bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs modulate cellular glycosaminoglycan synthesis by affecting EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways
Authors: Mozolewski Paweł , Moskot Marta , Jakóbkiewicz-Banecka Joanna , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Bocheńska Katarzyna , Banecki Bogdan , Gabig-Cimińska Magdalena 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this report, selected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), indomethacin and nimesulide, and analgesics acetaminophen, alone, as well as in combination with isoflavone genistein as potential glycosaminoglycan (GAG) metabolism modulators were considered for the treatment of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPSs) with neurological symptoms due to the effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration properties of these compounds. We found that indomethacin and nimesulide, but not acetaminophen, inhibited GAG synthesis in fibroblasts significantly, while the most pronounced impairment of glycosaminoglycan production was observed after exposure to the mixture of nimesulide and genistein. Phosphorylation of the EGF receptor (EGFR) was inhibited even more effective in the presence of indomethacin and nimesulide than in the presence of genistein. When examined the activity of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) production, we observed its most significant decrease in the case of fibroblast exposition to nimesulide, and afterwards to indomethacin and genistein mix, rather than indomethacin used alone. Some effects on expression of individual GAG metabolism-related and lysosomal function genes, and significant activity modulation of a number of genes involved in intracellular signal transduction pathways and metabolism of DNA and proteins were detected. This study documents that NSAIDs, and their mixtures with genistein modulate cellular glycosaminoglycan synthesis by affecting EGFR and PI3K signaling pathways.
miR-21 deficiency inhibits osteoclast function and prevents bone loss in mice
Authors: Hu Cheng-Hu , Sui Bing-Dong , Du Fang-Ying , Shuai Yi , Zheng Chen-Xi , Zhao Pan , Yu Xiao-Rui , Jin Yan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMicroRNAs emerge as critical post-transcriptional regulators in bone metabolism. We have previously reported in vitro that miR-21 promotes osteogenesis, while studies have also revealed miR-21 as a regulator of osteoclastogenesis and a promoter of osteoclast differentiation in vitro. However, in vivo data are still lacking in identifying skeletal function of miR-21, particularly its effects on osteoporosis. Here, using miR-21 knockout (miR-21−/−) mice, we investigated effects of miR-21 on bone development, bone remodeling and bone loss. Unexpectedly, miR-21−/− mice demonstrated normal skeletal phenotype in development and maintained osteoblastogenesis in vivo. Besides, miR-21−/− mice showed increased receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) and decreased osteoprotegerin (OPG) through miR-21 targeting Sprouty 1 (Spry1). Nevertheless, interestingly, miR-21 deficiency promoted trabecular bone mass accrual physiologically. Furthermore, in pathological states, the protection of bone mass was prominent in miR-21−/− mice. These skeletal effects were attributed to inhibition of bone resorption and osteoclast function by miR-21 deficiency through miR-21 targeting programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4), despite the existence of RANKL. As far as we know, this is the first in vivo evidence of a pro-osteoclastic microRNA. Together, these findings clarified function of miR-21 in bone metabolism, particularly uncovering osteo-protective potential of miR-21 inactivation in osteoporosis.
Mammalian TRAPPIII Complex positively modulates the recruitment of Sec13/31 onto COPII vesicles
Authors: Zhao Shan , Li Chun Man , Luo Xiao Min , Siu Gavin Ka Yu , Gan Wen Jia , Zhang Lin , Wu William K. K. , Chan Hsiao Chang , Yu Sidney 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Transport protein particle (TRAPP) complex is a tethering factor for COPII vesicle. Of three forms of TRAPP (TRAPPI, II and III) complexes identified so far, TRAPPIII has been largely considered to play a role in autophagy. While depletion of TRAPPIII specific subunits caused defects in the early secretory pathway and TRAPPIII might interact with components of the COPII vesicle coat, its exact role remains to be determined. In this study, we studied the function of TRAPPIII in early secretory pathway using a TRAPPIII-specific subunit, TRAPPC12, as starting point. We found that TRAPPC12 was localized to the ER exit sites and ERGIC. In cells deleted with TRAPPC12, ERGIC and to a lesser extent, the Golgi became dispersed. ER-to-Golgi transport was also delayed. TRAPPC12, but not TRAPPC8, bound to Sec13/Sec31A tetramer but each Sec protein alone could not interact with TRAPPC12. TRAPPIII positively modulated the assembly of COPII outer layer during COPII vesicle formation. These results identified a novel function of TRAPPIII as a positive modulator of the outer layer of the COPII coat.
