bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal voltage sensor-to-pore coupling leads to potassium channel C-type inactivation
Authors: Conti Luca , Renhorn Jakob , Gabrielsson Anders , Turesson Fredrik , Liin Sara I , Lindahl Erik , Elinder Fredrik 
Published: June 2016

AbstractVoltage-gated potassium channels open at depolarized membrane voltages. A prolonged depolarization causes a rearrangement of the selectivity filter which terminates the conduction of ions – a process called slow or C-type inactivation. How structural rearrangements in the voltage-sensor domain (VSD) cause alteration in the selectivity filter and vice versa, are not fully understood. We show that pulling the pore domain of the Shaker potassium channel towards the VSD by a Cd2+ bridge accelerates C-type inactivation. Molecular dynamics simulations show that such pulling widens the selectivity filter and disrupts the K+ coordination, a hallmark for C-type inactivation. An engineered Cd2+ bridge within the VSD also affect C-type inactivation. Conversely, a pore domain mutation affects VSD gating-charge movement. Finally, C-type inactivation is caused by the concerted action of distant amino acid residues in the pore domain. All together, these data suggest a reciprocal communication between the pore domain and the VSD in the extracellular portion of the channel.
Remote Control Effect of Li+, Na+, K+ Ions on the Super Energy Transfer Process in ZnMoO4:Eu3+, Bi3+ Phosphors
Authors: Ran Weiguang , Wang Lili , Tan Lingling , Qu Dan , Shi Jinsheng 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLuminescent properties are affected by lattice environment of luminescence centers. The lattice environment of emission centers can be effectively changed due to the diversity of lattice environment in multiple site structure. But how precisely control the doped ions enter into different sites is still very difficult. Here we proposed an example to demonstrate how to control the doped ions into the target site for the first time. Alkali metal ions doped ZnMoO4:Bi3+, Eu3+ phosphors were prepared by the conventional high temperature solid state reaction method. The influence of alkali metal ions as charge compensators and remote control devices were respectively observed. Li+ and K+ ions occupy the Zn(2) sites, which impede Eu and Bi enter the adjacent Zn(2) sites. However, Na+ ions lie in Zn(1) sites, which greatly promoted the Bi and Eu into the adjacent Zn(2) sites. The Bi3+ and Eu3+ ions which lie in the immediate vicinity Zn(2) sites set off intense exchange interaction due to their short relative distance. This mechanism provides a mode how to use remote control device to enhance the energy transfer efficiency which expected to be used to design efficient luminescent materials.
The PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitory pathway is altered in pre-eclampsia and regulates T cell responses in pre-eclamptic rats
Authors: Tian Mei , Zhang Yonghong , Liu Zhaozhao , Sun Guoqiang , Mor Gil , Liao Aihua 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is critical to immune homeostasis by promoting regulatory T (Treg) development and inhibiting effector T (such as Th17) cell responses. However, the association between the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and the Treg/Th17 imbalance has not been fully investigated in pre-eclampsia (PE). In this study, we observed an inverse correlation between the percentages of Treg and Th17 cells, and the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 on the two subsets also changed in PE compared with normal pregnancy. We further explored their relationshipin vivousing the L-NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester (L-NAME) induced PE-like rat models, also characterized by Treg/Th17 imbalance. Administration of PD-L1-Fc protein provides a protective effects on the pre-eclamptic models, both to the mother and the fetuses, by reversing Treg/Th17 imbalance through inhibiting PI3K/AKT/m-TOR signaling and enhancing PTEN expression. In addition, we also observed a protective effect of PD-L1-Fc on the placenta by reversing placental damages. These results suggested that altered PD-1/PD-L1 pathway contributed to Treg/Th17 imbalance in PE. Treatment with PD-L1-Fc posed protective effects on pre-eclamptic models, indicating that the use of PD-L1-Fc might be a potential therapeutic target in PE treatment.
