bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immune regulation by oral tolerance induces alternate activation of macrophages and reduces markers of plaque destabilization in Apobtm2Sgy/Ldlrtm1Her/J mice
Authors: Thota Lakshmi Narasimha , Ponnusamy Thiruvelselvan , Philip Sheena , Lu Xinjie , Mundkur Lakshmi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAtherosclerosis is the leading cause for cardiovascular mortality. We determined the effect of multi-antigenic construct expressing three peptides AHC (ApoB100, HSP60 and outer membrane protein of chlamydia pneumonia) in stabilizing advanced atherosclerosis in Apobtm2Sgy/Ldlrtm1Her/J mice. Atherosclerosis was induced by feeding high fat diet (HFD) to mice for 10 weeks, followed by five oral dosing with purified AHC or ovalbumin on alternate days and continued on HFD for another 10 weeks. Tolerance was associated with significantly higher numbers of regulatory T cells both in aortic sinus and spleen with higher mRNA expression of CTLA4 (3 fold), Foxp3 (1.4 folds) and TGF-β (1.62) in aorta. Tregs cells were found to induce alternate activation of macrophages to M2 phenotype, with a reduction in plaque inflammation. AHC treatment showed evidence of plaque stabilization as observed by reduction in plaque necrosis in aortic sinus (35.8%) and in brachiocephalic artery (26%), with reduced expression of Tissue factor and MMP9. Macrophage apoptosis was reduced and collagen content was enhanced by treatment. Our results suggest that tolerance to atherogenic peptides increases regulatory T cells which activate M2 macrophages, prevent T cell proliferation and reduce plaque destabilization and inflammatory markers thus providing evidences for plaque stabilization in mice with advanced atherosclerosis.
miR-509-5p and miR-1243 increase the sensitivity to gemcitabine by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Hiramoto Hidekazu , Muramatsu Tomoki , Ichikawa Daisuke , Tanimoto Kousuke , Yasukawa Satoru , Otsuji Eigo , Inazawa Johji 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) contributes to various processes in cancer progression, such as metastasis and drug resistance. Since we have already established a cell-based reporter system for identifying EMT-suppressive microRNAs (miRNAs) in the pancreatic cancer cell line Panc1, we performed a function-based screening assay by combining this reporter system and a miRNA library composed of 1,090 miRNAs. As a result, we identified miR-509-5p and miR-1243 as EMT-suppressive miRNAs, although the mechanisms for EMT-suppression induced by these miRNAs have yet to be clarified. Herein, we demonstrated that overexpression of miR-509-5p and miR-1243 increased the expression of E-cadherin through the suppression of EMT-related gene expression and that drug sensitivity increased with a combination of each of these miRNAs and gemcitabine. Moreover, miR-509-5p was associated with worse overall survival in patients with pancreatic cancer and was identified as an independently selected predictor of mortality. Our findings suggest that miR-509-5p and miR-1243 might be novel chemotherapeutic targets and serve as biomarkers in pancreatic cancer.
Trap Modulated Charge Carrier Transport in Polyethylene/Graphene Nanocomposites
Authors: Li Zhonglei , Du Boxue , Han Chenlei , Xu Hang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe role of trap characteristics in modulating charge transport properties is attracting much attentions in electrical and electronic engineering, which has an important effect on the electrical properties of dielectrics. This paper focuses on the electrical properties of Low-density Polyethylene (LDPE)/graphene nanocomposites (NCs), as well as the corresponding trap level characteristics. The dc conductivity, breakdown strength and space charge behaviors of NCs with the filler content of 0 wt%, 0.005 wt%, 0.01 wt%, 0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt% are studied, and their trap level distributions are characterized by isothermal discharge current (IDC) tests. The experimental results show that the 0.005 wt% LDPE/graphene NCs have a lower dc conductivity, a higher breakdown strength and a much smaller amount of space charge accumulation than the neat LDPE. It is indicated that the graphene addition with a filler content of 0.005 wt% introduces large quantities of deep carrier traps that reduce charge carrier mobility and result in the homocharge accumulation near the electrodes. The deep trap modulated charge carrier transport attributes to reduce the dc conductivity, suppress the injection of space charges into polymer bulks and enhance the breakdown strength, which is of great significance in improving electrical properties of polymer dielectrics.
