bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural lecithin promotes neural network complexity and activity
Authors: Latifi Shahrzad , Tamayol Ali , Habibey Rouhollah , Sabzevari Reza , Kahn Cyril , Geny David , Eftekharpour Eftekhar , Annabi Nasim , Blau Axel , Linder Michel , Arab-Tehrany Elmira 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhospholipids in the brain cell membranes contain different polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), which are critical to nervous system function and structure. In particular, brain function critically depends on the uptake of the so-called “essential” fatty acids such as omega-3 (n-3) and omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs that cannot be readily synthesized by the human body. We extracted natural lecithin rich in various PUFAs from a marine source and transformed it into nanoliposomes. These nanoliposomes increased neurite outgrowth, network complexity and neural activity of cortical rat neurons in vitro. We also observed an upregulation of synapsin I (SYN1), which supports the positive role of lecithin in synaptogenesis, synaptic development and maturation. These findings suggest that lecithin nanoliposomes enhance neuronal development, which may have an impact on devising new lecithin delivery strategies for therapeutic applications.
Microfluidic EDGE emulsification: the importance of interface interactions on droplet formation and pressure stability
Authors: Sahin Sami , Bliznyuk Olesya , Rovalino Cordova Ana , Schroën Karin 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe fact that interactions of components with interfaces can influence processes is well-known; e.g. deposit accumulation on heat exchangers and membrane fouling lead to additional resistances against heat and mass transfer, respectively. In microfluidic emulsification, the situation is even more complex. Component accumulation at the liquid/liquid interface is necessary for emulsion stability, while undesired at the solid/liquid interface where it may change wettability. For successful emulsification both aspects need to be controlled, and that is investigated in this paper for o/w emulsification with microfluidic EDGE devices. These devices were characterised previously, and can be used to detect small wettability changes through e.g. the pressure stability of the device. We used various oil/emulsifier combinations (alkanes, vegetable oil, surfactants and proteins) and related droplet size and operational pressure stability to component interactions with the solid surface and liquid interface. Surfactants with a strong interaction with glass always favour emulsification, while surfactants that have week interactions with the surface can be replaced by vegetable oil that interacts strongly with glass, resulting in loss of emulsification. Our findings clearly show that an appropriate combination of construction material and emulsion components is needed to achieve successful emulsification in microfluidic EDGE devices.
Histone methyltransferase Ash1L mediates activity-dependent repression of neurexin-1α
Authors: Zhu Τao , Liang Chen , Li Dongdong , Tian Miaomiao , Liu Sanxiong , Gao Guanjun , Guan Ji-Song 
Published: May 2016

AbstractActivity-dependent transcription is critical for the regulation of long-term synaptic plasticity and plastic rewiring in the brain. Here, we report that the transcription of neurexin1α (nrxn1α), a presynaptic adhesion molecule for synaptic formation, is regulated by transient neuronal activation. We showed that 10 minutes of firing at 50 Hz in neurons repressed the expression of nrxn1α for 24 hours in a primary cortical neuron culture through a transcriptional repression mechanism. By performing a screening assay using a synthetic zinc finger protein (ZFP) to pull down the proteins enriched near the nrxn1α promoter region in vivo, we identified that Ash1L, a histone methyltransferase, is enriched in the nrxn1α promoter. Neuronal activity triggered binding of Ash1L to the promoter and enriched the histone marker H3K36me2 at the nrxn1α promoter region. Knockout of Ash1L in mice completely abolished the activity-dependent repression of nrxn1α. Taken together, our results reveal that a novel process of activity-dependent transcriptional repression exists in neurons and that Ash1L mediates the long-term repression of nrxn1α, thus implicating an important role for epigenetic modification in brain functioning.