Structural disorder in metallic glass-forming liquids
Authors: Pan Shao-Peng , Feng Shi-Dong , Wang Li-Min , Qiao Jun-Wei , Niu Xiao-Feng , Dong Bang-Shao , Wang Wei-Min , Qin Jing-Yu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractWe investigated structural disorder by a new structural parameter, quasi-nearest atom (QNA), in atomistic configurations of eight metallic glass-forming systems generated through molecular dynamics simulations at various temperatures. Structural analysis reveals that the scaled distribution of the number of QNA appears to be an universal property of metallic liquids and the spatial distribution of the number of QNA displays to be clearly heterogeneous. Furthermore, the new parameter can be directly correlated with potential energy and structural relaxation at the atomic level. Some straightforward relationships between QNA and other properties (per-atom potential energy and α-relaxation time) are introduced to reflect structure-property relationship in metallic liquids. We believe that the new structural parameter can well reflect structure disorder in metallic liquids and play an important role in understanding various properties in metallic liquids.
Six Hours after Infection, the Metabolic Changes Induced by WSSV Neutralize the Host’s Oxidative Stress Defenses
Authors: Chen I-Tung , Lee Der-Yen , Huang Yun-Tzu , Kou Guang-Hsiung , Wang Han-Ching , Chang Geen-Dong , Lo Chu-Fang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLevels of intracellular ROS (reactive oxygen species) were significantly increased in hemocytes collected from WSSV-infected shrimp within the first 30–120 min after infection. Measurement of the NADPH/NADP+ and GSH/GSSG ratios revealed that after a significant imbalance toward the oxidized forms at 2 hpi, redox equilibrium was subsequently restored. Meanwhile, high levels of lactic acid production, elevated NADH/NAD+ ratios and metabolic changes in the glycolysis pathway show that the Warburg effect was triggered by the virus. The timing of these changes suggests that WSSV uses this metabolic shift into aerobic glycolysis to counteract the high levels of ROS produced in response to viral infection. We further show that if the Warburg effect is inhibited by chemical inhibition of the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway, or if the pentose phosphate pathway is chemically inhibited, then in both cases, the production of intracellular ROS is sustained. We conclude that WSSV uses the PI3K-Akt-mTOR-regulated Warburg effect to restore host redox balance and to counter the ROS produced by the host in response to WSSV infection. We also found that pyruvate kinase activity was inhibited by WSSV. This inhibition is likely to increase the availability of the raw materials essential for WSSV gene expression and replication.
Aqueous Two Phase System Assisted Self-Assembled PLGA Microparticles
Authors: Yeredla Nitish , Kojima Taisuke , Yang Yi , Takayama Shuichi , Kanapathipillai Mathumai 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHere, we produce poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) based microparticles with varying morphologies, and temperature responsive properties utilizing a Pluronic F127/dextran aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) assisted self-assembly. The PLGA polymer, when emulsified in Pluronic F127/dextran ATPS, forms unique microparticle structures due to ATPS guided-self assembly. Depending on the PLGA concentration, the particles either formed a core-shell or a composite microparticle structure. The microparticles facilitate the simultaneous incorporation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic molecules, due to their amphiphilic macromolecule composition. Further, due to the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) properties of Pluronic F127, the particles exhibit temperature responsiveness. The ATPS based microparticle formation demonstrated in this study, serves as a novel platform for PLGA/polymer based tunable micro/nano particle and polymersome development. The unique properties may be useful in applications such as theranostics, synthesis of complex structure particles, bioreaction/mineralization at the two-phase interface, and bioseparations.
Tracking airborne CO2 mitigation and low cost transformation into valuable carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ren Jiawen , Licht Stuart 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPrimary evidence of the direct uptake of atmospheric CO2 and direct transformation into carbon nanotubes, CNTs, is demonstrated through isotopic labeling and provides a new high yield route to mitigate this greenhouse gas. CO2 is converted directly to CNTs and does not require pre-concentration of the airbone CO2. This C2CNT (CO2 to carbon nanotube) synthesis transforms CO2-gas dissolved in a 750 °C molten Li2CO3, by electrolysis, into O2-gas at a nickel electrode and at a steel cathode into CNTs or carbon or nanofibers, CNFs. CNTs are synthesized at a 100-fold price reduction compared to conventional chemical vapour deposition, CVD, synthesis. The low cost conversion to a stable, value-added commodity incentivizes CO2 removal to mitigate climate change. The synthesis allows morphology control at the liquid/solid interface that is not available through conventional CVD synthesis at the gas/solid interface. Natural abundance 12CO2 forms hollow CNTs, while equivalent synthetic conditions with heavier 13CO2 favours closed core CNFs, as characterized by Raman, SEM and TEM. Production ease is demonstrated by the first synthesis of a pure 13C multiwalled carbon nanofiber.
