bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coherent phonon control via electron-lattice interaction in ferromagnetic Co/Pt multilayers
Authors: Kim Chul Hoon , Shim Je-Ho , Lee Kyung Min , Jeong Jong-Ryul , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Dong Eon 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe manipulation of coherent phonons in condensed systems has attracted fundamental interest, particularly for its applications to future devices. We demonstrate that a coherent phonon in Co/Pt nano-multilayer can be quantitatively controlled via electron-lattice coupling, specifically by changing the multilayer repeat number. To that end, systematic measurement of the time-resolved reflectivity and magneto-optical Kerr effect in Co/Pt multilayers was performed. The coherent phonon frequency was observed to be shifted with the change of the multilayer repeat number. This shift could be clearly explained based on the two-temperature model. Detailed analysis indicated that the lattice heat capacity and electron-lattice coupling strength are linearly dependent on the repeat number of the periodic multilayer structures. Accessing the control of coherent phonons using nanostructures opens a new avenue for advanced phonon-engineering applications.
TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded human wild-type SOD1 can propagate intercellularly in a prion-like fashion
Authors: Pokrishevsky Edward , Grad Leslie I. , Cashman Neil R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which appears to spread through the neuroaxis in a spatiotemporally restricted manner, is linked to heritable mutations in genes encoding SOD1, TDP-43, FUS, C9ORF72, or can occur sporadically without recognized genetic mutations. Misfolded human wild-type (HuWt) SOD1 has been detected in both familial and sporadic ALS patients, despite mutations in SOD1 accounting for only 2% of total cases. We previously showed that accumulation of pathological TDP-43 or FUS coexist with misfolded HuWtSOD1 in patient motor neurons and can trigger its misfolding in cultured cells. Here, we used immunocytochemistry and immunoprecipitation to demonstrate that TDP-43 or FUS-induced misfolded HuWtSOD1 can propagate from cell-to-cell via conditioned media and seed cytotoxic misfolding of endogenous HuWtSOD1 in the recipient cells in a prion-like fashion. Knockdown of SOD1 using siRNA in recipient cells, or incubation of conditioned media with misfolded SOD1-specific antibodies, inhibits intercellular transmission, indicating that HuWtSOD1 is an obligate seed and substrate of propagated misfolding. In this system, intercellular spread of SOD1 misfolding is not accompanied by transmission of TDP-43 or FUS pathology. Our findings argue that pathological TDP-43 and FUS may exert motor neuron pathology in ALS through the initiation of propagated misfolding of SOD1.
Improved secondary caries resistance via augmented pressure displacement of antibacterial adhesive
Authors: Zhou Wei , Niu Li-na , Huang Li , Fang Ming , Chang Gang , Shen Li-juan , Tay Franklin R. , Chen Ji-hua 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe present in vitro study evaluated the secondary caries resistance potential of acid-etched human coronal dentin bonded using augmented pressure adhesive displacement in conjunction with an experimental antibacterial adhesive. One hundred and twenty class I cavities were restored with a commercial non-antibacterial etch-and-rinse adhesive (N) or an experimental antibacterial adhesive (A) which was displaced by gentle air-blow (G) or augmented pressure air-blow (H). After bonding and restoration with resin composite, the resulted 4 groups (N-G, N-H, A-G and A-H) were exposed to Streptococcus mutans biofilm for 4, 8, 15, 20 or 25 days. The development of secondary caries in the bonding interface was then examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Data acquired from 15, 20 and 25 days of artificial caries induction were analyzed with three-way ANOVA at α = 0.05. The depth of the artificial carious lesions was significantly affected by “adhesive type” (Single Bond 2 vs experimental antibacterial adhesive p = 0.003), “intensity of adhesive displacement” (gentle vs augmented-pressure adhesive displacement; p < 0.001), as well as “artificial caries induction time” (p < 0.001). The combined use of augmented pressure adhesive displacement and experimental antibacterial adhesive reduces the progression of secondary caries.
