bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nano-mechanical instability as primary contribution to rolling resistance
Authors: Meyer Jan , Hentschke Reinhard , Hager Jonathan , Hojdis Nils W. , Karimi-Varzaneh Hossein Ali 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRolling resistance ranks among the top ten automobile megatrends, because it is directly linked to fuel efficiency and emissions reduction. The mechanisms controlling this phenomenon are hidden deeply inside the complexity of tire tread materials and do elude direct experimental observation. Here we use atomistic molecular modelling to identify a novel nano-mechanical mechanism for dissipative loss in silica filled elastomers when the latter are subjected to dynamic strain. The force-vs-particle separation curve of a single silica particle-to-silica particle contact, embedded inside a polyisoprene rubber matrix, is obtained, while the contact is opened and closed by a cyclic force. We confirm the occurrence of spontaneous relative displacements (‘jolts’) of the filler particles. These jolts give rise to energy dissipation in addition to the usual viscous loss in the polymer matrix. As the temperature is increased the new loss mechanism becomes dominant. This has important technical implications for the control and reduction of tire rolling resistance as well as for many other elastomer composite applications involving dynamic loading.
A Phytochemical Approach to Promotion of Self-renewal in Murine Spermatogonial Stem Cell by Using Sedum Sarmentosum Extract
Authors: Jung Sang-Eun , Kim Yong-Hee , Cho Sunghun , Kim Bang-Jin , Lee Hee-Seok , Hwang Seongsoo , Kim Geun-Bae , Kim Young-Hyun , Pang Myung-Geol , Lee Sanghyun , Ryu Buom-Yong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the basis of spermatogenesis, which is dependent on the ability to self-renew and differentiation. Controlling self-renewal and differentiation of SSCs could apply to treatment of disease such as male infertility. Recently, in the field of stem cell research, it was demonstrated that effective increase in stem cell activity can be achieved by using growth factors derived from plant extracts. In this study, our aim is to investigate components from natural plant to improve the self-renewal of SSCs. To find the components, germ cells were cultured with comprehensive natural plant extracts, and then the more pure fraction, and finally single compound at different concentrations. As a result, we found 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL, originated from Sedum sarmentosum, was a very effective compound induced SSCs proliferation. Our data showed that germ cells cultured with 5H-purin-6-amine could maintain their stable characteristics. Furthermore, transplantation results demonstrated that 5H-purin-6-amine at 1 µg/mL increased the activity of SSCs, indicating the compound could increase true SSC concentration within germ cells to 1.96-fold. These findings would be contributed to improve further reproductive research and treat male infertility by using natural plant extracts.
An autocrine purinergic signaling controls astrocyte-induced neuronal excitation
Authors: Shen Weida , Nikolic Ljiljana , Meunier Claire , Pfrieger Frank , Audinat Etienne 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAstrocyte-derived gliotransmitters glutamate and ATP modulate neuronal activity. It remains unclear, however, how astrocytes control the release and coordinate the actions of these gliotransmitters. Using transgenic expression of the light-sensitive channelrhodopsin 2 (ChR2) in astrocytes, we observed that photostimulation reliably increases action potential firing of hippocampal pyramidal neurons. This excitation relies primarily on a calcium-dependent glutamate release by astrocytes that activates neuronal extra-synaptic NMDA receptors. Remarkably, our results show that ChR2-induced Ca2+ increase and subsequent glutamate release are amplified by ATP/ADP-mediated autocrine activation of P2Y1 receptors on astrocytes. Thus, neuronal excitation is promoted by a synergistic action of glutamatergic and autocrine purinergic signaling in astrocytes. This new mechanism may be particularly relevant for pathological conditions in which ATP extracellular concentration is increased and acts as a major danger signal.