Maternal Obesity Promotes Diabetic Nephropathy in Rodent Offspring
Authors: Glastras Sarah J. , Tsang Michael , Teh Rachel , Chen Hui , McGrath Rachel T. , Zaky Amgad A. , Pollock Carol A. , Saad Sonia 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMaternal obesity is known to increase the risk of obesity and diabetes in offspring. Though diabetes is a key risk factor for the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD), the relationship between maternal obesity and CKD has not been clearly defined. In this study, a mouse model of maternal obesity was employed to determine the impact of maternal obesity on development of diabetic nephropathy in offspring. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed high-fat diet (HFD) for six weeks prior to mating, during gestation and lactation. Male offspring were weaned to normal chow diet. At postnatal Week 8, offspring were randomly administered low dose streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg/day for five days) to induce diabetes. Assessment of renal damage took place at postnatal Week 32. We found that offspring of obese mothers had increased renal fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress. Importantly, offspring exposed to maternal obesity had increased susceptibility to renal damage when an additional insult, such as STZ-induced diabetes, was imposed. Specifically, renal inflammation and oxidative stress induced by diabetes was augmented by maternal obesity. Our findings suggest that developmental programming induced by maternal obesity has implications for renal health in offspring. Maternal obesity should be considered a risk factor for CKD.
Sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide inhibition efficiently blocks hepatitis B virus spread in mice with a humanized liver
Authors: Nakabori Tasuku , Hikita Hayato , Murai Kazuhiro , Nozaki Yasutoshi , Kai Yugo , Makino Yuki , Saito Yoshinobu , Tanaka Satoshi , Wada Hiroshi , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Takahashi Takeshi , Suemizu Hiroshi , Sakamori Ryotaro , Hiramatsu Naoki , Tatsumi Tomohide , Takehara Tetsuo 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (NTCP) is a recently discovered hepatitis B virus (HBV) receptor. In the present study, we used TK-NOG mice with a humanized liver to examine the impact of endogenous NTCP expression on HBV infection. Upon inoculation with HBV, these mice exhibited clear viremia in 2 weeks and serum HBV DNA levels gradually increased. The frequency of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes in the liver was 5.1 ± 0.6% at 2 weeks and increased with increasing HBV DNA levels, reaching 92.9 ± 2.8% at 10 to 12 weeks. In vivo siRNA-mediated NTCP knockdown before and after HBV inoculation significantly suppressed the levels of HBV replication and the frequency of HBsAg-positive hepatocytes at 2 weeks, whereas NTCP knockdown 13 weeks after infection did not affect these parameters. Similar to the humanized mouse livers in the early phase of HBV infection, human liver samples from chronic hepatitis B patients, especially those treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues, contained a considerable number of hepatocytes that were negative for the anti-HBs antibody. In conclusion, NTCP inhibition prevents the spread of HBV-infected hepatocytes in mice with a humanized liver. NTCP-targeted therapy has potential for regulating HBV infection in patients with chronic hepatitis B.
Label-free Chemical Imaging of Fungal Spore Walls by Raman Microscopy and Multivariate Curve Resolution Analysis
Authors: Noothalapati Hemanth , Sasaki Takahiro , Kaino Tomohiro , Kawamukai Makoto , Ando Masahiro , Hamaguchi Hiro-o , Yamamoto Tatsuyuki 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFungal cell walls are medically important since they represent a drug target site for antifungal medication. So far there is no method to directly visualize structurally similar cell wall components such as α-glucan, β-glucan and mannan with high specificity, especially in a label-free manner. In this study, we have developed a Raman spectroscopy based molecular imaging method and combined multivariate curve resolution analysis to enable detection and visualization of multiple polysaccharide components simultaneously at the single cell level. Our results show that vegetative cell and ascus walls are made up of both α- and β-glucans while spore wall is exclusively made of α-glucan. Co-localization studies reveal the absence of mannans in ascus wall but are distributed primarily in spores. Such detailed picture is believed to further enhance our understanding of the dynamic spore wall architecture, eventually leading to advancements in drug discovery and development in the near future.