All-atom simulations and free-energy calculations of coiled-coil peptides with lipid bilayers: binding strength, structural transition, and effect on lipid dynamics
Authors: Woo Sun Young , Lee Hwankyu 
Published: March 2016

AbstractPeptides E and K, which are synthetic coiled-coil peptides for membrane fusion, were simulated with lipid bilayers composed of lipids and cholesterols at different ratios using all-atom models. We first calculated free energies of binding from umbrella sampling simulations, showing that both E and K peptides tend to adsorb onto the bilayer surface, which occurs more strongly in the bilayer composed of smaller lipid headgroups. Then, unrestrained simulations show that K peptides more deeply insert into the bilayer with partially retaining the helical structure, while E peptides less insert and predominantly become random coils, indicating the structural transition from helices to random coils, in quantitative agreement with experiments. This is because K peptides electrostatically interact with lipid phosphates, as well as because hydrocarbons of lysines of K peptide are longer than those of glutamic acids of E peptide and thus form stronger hydrophobic interactions with lipid tails. This deeper insertion of K peptide increases the bilayer dynamics and a vacancy below the peptide, leading to the rearrangement of smaller lipids. These findings help explain the experimentally observed or proposed differences in the insertion depth, binding strength, and structural transition of E and K peptides, and support the snorkeling effect.
NAD+ regulates Treg cell fate and promotes allograft survival via a systemic IL-10 production that is CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ T cells independent
Authors: Elkhal Abdallah , Rodriguez Cetina Biefer Hector , Heinbokel Timm , Uehara Hirofumi , Quante Markus , Seyda Midas , Schuitenmaker Jeroen M. , Krenzien Felix , Camacho Virginia , de la Fuente Miguel A. , Ghiran Ionita , Tullius Stefan G. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs have been shown to play a central role in immune homeostasis while preventing from fatal inflammatory responses, while Th17 cells have traditionally been recognized as pro-inflammatory mediators implicated in a myriad of diseases. Studies have shown the potential of Tregs to convert into Th17 cells and Th17 cells into Tregs. Increasing evidence have pointed out CD25 as a key molecule during this transdifferentiation process, however molecules that allow such development remain unknown. Here, we investigated the impact of NAD+ on the fate of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Tregs in-depth, dissected their transcriptional signature profile and explored mechanisms underlying their conversion into IL-17A producing cells. Our results demonstrate that NAD+ promotes Treg conversion into Th17 cells in vitro and in vivo via CD25 cell surface marker. Despite the reduced number of Tregs, known to promote homeostasis and an increased number of pro-inflammatory Th17 cells, NAD+ was able to promote an impressive allograft survival through a robust systemic IL-10 production that was CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ independent. Collectively, our study unravels a novel immunoregulatory mechanism of NAD+ that regulates Tregs fate while promoting allograft survival that may have clinical applications in alloimmunity and in a wide spectrum of inflammatory conditions.
Prognostic implications of dynamic serum lactate dehydrogenase assessments in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy
Authors: Zhou Guan-Qun , Ren Xian-Yue , Mao Yan-Ping , Chen Lei , Sun Ying , Liu Li-Zhi , Li Li , Lin Ai-Hua , Mai Hai-Qiang , Ma Jun 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe prognostic value of dynamic serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) hasn’t been explored. We retrospectively analyzed 1,428 cases of NPC treated with IMRT with or without chemotherapy. Elevated pre- and/or post-treatment LDH levels were found to be associated with unfavorable overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), but not with local relapse-free survival (LRFS). The dynamic variations in LDH levels were prognostic factors for OS, DFS and DMFS, but not for LRFS. Multivariate analysis revealed that the N category, T category, post-treatment serum LDH level and age were independent prognostic factors for OS. Our results demonstrated that dynamic variations in LDH levels were associated with risk of distant failure and death, which may shed light on the dynamics of the disease and the response to therapy. We consider that LDH measurements will be of great clinical importance in the management of NPC, especially, when considering “decision points” in treatment algorithms. Therefore, we strongly recommend that LDH levels should be determined before and after treatment in NPC patients and the results integrated into decisions regarding treatment strategies.