Quantitative Characterization of Structural and Mechanical Properties of Boron Nitride Nanotubes in High Temperature Environments
Authors: Chen Xiaoming , Dmuchowski Christopher M. , Park Cheol , Fay Catharine C. , Ke Changhong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe structural stability and mechanical integrity of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) in high temperature environments are of importance in pursuit of their applications that are involved with extreme thermal processing and/or working conditions, but remain not well understood. In this paper, we perform an extensive study of the impacts of high temperature exposure on the structural and mechanical properties of BNNTs with a full structural size spectrum from nano- to micro- to macro-scale by using a variety of in situ and ex situ material characterization techniques. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy measurements reveal that the structures of individual BNNTs can survive at up to 850 °C in air and capture the signs of their structural degradation at 900 °C or above. In situ Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that the BN bonds in BNNT micro-fibrils undergo substantial softening at elevated temperatures of up to 900 °C. The AFM-based nanomechanical compression measurements demonstrate that the mechanical integrity of individual BNNTs remain intact after being thermally baked at up to 850 °C in air. The studies reveal that BNNTs are structurally and mechanically stable materials in high temperature environments, which enables their usages in high temperature applications.
Neural correlates of ambient thermal sensation: An fMRI study
Authors: Oi Hajime , Hashimoto Teruo , Nozawa Takayuki , Kanno Akitake , Kawata Natasha , Hirano Kanan , Yamamoto Yuki , Sugiura Motoaki , Kawashima Ryuta 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAn increasing number of biometeorological and psychological studies have demonstrated the importance and complexity of the processes involved in environmental thermal perception in humans. However, extant functional imaging data on thermal perception have yet to fully reveal the neural mechanisms underlying these processes because most studies were performed using local thermal stimulation and did not dissociate thermal sensation from comfort. Thus, for the first time, the present study employed functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and manipulated ambient temperature during brain measurement to independently explore the neural correlates of thermal sensation and comfort. There were significant correlations between the sensation of a lower temperature and activation in the left dorsal posterior insula, putamen, amygdala, and bilateral retrosplenial cortices but no significant correlations were observed between brain activation and thermal comfort. The dorsal posterior insula corresponds to the phylogenetically new thermosensory cortex whereas the limbic structures (i.e., amygdala and retrosplenial cortex) and dorsal striatum may be associated with supramodal emotional representations and the behavioral motivation to obtain heat, respectively. The co-involvement of these phylogenetically new and old systems may explain the psychological processes underlying the flexible psychological and behavioral thermo-environmental adaptations that are unique to humans.
IL-4 enhances IL-10 production in Th1 cells: implications for Th1 and Th2 regulation
Authors: Mitchell Ruth E. , Hassan Masriana , Burton Bronwen R. , Britton Graham , Hill Elaine V. , Verhagen Johan , Wraith David C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIL-10 is an immunomodulatory cytokine with a critical role in limiting inflammation in immune-mediated pathologies. The mechanisms leading to IL-10 expression by CD4+T cells are being elucidated, with several cytokines implicated. We explored the effect of IL-4 on the natural phenomenon of IL-10 production by a chronically stimulated antigen-specific population of differentiated Th1 cells.In vitro, IL-4 blockade inhibited while addition of exogenous IL-4 to Th1 cultures enhanced IL-10 production. In thein vivosetting of peptide immunotherapy leading to a chronically stimulated Th1 phenotype, lack of IL-4Rα inhibited the induction of IL-10. Exploring the interplay of Th1 and Th2 cells through co-culture, Th2-derived IL-4 promoted IL-10 expression by Th1 cultures, reducing their pathogenicityin vivo. Co-culture led to upregulated c-Maf expression with no decrease in the proportion of T-bet+cells in these cultures. Addition of IL-4 also reduced the encephalitogenic capacity of Th1 cultures. These data demonstrate that IL-4 contributes to IL-10 production and that Th2 cells modulate Th1 cultures towards a self-regulatory phenotype, contributing to the cross-regulation of Th1 and Th2 cells. These findings are important in the context of Th1 driven diseases since they reveal how the Th1 phenotype and function can be modulated by IL-4.