Human-mediated secondary contact of two tortoise lineages results in sex-biased introgression
Authors: Graciá Eva , Rodríguez-Caro Roberto C. , Andreu Ana C. , Fritz Uwe , Giménez Andrés , Botella Francisco 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHuman-mediated secondary contact of recently diverged taxa offers valuable opportunities for studying the evolutionary mechanisms involved in the establishment and maintenance of genetic boundaries between taxa. We used mitochondrial and microsatellite markers to examine a recently introduced population of the spur-thighed tortoise (Testudo graeca) of mixed origin in the Doñana National Park (SW Spain). The earliest records of tortoises in Doñana trace back to the 18th century, but several population reinforcements in the 20th century with animals from Morocco are well-documented. Consequently, different genetic lineages, which represent distinct subspecies, are thought to co-exist there. Our results confirmed the presence of distinct lineages by revealing that tortoises of the subspecies T. g. marokkensis were introduced into a local allochthonous T. g. graeca population. Unexpectedly, T. g. marokkensis haplotypes exclusively appeared in males, and admixture levels were statistically sex-biased toward males. The sex ratio of the population deviated from parity, with males being 2.36-fold more abundant than females. Our results indicated that population reinforcements had a strong effect on the genetic composition of this population and aggravated its sex ratio deviation. We predict that this sex-biased pattern of introgression is ephemeral and advocated to the near loss of T. g. marokkensis haplotypes.
The Variation in the Rhizosphere Microbiome of Cotton with Soil Type, Genotype and Developmental Stage
Authors: Qiao Qinghua , Wang Furong , Zhang Jingxia , Chen Yu , Zhang Chuanyun , Liu Guodong , Zhang Hui , Ma Changle , Zhang Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPlant roots and soil microorganisms interact with each other mainly in the rhizosphere. Changes in the community structure of the rhizosphere microbiome are influenced by many factors. In this study, we determined the community structure of rhizosphere bacteria in cotton, and studied the variation of rhizosphere bacterial community structure in different soil types and developmental stages using TM-1, an upland cotton cultivar (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Hai 7124, a sea island cotton cultivar (G. barbadense L.) by high-throughput sequencing technology. Six bacterial phyla were found dominantly in cotton rhizosphere bacterial community including Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes, Proteobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia. The abundance of Acidobacteria, Cyanobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes and Proteobacteria were largely influenced by cotton root. Bacterial α-diversity in rhizosphere was lower than that of bulk soil in nutrient-rich soil, but higher in cotton continuous cropping field soil. The β-diversity in nutrient-rich soil was greater than that in continuous cropping field soil. The community structure of the rhizosphere bacteria varied significantly during different developmental stages. Our results provided insights into the dynamics of cotton rhizosphere bacterial community and would facilitate to improve cotton growth and development through adjusting soil bacterial community structure artificially.
A screen for inhibitory peptides of hepatitis C virus identifies a novel entry inhibitor targeting E1 and E2
Authors: Yin Peiqi , Zhang Ling , Ye Fei , Deng Yao , Lu Sha , Li Yi-Ping , Zhang Leiliang , Tan Wenjie 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) entry into hepatocytes is a multistep process that represents a promising target for antiviral intervention. The viral envelope protein E1E2 plays a critical role in HCV entry. In this study, we sought to identify peptide inhibitors of HCV by screening a library of overlapping peptides covering E1E2. Screening the peptide library identified several novel anti-HCV peptides. Four peptides from glycoprotein E2 were selected for further investigation. The 50% effective dose (ED50) was approximately 5 nM for each peptide. Our data indicated that these peptides inhibited HCV entry at the post-attachment step. Moreover, these peptides blocked cell-to-cell transmission of HCVcc and had broad-spectrum antiviral effects on HCVcc. These peptides exhibited combination inhibitory effects on HCVcc infection when combined with IFN-α2b or anti-CD81 antibody. Interestingly, we observed that E2-42 associated with E1 and E2. Our results indicate that E2-42 inhibits HCV entry via E1 and E2. These findings suggest a new avenue for HCV therapeutic development.