MiR-1180 promotes apoptotic resistance to human hepatocellular carcinoma via activation of NF-κB signaling pathway
Authors: Tan Guosheng , Wu Linwei , Tan Jinfu , Zhang Bing , Tai William Chi-shing , Xiong Shiqiu , Chen Wei , Yang Jianyong , Li Heping 
Published: March 2016

AbstractApoptosis resistance in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a significant factor in carcinogenesis. Therefore, understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in apoptosis resistance is crucial for developing anticancer therapies. Importantly, small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported as key biomarkers for detecting tumour onset and progression. In the present study, we demonstrate that miR-1180 is upregulated in HCC. Ectopic expression of miR-1180 has an anti-apoptotic effect in HCC, while miR-1180 inhibition increases cell apoptosis, both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, our results show that miR-1180 directly targets key inhibitors of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway (i.e., OTUD7B and TNIP2) and the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 associated death promoter (BAD) protein by post-transcriptional downregulation. Therefore, the anti-apoptotic function of miR-1180 in HCC may occur through NF-κB pathway activation via downregulation of its negative regulators. In conclusion, our study reveals the critical role of miR-1180 during apoptosis resistance in HCC.
Tail-like anther crest aids pollination by manipulating pollinator’s behaviour in a wild ginger
Authors: Fan Yong-Li , Li Qing-Jun 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInnovative floral organs are widely distributed taxonomically in angiosperms and some of them are conspicuous and curious in morphology. Floral organs have long been supposed to play a crucial role in fertilization by pollinators. However, why innovative organs occur, how they are adapted for pollinators and what sexual roles they play are still puzzling. Here we focused on a wild ginger (Zingiber densissimum, Zingiberaceae) and tested the function of the curious anther crest, an innovative floral structure widely distributed in Zingiberaceae. The anther crest is a specialized anther appendage that extends up from the top of the anther to form a tail-like structure, about 150% as long as the anther. We found this structure promoted both the male and the female functions of plants by manipulating its pollinators and causing pollinators to adopt a position ideal for pollen removal and receipt. This study provides a novel example of structure adaptation in which both the male and the female functions are enhanced by resource allocation on a male organ, expanding the knowledge of the sexual roles of the anther appendage.
From crystal structure of α-conotoxin GIC in complex with Ac-AChBP to molecular determinants of its high selectivity for α3β2 nAChR
Authors: Lin Bo , Xu Manyu , Zhu Xiaopeng , Wu Yong , Liu Xi , Zhangsun Dongting , Hu Yuanyan , Xiang Shi-Hua , Kasheverov Igor E. , Tsetlin Victor I. , Wang Xinquan , Luo Sulan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAcetylcholine binding proteins (AChBPs) are unique spatial homologs of the ligand-binding domains of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), and they reproduce some pharmacological properties of nAChRs. X-ray crystal structures of AСhBP in complex with α-conotoxins provide important insights into the interactions of α-conotoxins with distinct nAChR subtypes. Although considerable efforts have been made to understand why α-conotoxin GIC is strongly selective for α3β2 nAChR, this question has not yet been solved. Here we present the structure of α-conotoxin GIC in complex with Aplysia californica AChBP (Ac-AChBP) at a resolution of 2.1 Å. Based on this co-crystal structure complemented with molecular docking data, we suggest the key residues of GIC in determining its high affinity and selectivity for human α3β2 vs α3β4 nAChRs. These suggestions were checked by radioligand and electrophysiology experiments, which confirmed the functional role of detected contacts for GIC interactions with Ac-AChBP and α3β2 nAChR subtypes. While GIC elements responsible for its high affinity binding with Ac-AChBP and α3β2 nAChR were identified, our study also showed the limitations of computer modelling in extending the data from the X-ray structures of the AChBP complexes to all nAChR subtypes.