Genomic and transcriptomic analysis of the toluene degrading black yeast Cladophialophora immunda
Authors: Blasi Barbara , Tafer Hakim , Kustor Christina , Poyntner Caroline , Lopandic Ksenija , Sterflinger Katja 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCladophialophora immunda is an ascomycotal species belonging to the group of the black yeasts. These fungi have a thick and melanized cell wall and other physiological adaptations that allows them to cope with several extreme physical and chemical conditions. Member of the group can colonize some of the most extremophilic environments on Earth. Cladophialophora immunda together with a few other species of the order Chaetothyriales show a special association with hydrocarbon polluted environments. The finding that the fungus is able to completely mineralize toluene makes it an interesting candidate for bioremediation purposes. The present study is the first transcriptomic investigation of a fungus grown in presence of toluene as sole carbon and energy source. We could observe the activation of genes involved in toluene degradatation and several stress response mechanisms which allowed the fungus to survive the toluene exposure. The thorough comparative genomics analysis allowed us to identify several events of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria and Cladophialophora immunda and unveil toluene degradation steps that were previously reported in bacteria. The work presented here aims to give new insights into the ecology of Cladophialophora immunda and its adaptation strategies to hydrocarbon polluted environments.
Fabrication and characterisation of magnetic graphene oxide incorporated Fe3O4@polyaniline for the removal of bisphenol A, t-octyl-phenol, and α-naphthol from water
Authors: Zhou Qingxiang , Wang Yuqin , Xiao Junping , Fan Huili 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, we fabricated a novel material composed of magnetic graphene oxide incorporated Fe3O4@polyaniline (Fe3O4@PANI-GO) using a modified Hummers’ method, solvothermal, and two-step polymerisation method. The resulting products were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results indicated that magnetic Fe3O4@PANI particles were successfully loaded onto the surface of the graphene oxide. Further Fe3O4@PANI-GO was investigated to remove bisphenol A(BPA), α-naphthol, and t-octyl-phenol (t-OP) from water samples by magnetic solid phase extraction. Under the optimal conditions, the Fe3O4@PANI-GO composite exhibited good adsorption capacity for t-OP, BPA, and α-naphthol, and the adsorption of these followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model. Adsorption isotherms fit the Langmuir model, and the adsorption was an endothermic and spontaneous process. This work indicated that Fe3O4@PANI-GO earned great application prospect for removing phenolic contaminants from polluted water.
Berberine ameliorates fatty acid-induced oxidative stress in human hepatoma cells
Authors: Sun Yixuan , Yuan Xinlu , Zhang Feifei , Han Yamei , Chang Xinxia , Xu Xi , Li Yu , Gao Xin 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOxidative stress is thought to be critical for the pathogenesis of hepatic steatosis and its progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Berberine (BBR) can improve hepatic steatosis. In this study, we investigated the role of BBR in ameliorating oxidative stress. Lipid accumulation was measured in the livers of C57BL/6 mice fed a high fat diet (HFD) or a normal diet for 8 weeks, then either received BBR or vehicle for the study duration. Nrf2 distribution was detected in male Sprague-Dawley rats’ livers in vivo and in Huh7 cells in vitro. ROS generation and mitochondrial complex expression was measured in Huh7 cells. HepG2 cells were employed for the measurement of oxygen consumption rates. Our results showed that BBR reduced triglyceride accumulation in the liver of HFD-fed mice. The activation and nuclear distribution of Nrf2 was decreased in the hepatocytes of rats that received BBR treatment, while on a HFD. BBR also markedly reduced Nox2-dependent cytoplasmic ROS production and mitochondrial ROS production, which was mediated by the down-regulation of Complex I and III expression. In conclusion, BBR has a great potential to reduce the effects of oxidative stress, which likely contributes to its protective effect in inhibiting the progression of hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis.
Effect of HNO3 concentration on a novel silica-based adsorbent for separating Pd(II) from simulated high level liquid waste
Authors: Ge Guo , Yuanlai Xu , Xinxin Yang , Fen Wang , Fang Zhou , Junxia Yu , Ruan Chi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA new kind of silica-based (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent with high selectivity adsorption for palladium (Pd) was synthesized to examined the applicability for partitioning process of high level liquid waste (HLLW). Adsorption behavior of Pd(II) towards (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent and stability of adsorbent against HNO3solution were investigated by batch method. The degradation parts of (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P dissolved in liquid phase were estimated by total organic carbon (TOC) analyzer. (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P adsorbent showed good selectivity adsorption for Pd(II) and reached equilibrium within 24 hr. The adsorption ability of (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P for Pd(II) and the content of TOC leaked decreased with the increasing of HNO3concentration. In 3 M HNO3, the average ofKdvalues were 85.03 cm3/g and 26.10 cm3/g after contact time one to 28 days at 298 K and 323 K, respectively. While the content of TOC leaked from the adsorbent after 28 days were 1095 ppm (298 K) and 2989 ppm (323 K), respectively. Therefore, the adsorbent showed good stability at 298 K after contact with nitric acid for a long time. All results indicated (Crea + TODGA)/SiO2-P can be proposed as an applicable and efficient absorbent for separation of Pd(II) in 3 M HNO3at 298 K.