Low-Cost Optical Mapping Systems for Panoramic Imaging of Complex Arrhythmias and Drug-Action in Translational Heart Models
Authors: Lee Peter , Calvo Conrado J. , Alfonso-Almazán José M. , Quintanilla Jorge G. , Chorro Francisco J. , Yan Ping , Loew Leslie M. , Filgueiras-Rama David , Millet José 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPanoramic optical mapping is the primary method for imaging electrophysiological activity from the entire outer surface of Langendorff-perfused hearts. To date, it is the only method of simultaneously measuring multiple key electrophysiological parameters, such as transmembrane voltage and intracellular free calcium, at high spatial and temporal resolution. Despite the impact it has already had on the fields of cardiac arrhythmias and whole-heart computational modeling, present-day system designs precludes its adoption by the broader cardiovascular research community because of their high costs. Taking advantage of recent technological advances, we developed and validated low-cost optical mapping systems for panoramic imaging using Langendorff-perfused pig hearts, a clinically-relevant model in basic research and bioengineering. By significantly lowering financial thresholds, this powerful cardiac electrophysiology imaging modality may gain wider use in research and, even, teaching laboratories, which we substantiated using the lower-cost Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart model.
Coherent activity between brain regions that code for value is linked to the malleability of human behavior
Authors: Cooper Nicole , Bassett Danielle S. , Falk Emily B. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBrain activity in medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) during exposure to persuasive messages can predict health behavior change. This brain-behavior relationship has been linked to areas of MPFC previously associated with self-related processing; however, the mechanism underlying this relationship is unclear. We explore two components of self-related processing – self-reflection and subjective valuation – and examine coherent activity between relevant networks of brain regions during exposure to health messages encouraging exercise and discouraging sedentary behaviors. We find that objectively logged reductions in sedentary behavior in the following month are linked to functional connectivity within brain regions associated with positive valuation, but not within regions associated with self-reflection on personality traits. Furthermore, functional connectivity between valuation regions contributes additional information compared to average brain activation within single brain regions. These data support an account in which MPFC integrates the value of messages to the self during persuasive health messaging and speak to broader questions of how humans make decisions about how to behave.
Abnormal Capillary Vasodynamics Contribute to Ictal Neurodegeneration in Epilepsy
Authors: Leal-Campanario Rocio , Alarcon-Martinez Luis , Rieiro Hector , Martinez-Conde Susana , Alarcon-Martinez Tugba , Zhao Xiuli , LaMee Jonathan , Popp Pamela J. Osborn , Calhoun Michael E. , Arribas Juan I. , Schlegel Alexander A. , Stasi Leandro L. Di , Rho Jong M. , Inge Landon , Otero-Millan Jorge , Treiman David M. , Macknik Stephen L. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSeizure-driven brain damage in epilepsy accumulates over time, especially in the hippocampus, which can lead to sclerosis, cognitive decline, and death. Excitotoxicity is the prevalent model to explain ictal neurodegeneration. Current labeling technologies cannot distinguish between excitotoxicity and hypoxia, however, because they share common molecular mechanisms. This leaves open the possibility that undetected ischemic hypoxia, due to ictal blood flow restriction, could contribute to neurodegeneration previously ascribed to excitotoxicity. We tested this possibility with Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy (CLE) and novel stereological analyses in several models of epileptic mice. We found a higher number and magnitude of NG2+ mural-cell mediated capillary constrictions in the hippocampus of epileptic mice than in that of normal mice, in addition to spatial coupling between capillary constrictions and oxidative stressed neurons and neurodegeneration. These results reveal a role for hypoxia driven by capillary blood flow restriction in ictal neurodegeneration.