Extremely large fractionation of Li isotopes in a chromitite-bearing mantle sequence
Authors: Su Ben-Xun , Zhou Mei-Fu , Robinson Paul T. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe report Li isotopic compositions of olivine from the mantle sequence of the Luobusa ophiolite, southern Tibet. The olivine in the Luobusa ophiolite has Li concentrations from ~0.1 to 0.9 ppm and a broad range of δ7Li (+14 to −20‰). An inverse correlation of Li concentration and δ7Li in olivine from harzburgite suggests recent diffusive ingress of Li into the rock. Olivine from dunite enveloping podiform chromitites shows positive δ7Li values higher than those of MORB, whereas olivine from the chromitite has negative δ7Li values. Such variations are difficult to reconcile by diffusive fractionation and are thought to record the nature of the magma sources. Our results clearly indicate that the Luobusa chromitites formed from magmas with light Li isotopic compositions and that the dunites are products of melt-rock interaction. The isotopically light magmas originated by partial melting of a subducted slab after high degrees of dehydration and then penetrated the overlying mantle wedge. This study provides evidence for Li isotope heterogeneity in the mantle that resulted from subduction of a recycled oceanic component.
nagZ Triggers Gonococcal Biofilm Disassembly
Authors: Bhoopalan Senthil V. , Piekarowicz Andrzej , Lenz Jonathan D. , Dillard Joseph P. , Stein Daniel C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBacterial-bacterial interactions play a critical role in promoting biofilm formation. Here we show that NagZ, a protein associated with peptidoglycan recycling, has moonlighting activity that allows it to modulate biofilm accumulation by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. We characterize the biochemical properties of NagZ and demonstrate its ability to function as a dispersing agent for biofilms formed on abiotic surfaces. We extend these observations to cell culture and tissue explant models and show that in nagZ mutants, the biofilms formed in cell culture and on human tissues contain significantly more biomass than those formed by a wild-type strain. Our results demonstrate that an enzyme thought to be restricted to peptidoglycan recycling is able to disperse preformed biofilms.
How Inhomogeneous Site Percolation Works on Bethe Lattices: Theory and Application
Authors: Ren Jingli , Zhang Liying , Siegmund Stefan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractInhomogeneous percolation, for its closer relationship with real-life, can be more useful and reasonable than homogeneous percolation to illustrate the critical phenomena and dynamical behaviour of complex networks. However, due to its intricacy, the theoretical framework of inhomogeneous percolation is far from being complete and many challenging problems are still open. In this paper, we first investigate inhomogeneous site percolation on Bethe Lattices with two occupation probabilities, and then extend the result to percolation with m occupation probabilities. The critical behaviour of this inhomogeneous percolation is shown clearly by formulating the percolation probability "Equation missing" with given occupation probability p, the critical occupation probability "Equation missing", and the average cluster size "Equation missing" where p is subject to "Equation missing". Moreover, using the above theory, we discuss in detail the diffusion behaviour of an infectious disease (SARS) and present specific disease-control strategies in consideration of groups with different infection probabilities.
The electronic, structural and magnetic properties of La1−1/3Sr1/3MnO3 film with oxygen vacancy: a first principles investigation
Authors: Li Jia 
Published: March 2016

AbstractWe have systematically investigated the influence of oxygen vacancy defects on the structural, electronic and magnetic properties of La1−xSrxMnO3 (x = 1/3) film by means of ab initio calculations using bare GGA as well as GGA+U formalism, in the latter of which, the on-site Coulombic repulsion parameter U for Mn 3d orbital has been determined by the linear response theory. It is revealed that the introduction of the vacancy defects causes prominent structural changes including the distortion of MnO6 octahedra and local structural deformation surrounding the oxygen vacancy. The GGA+U formalism yields a significantly larger structural change than the bare GGA method, surprisingly in contrast with the general notion that the inclusion of Hubbard U parameter exerts little influence on structural properties. The distortion of MnO6 octahedra leads to a corresponding variation in the hybridization between Mn 3d and O 2p, which gets strengthened if the Mn-O distance becomes smaller and vice versa. The magnetic moments of the Mn atoms located in three typical sites of the vacancy-containing supercell are all larger than those in the pristine system. We have characterized the O-vacancy defect as a hole-type defect that forms a negative charge center, attracting electrons.