Alpha-lipoic Acid suppresses P2X receptor activities and visceral hypersensitivity to colorectal distention in diabetic rats
Authors: Hu Ji , Qin Xin , Song Zhen-Yuan , Yang Pan-Pan , Feng Yu , Sun Qian , Xu Guang-Yin , Zhang Hong-Hong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe present study was designed to investigate the roles of P2X3 receptors in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in colonic hypersensitivity and the effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) on P2X3 receptor activity and colonic hypersensitivity of diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (STZ) was used to induce diabetic model. Abdominal withdrawal reflex (AWR) responding to colorectal distention (CRD) was recorded as colonic sensitivity. ATP-induced current density of colon-specific DRG (T13-L2 DRGs) neurons was measured with whole-cell patch clamp. The expression of P2X3Rs of T13-L2 DRGs was measured by western blot analysis. The results showed that AWR scores significantly increased after STZ injection. P2X3R expression and ATP current density of T13-L2 DRG neurons were enhanced in diabetic rats. Intraperitoneal injection with ALA once a day for 1 week remarkably reduced P2X3R expression and ATP current density in diabetic rats. Importantly, ALA treatment attenuated colonic hypersensitivity in diabetic rats. Our data suggest that STZ injection increases expression and function of P2X3 receptors of colon-specific DRG neurons, thus contributing to colonic hypersensitivity in diabetic rats. Administration of ALA attenuates diabetic colonic hypersensitivity, which is most likely mediated by suppressing expression and function of P2X3 receptors in DRGs of diabetic rats.
Fatty acid composition and phospholipid types used in infant formulas modifies the establishment of human gut bacteria in germ-free mice
Authors: Nejrup Rikke Guldhammer , Licht Tine Rask , Hellgren Lars Ingvar 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHuman milk fat contains high concentrations of medium-chained fatty acids (MCFA) and triacylglycerols emulsified by a sphingomyelin-rich phospholipid membrane (milk phospholipids, MPL). Infant formula comprises mainly long-chained fatty acids (LCFA) emulsified with dairy proteins and soy lecithin (SL) lacking sphingomyelin. Sphingomyelin content and saturation level of phospholipids affect the gut lipase activity, which alters the concentrations of lipid hydrolysis products in ileum and colon, and hereby putatively affects the competitive advantage of specific gut bacteria. Thus, differences in phospholipid and FA composition may modulate the establishment of the gut microbiota. We investigated effects of fatty acid (FA) composition and emulsification (MPL vs SL) ingested during establishment of human gut microbiota in germ-free mice, and found that cecal microbiotas from mice given MCFA-rich emulsions were characterized by high relative abundances of Bacteroidaceae and Desulfovibrionaceae, while LCFA-rich emulsions caused higher abundances of Enterobacteriaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Coriobacteriaceae and Enterococcaceae. Consumption of SL-emulsified lipids skewed the community towards more Enterococcaceae and Enterobacteriaceae, while MPL increased Bacteroidaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, Rikkenellaceae and Porphyromonadaceae. Intake of SL increased cecal concentrations of iso-valeric and iso-butyric acids. This suggests that fat-type and emulsifiers applied in infant formula may have distinct effects on the establishment of the gut microbiota in formula-fed infants.
Pregnancy outcomes in nulliparous women after ultrasound ablation of uterine fibroids: A single-central retrospective study
Authors: Li Jun shu , Wang Yong , Chen Jin yun , Chen Wen zhi 
Published: June 2017

AbstractTo explore the impact of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of uterine fibroids in nulliparous women on subsequent pregnancy and delivery. A retrospective analysis was conducted of nulliparous women who received HIFU treatment at Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing,China, from January 1, 2010, to January 1, 2015. A total of 189 cases were enrolled, the median follow-up time was three years. Among them,there were 131 cases pregnancy with a total of 133 times,the pregnancy rate was 69.3% (131/189),and the spontaneous conception rate was 95.4% (125/131). Of 131 pregnant women, 19 were on-going pregnancy, terminated pregnancy 114 times,which include 93 times successfully delivery with a 76.3% (87/114) full-term birth rate,and the cesarean section rate was 72.0% (67/93). Of 94 newborns,the average birth weight was (3.3 ± 0.4)kg (range:1.5–4.8 kg), and a pair of them were identical twins. The incidence of complications during pregnancy and delivery were 10.8% (10/93) and 7.5% (7/93),respectively,except one woman failed on-going pregnancy and one woman suffered hysterectomy due to the complications,others all successful pregnant and delivered. Multiple-factor regression analysis found that age and infertility history were the important factors that may affect pregnancy after HIFU (P < 0.01). Nulliparous women who undergo HIFU treatment for uterine fibroids can subsequently have successful pregnancy and delivery safely.