Multiplex quantitative analysis of microRNA expression via exponential isothermal amplification and conformation-sensitive DNA separation
Authors: Na Jeongkyeong , Shin Gi Won , Son Heehwa G. , Lee Seung-Jae V. , Jung Gyoo Yeol 
Published: September 2017

AbstractExpression profiling of multiple microRNAs (miRNAs) generally provides valuable information for understanding various biological processes. Thus, it is necessary to develop a sensitive and accurate miRNA assay suitable for multiplexing. Isothermal exponential amplification reaction (EXPAR) has received significant interest as an miRNA analysis method because of high amplification efficiency. However, EXPAR cannot be used for a broader range of applications owing to limitations such as complexity of probe design and lack of proper detection method for multiplex analysis. Here, we developed a sensitive and accurate multiplex miRNA profiling method using modified isothermal EXPAR combined with high-resolution capillary electrophoresis-based single-strand conformation polymorphism (CE-SSCP). To increase target miRNA specificity, a stem-loop probe was introduced instead of a linear probe in isothermal EXPAR to allow specific amplification of multiple miRNAs with minimal background signals. CE-SSCP, a conformation-dependent separation method, was used for detection. Since CE-SSCP eliminates the need for probes to have different lengths, easier designing of probes with uniform amplification efficiency was possible. Eight small RNAs comprising six miRNAs involved in Caenorhabditis elegans development and two controls were analyzed. The expression patterns obtained using our method were concordant with those reported in previous studies, thereby supporting the proposed method’s robustness and utility.
MiR-503 modulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by targeting PI3K p85 and is sponged by lncRNA MALAT1
Authors: Yan Weiwen , Wu Qiuyun , Yao Wenxi , Li Yan , Liu Yi , Yuan Jiali , Han Ruhui , Yang Jingjin , Ji Xiaoming , Ni Chunhui 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSilicosis is a kind of chronic, progressive and incurable lung fibrotic diseases with largely unknown and complex pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms. Mounting evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs, miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of silicosis. Our previous study based on miRNA microarray had shown that the expression levels of miR-503 were down-regulated in mouse lung tissues of silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Here, we validated the decreased expression of miR-503 in the fibrotic mouse lung tissues, human bronchial epithelial cells (HBE) and human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells which were exposed to silica. In addition, overexpressed miR-503 inhibited silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis by attenuating the severity and the distribution of lesions in vivo and limiting the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. Our molecular study further demonstrated that PI3K p85 is one of the target genes of miR-503 and the downstream molecules (Akt, mTOR and Snail) are tightly associated with EMT. Furthermore, the up-regulated lncRNA Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), acted as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA), can directly bound to miR-503, which indicated that lncRNA MALAT1 may modulate the expression of miR-503 thus triggering the activation of downstream fibrotic signaling pathways. Taken together, our data suggested that MALAT1-miR-503-PI3K/Akt/mTOR/Snail pathway plays critical roles in silica-induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Functional dissection of hematopoietic stem cell populations with a stemness-monitoring system based on NS-GFP transgene expression
Authors: Ali Mohamed A. E. , Fuse Kyoko , Tadokoro Yuko , Hoshii Takayuki , Ueno Masaya , Kobayashi Masahiko , Nomura Naho , Vu Ha Thi , Peng Hui , Hegazy Ahmed M. , Masuko Masayoshi , Sone Hirohito , Arai Fumio , Tajima Atsushi , Hirao Atsushi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractHematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in a steady state can be efficiently purified by selecting for a combination of several cell surface markers; however, such markers do not consistently reflect HSC activity. In this study, we successfully enriched HSCs with a unique stemness-monitoring system using a transgenic mouse in which green florescence protein (GFP) is driven by the promoter/enhancer region of the nucleostemin (NS) gene. We found that the phenotypically defined long-term (LT)-HSC population exhibited the highest level of NS-GFP intensity, whereas NS-GFP intensity was strongly downregulated during differentiation in vitro and in vivo. Within the LT-HSC population, NS-GFPhigh cells exhibited significantly higher repopulating capacity than NS-GFPlow cells. Gene expression analysis revealed that nine genes, including Vwf and Cdkn1c (p57), are highly expressed in NS-GFPhigh cells and may represent a signature of HSCs, i.e., a stemness signature. When LT-HSCs suffered from remarkable stress, such as transplantation or irradiation, NS-GFP intensity was downregulated. Finally, we found that high levels of NS-GFP identified HSC-like cells even among CD34+ cells, which have been considered progenitor cells without long-term reconstitution ability. Thus, high NS-GFP expression represents stem cell characteristics in hematopoietic cells, making this system useful for identifying previously uncharacterized HSCs.