RANK–RANKL signalling in cancer
Authors: Renema Nathalie , Navet Benjamin , Heymann Marie-Françoise , Lezot Frédéric , Heymann Dominique 
Published: June 2016

Oncogenic events combined with a favourable environment are the two main factors in the oncological process. The tumour microenvironment is composed of a complex, interconnected network of protagonists, including soluble factors such as cytokines, extracellular matrix components, interacting with fibroblasts, endothelial cells, immune cells and various specific cell types depending on the location of the cancer cells (e.g. pulmonary epithelium, osteoblasts). This diversity defines specific “niches” (e.g. vascular, immune, bone niches) involved in tumour growth and the metastatic process. These actors communicate together by direct intercellular communications and/or in an autocrine/paracrine/endocrine manner involving cytokines and growth factors. Among these glycoproteins, RANKL (receptor activator nuclear factor-κB ligand) and its receptor RANK (receptor activator nuclear factor), members of the TNF and TNFR superfamilies, have stimulated the interest of the scientific community. RANK is frequently expressed by cancer cells in contrast with RANKL which is frequently detected in the tumour microenvironment and together they participate in every step in cancer development. Their activities are markedly regulated by osteoprotegerin (OPG, a soluble decoy receptor) and its ligands, and by LGR4, a membrane receptor able to bind RANKL. The aim of the present review is to provide an overview of the functional implication of the RANK/RANKL system in cancer development, and to underline the most recent clinical studies.
Dual‐mode flyback inverters in grid‐connected photovoltaic systems
Authors: Kim Sooa , Lee Sung‐Ho , Lee Jin S. , Kim Minsung 
Published: June 2016

A dual‐mode flyback inverter is proposed for photovoltaic power applications. The proposed dual‐mode flyback inverter makes use of both discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) and continuous conduction mode (CCM) operations for more than 200 W power applications. However, it suffers from output current control problems such as low system gain during DCM and right‐half‐plain zero problem during CCM. To achieve accurate reference tracking, the authors propose to adopt the repetitive control scheme that increases the system gain at the fundamental and its harmonic frequencies of the grid. To reduce the burden from the conventional proportional‐integral controller, the authors use the dual‐mode nominal duty that helps the dual‐mode flyback inverter generate the target output current while attenuating the effect of disturbances. To make the dual‐mode flyback inverter operate at the maximum power point (MPP), the authors use the incremental conductance method that offers smooth transition to the MPP. The experimental results show that the proposed flyback system implemented for 200 W dual‐mode flyback inverter prototype achieves high MPP tracking efficiency, low total harmonic distortion, high power conversion efficiency, and high power capacity.
Giant Benign Mediastinal Masses Extending into the Pleural Cavity
Authors: Sunam Güven , Öncel Murat , Ceran Sami , Ödev Kemal , Yıldıran Hüseyin 
Published: June 2016

Introduction The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of surgery to remove huge mediastinal masses and their pathology. Surgical resection was chosen for accurate diagnosis and treatment of the huge mediastinal masses extending into the pleural cavity.
Methods Records were reviewed for eight patients who had the diagnosis of huge benign mediastinal masses and who underwent operation; details of the patients and operations were recorded.
Results Mean age was 34.5 (range 22 to 44) years, and male-to-female ratio was 2:6. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were used to evaluate the location and extent of the abnormality and to characterize the tissue components of the mass. Most of the tumors were located in the posterior mediastinum. The most frequent presenting symptom was exertional dyspnea. The majority of cases underwent posterolateral thoracotomy, and complete resection was possible in seven patients. Partial resection could only be performed in one. The mean diameter of the resected masses was 15 × 10 cm. Histopathologic examination revealed 3 neurogenic tumors, 2 teratomas, 1 thymolipoma, and 1 ectopic thyroid, and 1 hemangioma. Minor complication was seen in two cases.
Conclusion The presurgical thoracic MRI provided correct diagnosis along with radiologic characterization and topography. Surgery must be the preferred treatment in huge benign mediastinal masses.