The structure-function relationship of disulfide bonds in etanercept
Authors: Lamanna William C. , Mayer Robert Ernst , Rupprechter Alfred , Fuchs Michael , Higel Fabian , Fritsch Cornelius , Vogelsang Cornelia , Seidl Andreas , Toll Hansjoerg , Schiestl Martin , Holzmann Johann 
Published: June 2017

AbstractEtanercept is a TNFα receptor Fc fusion protein used for the treatment of rheumatic disease and psoriasis. Physicochemical and functional investigation of process fractions during development of the etanercept biosimilar GP2015 (Erelzi®) revealed a correlation between reduced potency and incorrect disulfide bridging between specific cysteines in the receptor domain. This novel structure-function relationship was found to be the molecular basis for reduced potency in recent Enbrel® batches, which exhibit higher levels of incorrect disulfide bridging. Interestingly, incorrect disulfide bridging was found to be reversible under serum-like redox conditions, restoring potency to normal levels. This redox dependent reversibility suggests that these variants are likely not relevant for clinical efficacy once the drug enters the bloodstream. Nonetheless, incorrect disulfide bridging in etanercept represents a new quality attribute that is critical for biopharmaceutical functionality and should thus be carefully monitored and controlled to guarantee patient safety.
Camphor-Engine-Driven Micro-Boat Guides Evolution of Chemical Gardens
Authors: Frenkel Mark , Multanen Victor , Grynyov Roman , Musin Albina , Bormashenko Yelena , Bormashenko Edward 
Published: June 2017

AbstractA micro-boat self-propelled by a camphor engine, carrying seed crystals of FeCl3, promoted the evolution of chemical gardens when placed on the surface of aqueous solutions of potassium hexacyanoferrate. Inverse chemical gardens (growing from the top downward) were observed. The growth of the “inverse” chemical gardens was slowed down with an increase in the concentration of the potassium hexacyanoferrate. Heliciform precipitates were formed under the self-propulsion of the micro-boat. A phenomenological model, satisfactorily describing the self-locomotion of the camphor-driven micro-boat, is introduced and checked.
Thermoelectric performance of n-type Mg2Ge
Authors: Santos Rafael , Nancarrow Mitchell , Dou Shi Xue , Aminorroaya Yamini Sima 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMagnesium-based thermoelectric materials (Mg2X, X = Si, Ge, Sn) have received considerable attention due to their availability, low toxicity, and reasonably good thermoelectric performance. The synthesis of these materials with high purity is challenging, however, due to the reactive nature and high vapour pressure of magnesium. In the current study, high purity single phase n-type Mg2Ge has been fabricated through a one-step reaction of MgH2 and elemental Ge, using spark plasma sintering (SPS) to reduce the formation of magnesium oxides due to the liberation of hydrogen. We have found that Bi has a very limited solubility in Mg2Ge and results in the precipitation of Mg2Bi3. Bismuth doping increases the electrical conductivity of Mg2Ge up to its solubility limit, beyond which the variation is minimal. The main improvement in the thermoelectric performance is originated from the significant phonon scattering achieved by the Mg2Bi3 precipitates located mainly at grain boundaries. This reduces the lattice thermal conductivity by ~50% and increases the maximum zT for n-type Mg2Ge to 0.32, compared to previously reported maximum value of 0.2 for Sb-doped Mg2Ge.