Measuring speaker–listener neural coupling with functional near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Yichuan , Piazza Elise A. , Simony Erez , Shewokis Patricia A. , Onaral Banu , Hasson Uri , Ayaz Hasan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe present study investigates brain-to-brain coupling, defined as inter-subject correlations in the hemodynamic response, during natural verbal communication. We used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to record brain activity of 3 speakers telling stories and 15 listeners comprehending audio recordings of these stories. Listeners’ brain activity was significantly correlated with speakers’ with a delay. This between-brain correlation disappeared when verbal communication failed. We further compared the fNIRS and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) recordings of listeners comprehending the same story and found a significant relationship between the fNIRS oxygenated-hemoglobin concentration changes and the fMRI BOLD in brain areas associated with speech comprehension. This correlation between fNIRS and fMRI was only present when data from the same story were compared between the two modalities and vanished when data from different stories were compared; this cross-modality consistency further highlights the reliability of the spatiotemporal brain activation pattern as a measure of story comprehension. Our findings suggest that fNIRS can be used for investigating brain-to-brain coupling during verbal communication in natural settings.
Characterization of photocatalytic TiO2 powder under varied environments using near ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
Authors: Krishnan Padmaja , Liu Minghui , Itty Pierre A. , Liu Zhi , Rheinheimer Vanessa , Zhang Min-Hong , Monteiro Paulo J. M. , Yu Liya E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractConsecutive eight study phases under the successive presence and absence of UV irradiation, water vapor, and oxygen were conducted to characterize surface changes in the photocatalytic TiO2 powder using near-ambient-pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Both Ti 2p and O 1s spectra show hysteresis through the experimental course. Under all the study environments, the bridging hydroxyl (OHbr) and terminal hydroxyl (OHt) are identified at 1.1–1.3 eV and 2.1–2.3 eV above lattice oxygen, respectively. This enables novel and complementary approach to characterize reactivity of TiO2 powder. The dynamic behavior of surface-bound water molecules under each study environment is identified, while maintaining a constant distance of 1.3 eV from the position of water vapor. In the dark, the continual supply of both water vapor and oxygen is the key factor retaining the activated state of the TiO2 powder for a time period. Two new surface peaks at 1.7–1.8 and 4.0–4.2 eV above lattice oxygen are designated as peroxides (OOH/H2O2) and H2O2 dissolved in water, respectively. The persistent peroxides on the powder further explain previously observed prolonged oxidation capability of TiO2 powder without light irradiation.
A Fast and Efficient Algorithm for Mining Top-k Nodes in Complex Networks
Authors: Liu Dong , Jing Yun , Zhao Jing , Wang Wenjun , Song Guojie 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOne of the key problems in social network analysis is influence maximization, which has great significance both in theory and practical applications. Given a complex network and a positive integer k, and asks the k nodes to trigger the largest expected number of the remaining nodes. Many mature algorithms are mainly divided into propagation-based algorithms and topology- based algorithms. The propagation-based algorithms are based on optimization of influence spread process, so the influence spread of them significantly outperforms the topology-based algorithms. But these algorithms still takes days to complete on large networks. Contrary to propagation based algorithms, the topology-based algorithms are based on intuitive parameter statistics and static topology structure properties. Their running time are extremely short but the results of influence spread are unstable. In this paper, we propose a novel topology-based algorithm based on local index rank (LIR). The influence spread of our algorithm is close to the propagation-based algorithm and sometimes over them. Moreover, the running time of our algorithm is millions of times shorter than that of propagation-based algorithms. Our experimental results show that our algorithm has a good and stable performance in IC and LT model.
The enhanced photo absorption and carrier transportation of InGaN/GaN Quantum Wells for photodiode detector applications
Authors: Yang Haojun , Ma Ziguang , Jiang Yang , Wu Haiyan , Zuo Peng , Zhao Bin , Jia Haiqiang , Chen Hong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWe have conducted a series of measurements of resonantly excited photoluminescence, photocurrent and photovoltage on InGaN/GaN quantum wells with and without a p-n junction under reverse bias condition. The results indicate that most of the resonantly excited photo-generated carriers are extracted from the quantum wells when a p-n junction exists, and the photon absorption of quantum wells is enhanced by the p-n junction. Additionally, the carrier extraction becomes more distinct under a reverse bias. Our finding brings better understanding of the physical characteristics of quantum wells with p-n junction, which also suggests that the quantum well is suitable for photodiode detectors applications when a p-n junction is used.