Connectivity mapping (ssCMap) to predict A20-inducing drugs and their antiinflammatory action in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Malcomson Beth , Wilson Hollie , Veglia Eleonora , Thillaiyampalam Gayathri , Barsden Ruth , Donegan Shauna , El Banna Amal , Elborn Joseph S. , Ennis Madeleine , Kelly Catriona , Zhang Shu-Dong , Schock Bettina C. 
Published: June 2016

Significance
This study reports that publicly available gene array expression data together with statistically significant connections’ map successfully predicts licensed drugs able to modify genes of interest. We used this method to predict drugs able to induce A20 [TNFα-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3)], which is reduced in cystic fibrosis (CF) airway cells, and thus normalize the inflammatory response. Using CF and non-CF airway epithelial cells, ikarugamycin and quercetin had antiinflammatory effects mediated by induction of A20. We confirmed that this was mainly due to A20 induction, because no antiinflammatory effects were seen in bronchial epithelial cells with A20 knockdown. We have identified a process whereby already licensed drugs can be successfully repositioned for chronic inflammatory airway diseases.
Contributions of Productivity and Relative Price Changes to Farm‐level Profitability Change
Authors: Mugera Amin W. , Langemeier Michael R. , Ojede Andrew 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article investigates the sources of profitability change at the farm level, by farm size and specialization, with an application to a sample of 256 farms in Kansas from 1993 to 2010. Using the Lowe index method, profitability change is decomposed into changes in total factor productivity and terms of trade. The nonparametric data envelopment analysis method is used to further decompose total factor productivity into technical change and different measures of output‐oriented efficiency change. Finally, the system‐Generalized Methods of Moments approach is employed to investigate the dynamic relationship between different components of productivity on farm profitability. Results indicate that profitability change is mainly driven by total factor productivity change. The main source of total factor productivity change is technical change. The upward‐shifting frontier results in declining technical efficiency. Results point towards the need to support research and development without ignoring efforts to encourage the uptake of existing technologies.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity: Asymmetric Temperature Effects on Crop Yield and Quality Grade
Authors: Kawasaki Kentaro , Uchida Shinsuke 
Published: June 2016

AbstractClimate change affects agriculture by altering not only output quantity, but also crop quality. We quantify the economic impacts of climate change on agriculture through changes in both quantity and quality, where quality is measured by crop grades. Our model controls for methodological issues regarding sample selection, aggregation, phenology, and nonlinearity. The empirical application to Japanese rice production indicates that temperature effects are asymmetric: quantity is especially vulnerable to cold, whereas quality is vulnerable to extremely high temperature. Using these results, we simulate the effect of global warming, and we find that warming (a 3 °C increase) increases farm revenues by improving yield but decreases revenues as a result of deteriorating quality. The net effect is negative, suggesting that quality matters more than quantity. The negative effect, however, can be mitigated by shifting cultivation periods and/or regions. Overall, our results suggest that the estimated impacts of climate change and adaptation strategies could be severely misleading unless quality is considered.
Meshable: searching PubMed abstracts by utilizing MeSH and MeSH-derived topical terms
Authors: Kim Sun , Yeganova Lana , Wilbur W. John 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Summary: Medical Subject Headings (MeSH®) is a controlled vocabulary for indexing and searching biomedical literature. MeSH terms and subheadings are organized in a hierarchical structure and are used to indicate the topics of an article. Biologists can use either MeSH terms as queries or the MeSH interface provided in PubMed® for searching PubMed abstracts. However, these are rarely used, and there is no convenient way to link standardized MeSH terms to user queries. Here, we introduce a web interface which allows users to enter queries to find MeSH terms closely related to the queries. Our method relies on co-occurrence of text words and MeSH terms to find keywords that are related to each MeSH term. A query is then matched with the keywords for MeSH terms, and candidate MeSH terms are ranked based on their relatedness to the query. The experimental results show that our method achieves the best performance among several term extraction approaches in terms of topic coherence. Moreover, the interface can be effectively used to find full names of abbreviations and to disambiguate user queries.
Availability and Implementation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/IRET/MESHABLE/
Contact: sun.kim@nih.gov
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.