A new study on the growth behavior of austenite grains during heating processes
Authors: Xu Dong , Ji Cheng , Zhao Hongyang , Ju Dongying , Zhu Miaoyong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, the effects of the heating temperature and holding time on the austenite grain growth of SCM435 steel were studied and analyzed in terms of the average, macro-axis and minor-axis size of the grains. The results indicated that the classical Sellars model was highly consistent for describing the growth stage of the new austenite but poorly described the initial nucleation-growth stage and stability stage of the austenite. A new model that expresses the average austenite grain growth of SCM435 steel was developed, and the values calculated based on this model were highly consistent with the actual measured values. The standard deviation and expected grain-size expressions increased as the heating temperature and holding time increased. The macro-axis and minor-axis size of the grains were linearly correlated with the average size, and the ratio of the macro-axis to the minor-axis size remained generally constant during grain growth. Furthermore, this paper provides a new way of thinking about heredity in materials science from the perspective of mathematical characteristics.
Theoretical analyses on orbital angular momentum modes in conventional graded-index multimode fibre
Authors: Chen Shi , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOrbital angular momentum (OAM) modes are another mode basis to represent spatial modes. There have been increasing interests in exploiting OAM modes in specialty fibres. In this paper, we present a comprehensive characterisation of OAM modes in conventional graded-index multimode fibre (MMF). 1) We synthesise the circularly polarized OAM modes by properly combining two fold degenerate cylindrical vector modes (eigenmodes) and analyse the total angular momentum, i.e. spin angular momentum and orbital angular momentum. 2) We divide all the OAM modes of the conventional graded-index MMF into 10 OAM mode groups with effective refractive index differences between different mode groups above 10−4 enabling low-level inter-group crosstalk. 3) We study the chromatic dispersion, differential group delay, effective mode area, and nonlinearity for each OAM mode group over a wide wavelength ranging from 1520 to 1630 nm covering the whole C band and L band. 4) We discuss the performance tolerance to fibre ellipticity and bending. 5) We further address the robustness of performance against fibre perturbations including the core size, index contrast and the imperfect index profile of the practically fabricated MMFs. The obtained results may provide theoretical basis for further space-division multiplexing applications employing OAM modes in conventional graded-index MMF.
From shifting cultivation to teak plantation: effect on overland flow and sediment yield in a montane tropical catchment
Authors: Ribolzi Olivier , Evrard Olivier , Huon Sylvain , de Rouw Anneke , Silvera Norbert , Latsachack Keo Oudone , Soulileuth Bounsamai , Lefèvre Irène , Pierret Alain , Lacombe Guillaume , Sengtaheuanghoung Oloth , Valentin Christian 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSoil erosion supplies large quantities of sediments to rivers of Southeastern Asia. It reduces soil fertility of agro-ecosystems located on hillslopes, and it degrades, downstream, water resource quality and leads to the siltation of reservoirs. An increase in the surface area covered with commercial perennial monocultures such as teak plantations is currently observed at the expanse of traditional slash-and-burn cultivation systems in steep montane environments of these regions. The impacts of land-use change on the hydrological response and sediment yields have been investigated in a representative catchment of Laos monitored for 13 years. After the gradual conversion of rice-based shifting cultivation to teak plantation-based systems, overland flow contribution to stream flow increased from 16 to 31% and sediment yield raised from 98 to 609 Mg km−2. This result is explained by the higher kinetic energy of raindrops falling from the canopy, the virtual absence of understorey vegetation cover to dissipate drop energy and the formation of an impermeable surface crust accelerating the formation and concentration of overland flow. The 25-to-50% lower 137Cs activities measured in soils collected under mature teak plantations compared to soils under other land uses illustrate the severity of soil erosion processes occurring in teak plantations.
Optimized microwave illusion device
Authors: Vial Benjamin , Torrico Max Munoz , Hao Yang 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe report the design, fabrication and experimental verification of an illusion device working at microwave frequencies. A two dimensional topology optimization procedure is employed to find the binary layout of a dielectric coating that, when wrapped around a metallic cylinder, mimics the scattering from a predefined, arbitrarily-shaped dielectric object. Fabrication is carried out with 3D-printing and spatially resolved near field measurements in a waveguide configuration were performed, allowing us to map the illusion effect. Our work provides general guidelines for engineering electromagnetic illusions but can be extended to shape the near and far-field radiations using low index isotropic materials.