conducted by the UCL Institute of Education and funded by the Center on International Education Benchmarking (CIEB). The study examined the instructional systems and intended curricula of six ‘high performing’ countries and two US states. The study ultimately focused on nine specific aspects of those systems: the aims of the education system; how centralised or decentralised management of the instructional system is; principles and methods of accountability; what compulsory and optional subjects are included in the programmes of study; the degree to which curriculum is organised by discipline or integrated across disciplines; whether curriculum is common or differentiated; how twenty‐first century skills are embedded in the curriculum; the clarity and content of curriculum for secondary vocational pathways; and how assessments are created and what stakes they have and for whom.