A Facile Synthesis of Nitrogen-Doped Highly Porous Carbon Nanoplatelets: Efficient Catalysts for Oxygen Electroreduction
Authors: Zhang Yaqing , Zhang Xianlei , Ma Xiuxiu , Guo Wenhui , Wang Chunchi , Asefa Tewodros , He Xingquan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of great importance for various renewable energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells and metal-air batteries. Heteroatom-doped carbon nanomaterials have proven to be robust metal-free electrocatalysts for ORR in the above-mentioned energy devices. Herein, we demonstrate the synthesis of novel highly porous N-doped carbon nanoplatelets (N-HPCNPs) derived from oatmeal (or a biological material) and we show the materials’ high-efficiency as electrocatalyst for ORR. The obtained N-HPCNPs hybrid materials exhibit superior electrocatalytic activities towards ORR, besides excellent stability and good methanol tolerance in both basic and acidic electrolytes. The unique nanoarchitectures with rich micropores and mesopores, as well as the high surface area-to-volume ratios, present in the materials significantly increase the density of accessible catalytically active sites in them and facilitate the transport of electrons and electrolyte within the materials. Consequently, the N-HPCNPs catalysts hold a great potential to serve as low-cost and highly efficient cathode materials in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs).
Influence of Doping and Excitation Powers on Optical Thermometry in Yb3+-Er3+ doped CaWO4
Authors: Wang Xiangfu , Wang Yemin , Bu Yanyan , Yan Xiaohong , Wang Jing , Cai Peiqing , Vu Thiquynh , Seo Hyo Jin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOptical thermometry has been widely studied to achieve an inaccessible temperature measurement in submicron scale and it has been reported that the temperature sensitivity depends mainly on host types. In this work, we propose a new method to improve the optical temperature sensitivity of Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped CaWO4 phosphors by doping with Li+, Sr2+, and Mg2+ ions and by controlling excitation powers of 980 nm laser. It is found that the thermometric parameters such as upconversion emission intensity, intensity ratio of green-to-red emission, fluorescence color, emission intensity ratios of thermally coupled levels (2H11/2/4S3/2), and relative and absolute temperature sensitivity can be effectively controlled by doping with Li+, Sr2+, and Mg2+ ions in the Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped CaWO4 system. Moreover, the relative sensitivity SR and the absolute sensitivity SA are proved to be dependent on the pump power of 980 nm laser. The sensitivities of SR and SA in Yb3+-Er3+ co-doped CaWO4 increase about 31.5% and 12%, respectively, by doping with 1 mol% Sr2+.
Simple platform for chronic imaging of hippocampal activity during spontaneous behaviour in an awake mouse
Authors: Villette Vincent , Levesque Mathieu , Miled Amine , Gosselin Benoit , Topolnik Lisa 
Published: February 2017

AbstractChronic electrophysiological recordings of neuronal activity combined with two-photon Ca2+ imaging give access to high resolution and cellular specificity. In addition, awake drug-free experimentation is required for investigating the physiological mechanisms that operate in the brain. Here, we developed a simple head fixation platform, which allows simultaneous chronic imaging and electrophysiological recordings to be obtained from the hippocampus of awake mice. We performed quantitative analyses of spontaneous animal behaviour, the associated network states and the cellular activities in the dorsal hippocampus as well as estimated the brain stability limits to image dendritic processes and individual axonal boutons. Ca2+ imaging recordings revealed a relatively stereotyped hippocampal activity despite a high inter-animal and inter-day variability in the mouse behavior. In addition to quiet state and locomotion behavioural patterns, the platform allowed the reliable detection of walking steps and fine speed variations. The brain motion during locomotion was limited to ~1.8 μm, thus allowing for imaging of small sub-cellular structures to be performed in parallel with recordings of network and behavioural states. This simple device extends the drug-free experimentation in vivo, enabling high-stability optophysiological experiments with single-bouton resolution in the mouse awake brain.