NO2 inhalation promotes Alzheimer’s disease-like progression: cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E2 modulation and monoacylglycerol lipase inhibition-targeted medication
Authors: Yan Wei , Yun Yang , Ku Tingting , Li Guangke , Sang Nan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAir pollution has been reported to be associated with increased risks of cognitive impairment and neurodegenerative diseases. Because NO2 is a typical primary air pollutant and an important contributor to secondary aerosols, NO2-induced neuronal functional abnormalities have attracted greater attention, but the available experimental evidence, modulating mechanisms, and targeting medications remain ambiguous. In this study, we exposed C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice to dynamic NO2 inhalation and found for the first time that NO2 inhalation caused deterioration of spatial learning and memory, aggravated amyloid β42 (Aβ42) accumulation, and promoted pathological abnormalities and cognitive defects related to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The microarray and bioinformation data showed that the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-mediated arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) played a key role in modulating this aggravation. Furthermore, increasing endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) by inhibiting monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) prevented PGE2 production, neuroinflammation-associated Aβ42 accumulation, and neurodegeneration, indicating a therapeutic target for relieving cognitive impairment caused by NO2 exposure.
Strain-Engineered Graphene Grown on Hexagonal Boron Nitride by Molecular Beam Epitaxy
Authors: Summerfield Alex , Davies Andrew , Cheng Tin S. , Korolkov Vladimir V. , Cho YongJin , Mellor Christopher J. , Foxon C. Thomas , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Eaves Laurence , Novikov Sergei V. , Beton Peter H. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractGraphene grown by high temperature molecular beam epitaxy on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) forms continuous domains with dimensions of order 20 μm, and exhibits moiré patterns with large periodicities, up to ~30 nm, indicating that the layers are highly strained. Topological defects in the moiré patterns are observed and attributed to the relaxation of graphene islands which nucleate at different sites and subsequently coalesce. In addition, cracks are formed leading to strain relaxation, highly anisotropic strain fields, and abrupt boundaries between regions with different moiré periods. These cracks can also be formed by modification of the layers with a local probe resulting in the contraction and physical displacement of graphene layers. The Raman spectra of regions with a large moiré period reveal split and shifted G and 2D peaks confirming the presence of strain. Our work demonstrates a new approach to the growth of epitaxial graphene and a means of generating and modifying strain in graphene.
Inhibition of miR-154 Protects Against Cardiac Dysfunction and Fibrosis in a Mouse Model of Pressure Overload
Authors: Bernardo Bianca C. , Nguyen Sally S. , Gao Xiao-Ming , Tham Yow Keat , Ooi Jenny Y. Y. , Patterson Natalie L. , Kiriazis Helen , Su Yidan , Thomas Colleen J. , Lin Ruby C. Y. , Du Xiao-Jun , McMullen Julie R. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractExpression of miR-154 is upregulated in the diseased heart and was previously shown to be upregulated in the lungs of patients with pulmonary fibrosis. However, the role of miR-154 in a model of sustained pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis had not been assessed. To examine the role of miR-154 in the diseased heart, adult male mice were subjected to transverse aortic constriction for four weeks and echocardiography was performed to confirm left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. Mice were then subcutaneously administered a locked nucleic acid antimiR-154 or control over three consecutive days (25 mg/kg/day) and cardiac function was assessed 8 weeks later. Here, we demonstrate that therapeutic inhibition of miR-154 in mice with pathological hypertrophy was able to protect against cardiac dysfunction and attenuate adverse cardiac remodelling. The improved cardiac phenotype was associated with attenuation of heart and cardiomyocyte size, less cardiac fibrosis, lower expression of atrial and B-type natriuretic peptide genes, attenuation of profibrotic markers and increased expression of p15 (a miR-154 target and cell cycle inhibitor). In summary, this study suggests that miR-154 may represent a novel target for the treatment of cardiac pathologies associated with cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy and dysfunction.