High sulfur-containing carbon polysulfide polymer as a novel cathode material for lithium-sulfur battery
Authors: Zhang Yiyong , Peng Yueying , Wang Yunhui , Li Jiyang , Li He , Zeng Jing , Wang Jing , Hwang Bing Joe , Zhao Jinbao 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe lithium-sulfur battery, which offers a high energy density and is environmental friendly, is a promising next generation of rechargeable energy storage system. However, despite these attractive attributes, the commercialization of lithium-sulfur battery is primarily hindered by the parasitic reactions between the Li metal anode and dissolved polysulfide species from the cathode during the cycling process. Herein, we synthesize the sulfur-rich carbon polysulfide polymer and demonstrate that it is a promising cathode material for high performance lithium-sulfur battery. The electrochemical studies reveal that the carbon polysulfide polymer exhibits superb reversibility and cycle stability. This is due to that the well-designed structure of the carbon polysulfide polymer has several advantages, especially, the strong chemical interaction between sulfur and the carbon framework (C-S bonds) inhibits the shuttle effect and the π electrons of the carbon polysulfide compound enhance the transfer of electrons and Li+. Furthermore, as-prepared carbon polysulfide polymer-graphene hybrid cathode achieves outstanding cycle stability and relatively high capacity. This work highlights the potential promise of the carbon polysulfide polymer as the cathode material for high performance lithium-sulfur battery.
Integration of c-axis oriented Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti2.95Hf0.05O12/La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite film on Si substrate
Authors: Duan Zongfan , Cui Ying , Zhao Gaoyang , Li Xiaoguang , Peng Biaolin , Han Chunchun 
Published: September 2017

AbstractA La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 (LSMO) ferromagnetic layer and a Nd3+/Hf4+ co-substituted Bi4Ti3O12 (Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3-xHfxO12 (BNTHx, x = 0, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.15)) ferroelectric layer were successively deposited onto the (00 l)-oriented LaNiO3 (LNO) layer buffered (001) Si substrate via all chemical solution deposition (CSD) method. As a result, the BNTHx/LSMO ferromagnetic-ferroelectric composite films integrated on Si substrate exhibit high c-axis orientation. The Nd3+/Hf4+ co-substituted BNTHx films have the lower leakage current and the better ferroelectric properties than the mono-substituted Bi4Ti3O12 (Bi3.15Nd0.85Ti3O12 and Bi4Ti2.95Hf0.05O12) films. In particular, the BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO film has the lowest leakage current density of 2.5 × 10−7 A/cm2 at 200 kV/cm, and the highest remnant polarization (Pr) of 27.3 μC/cm2. The BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO composite film also exhibits the soft ferromagnetism characteristics with a high saturated magnetization of 258 emu/cm3 at 300 K, and the excellent magnetoelectric (ME) effect. The variations of ME voltage coefficient αE values with DC bias magnetic field Hbias shows that the BNTH0.05/LSMO/LNO film has the high αE value at near zero Hbias. Moreover, at Hbias = 0 Oe, the αE value gradually increases from zero with the increasing of the AC magnetic field frequency, and eventually reaches about 18.9 V/cm·Oe at 100 kHz, suggesting the existence of self-biased ME effect.