Enhancing lysosomal biogenesis and autophagic flux by activating the transcription factor EB protects against cadmium-induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Pi Huifeng , Li Min , Tian Li , Yang Zhiqi , Yu Zhengping , Zhou Zhou 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCadmium (Cd), a highly ubiquitous heavy metal, is a well-known inducer of neurotoxicity. However, the mechanism underlying cadmium-induced neurotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we found that Cd inhibits autophagosome-lysosome fusion and impairs lysosomal function by reducing the levels of lysosomal-associated membrane proteins, inhibiting lysosomal proteolysis and altering lysosomal pH, contributing to defects in autophagic clearance and subsequently leading to nerve cell death. In addition, Cd decreases transcription factor EB (TFEB) expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, Cd induces the nuclear translocation of TFEB and TFEB target-gene expression, associated with compromised lysosomal function or a compensatory effect after the impairment of the autophagic flux. Notably, restoration of the levels of lysosomal-associated membrane protein, lysosomal proteolysis, lysosomal pH and autophagic flux through Tfeb overexpression protects against Cd-induced neurotoxicity, and this protective effect is incompletely dependent on TFEB nuclear translocation. Moreover, gene transfer of the master autophagy regulator TFEB results in the clearance of toxic proteins and the correction of Cd-induced neurotoxicity in vivo. Our study is the first to demonstrate that Cd disrupts lysosomal function and autophagic flux and manipulation of TFEB signalling may be a therapeutic approach for antagonizing Cd-induced neurotoxicity.
TRPA1 mediated aggravation of allergic contact dermatitis induced by DINP and regulated by NF-κB activation
Authors: Kang Jun , Ding Yong , Li Baizhan , Liu Hong , Yang Xu , Chen Mingqing 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe possible pathogenic role and mechanism of Di-iso-nonyl phthalate (DINP) in allergic dermatitis is still controversial. This work has shown that oral exposure to DINP exacerbated allergic dermatitis tissue lesions in FITC-sensitized mice. The lesions was accompanied by an enhancement of TRPA1 expression and an increase in IgG1, IL-6 and IL-13 levels. This work also found that blocking TRPA1 by HC030031 effectively prevented the development of allergic dermatitis resulting from oral exposure to DINP and/or FITC-sensitized mice. This result is marked by the down regulation of IgG1 levels, a reduction in mast cell degranulation and a decrease in IL-6 and IL-13 levels. We also showed that blocking NF-κB inhibited TRPA1 expression, and that blocking TRPA1 had no significant effect on the activation of NF-κB or TSLP expression. This study helps in understanding the role DINP exposure plays in the development of allergic dermatitis and provides new insight into the mechanisms behind the DINP-induced adjuvant effect.
A hybrid MBE-based growth method for large-area synthesis of stacked hexagonal boron nitride/graphene heterostructures
Authors: Wofford Joseph M. , Nakhaie Siamak , Krause Thilo , Liu Xianjie , Ramsteiner Manfred , Hanke Michael , Riechert Henning , J. Lopes J. Marcelo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractVan der Waals heterostructures combining hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene offer many potential advantages, but remain difficult to produce as continuous films over large areas. In particular, the growth of h-BN on graphene has proven to be challenging due to the inertness of the graphene surface. Here we exploit a scalable molecular beam epitaxy based method to allow both the h-BN and graphene to form in a stacked heterostructure in the favorable growth environment provided by a Ni(111) substrate. This involves first saturating a Ni film on MgO(111) with C, growing h-BN on the exposed metal surface, and precipitating the C back to the h-BN/Ni interface to form graphene. The resulting laterally continuous heterostructure is composed of a top layer of few-layer thick h-BN on an intermediate few-layer thick graphene, lying on top of Ni/MgO(111). Examinations by synchrotron-based grazing incidence diffraction, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and UV-Raman spectroscopy reveal that while the h-BN is relaxed, the lattice constant of graphene is significantly reduced, likely due to nitrogen doping. These results illustrate a different pathway for the production of h-BN/graphene heterostructures, and open a new perspective for the large-area preparation of heterosystems combining graphene and other 2D or 3D materials.