Restrictive influence of SAMHD1 on Hepatitis B Virus life cycle
Authors: Sommer Andreas F. R. , Rivière Lise , Qu Bingqian , Schott Kerstin , Riess Maximilian , Ni Yi , Shepard Caitlin , Schnellbächer Esther , Finkernagel Malin , Himmelsbach Kiyoshi , Welzel Karin , Kettern Nadja , Donnerhak Christian , Münk Carsten , Flory Egbert , Liese Juliane , Kim Baek , Urban Stephan , König Renate 
Published: May 2016

AbstractDeoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs) are essential for efficient hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication. Here, we investigated the influence of the restriction factor SAMHD1, a dNTP hydrolase (dNTPase) and RNase, on HBV replication. We demonstrated that silencing of SAMHD1 in hepatic cells increased HBV replication, while overexpression had the opposite effect. SAMHD1 significantly affected the levels of extracellular viral DNA as well as intracellular reverse transcription products, without affecting HBV RNAs or cccDNA. SAMHD1 mutations that interfere with the dNTPase activity (D137N) or in the catalytic center of the histidine-aspartate (HD) domain (D311A), and a phospho-mimetic mutation (T592E), abrogated the inhibitory activity. In contrast, a mutation diminishing the potential RNase but not dNTPase activity (Q548A) and a mutation disabling phosphorylation (T592A) did not affect antiviral activity. Moreover, HBV restriction by SAMHD1 was rescued by addition of deoxynucleosides. Although HBV infection did not directly affect protein level or phosphorylation of SAMHD1, the virus upregulated intracellular dATPs. Interestingly, SAMHD1 was dephosphorylated, thus in a potentially antiviral-active state, in primary human hepatocytes. Furthermore, SAMHD1 was upregulated by type I and II interferons in hepatic cells. These results suggest that SAMHD1 is a relevant restriction factor for HBV and restricts reverse transcription through its dNTPase activity.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MiRNA-211 suppresses cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting SPARC in human hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Deng Biao , Qu Lei , Li Jinfang , Fang Jiaqing , Yang Shouwen , Cao Zhongwei , Mei Zhechuan , Sun Xing 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that the expression of miR-211 was downregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the molecular function and mechanism of miR-211 in HCC growth and invasion are largely unclear. We found that miR-211 is downregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines, respectively. Further results showed that low miR-211 associated with TNM stage, vein invasion status and poor prognosis. Ectopic expression of miR-211 effectively suppressed HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion bothin vitroandin vivo. We identified SPARC as a bona fide target of miR-211 and overexpression of miR-211 decreased the mRNA and protein expression of SPARC. Finally, we confirmed that the overexpression of SPARC in miR-211-expressing HCC cells can partially restore the inhibitory effect of miR-211. Taken together, our results demonstrated that loss of miR-211 expression and thus uncontrolled SPARC overexpression might drive progression of HCC, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC.
When “Bouba” equals “Kiki”: Cultural commonalities and cultural differences in sound-shape correspondences
Authors: Chen Yi-Chuan , Huang Pi-Chun , Woods Andy , Spence Charles 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIt has been suggested that the Bouba/Kiki effect, in which meaningless speech sounds are systematically mapped onto rounded or angular shapes, reflects a universal crossmodal correspondence between audition and vision. Here, radial frequency (RF) patterns were adapted in order to compare the Bouba/Kiki effect in Eastern and Western participants demonstrating different perceptual styles. Three attributes of the RF patterns were manipulated: The frequency, amplitude, and spikiness of the sinusoidal modulations along the circumference of a circle. By testing participants in the US and Taiwan, both cultural commonalities and differences in sound-shape correspondence were revealed. RF patterns were more likely to be matched with “Kiki” than with “Bouba” when the frequency, amplitude, and spikiness increased. The responses from both groups of participants had a similar weighting on frequency; nevertheless, the North Americans had a higher weighting on amplitude, but a lower weighting on spikiness, than their Taiwanese counterparts. These novel results regarding cultural differences suggest that the Bouba/Kiki effect is partly tuned by differing perceptual experience. In addition, using the RF patterns in the Bouba/Kiki effect provides a “mid-level” linkage between visual and auditory processing, and a future understanding of sound-shape correspondences based on the mechanism of visual pattern processing.
CuO-Decorated ZnO Hierarchical Nanostructures as Efficient and Established Sensing Materials for H2S Gas Sensors
Authors: Vuong Nguyen Minh , Chinh Nguyen Duc , Huy Bui The , Lee Yong-Ill 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHighly sensitive hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas sensors were developed from CuO-decorated ZnO semiconducting hierarchical nanostructures. The ZnO hierarchical nanostructure was fabricated by an electrospinning method following hydrothermal and heat treatment. CuO decoration of ZnO hierarchical structures was carried out by a wet method. The H2S gas-sensing properties were examined at different working temperatures using various quantities of CuO as the variable. CuO decoration of the ZnO hierarchical structure was observed to promote sensitivity for H2S gas higher than 30 times at low working temperature (200 °C) compared with that in the nondecorated hierarchical structure. The sensing mechanism of the hybrid sensor structure is also discussed. The morphology and characteristics of the samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-vis absorption, photoluminescence (PL), and electrical measurements.
Weight gain in anorexia nervosa does not ameliorate the faecal microbiota, branched chain fatty acid profiles and gastrointestinal complaints
Authors: Mack Isabelle , Cuntz Ulrich , Grämer Claudia , Niedermaier Sabrina , Pohl Charlotte , Schwiertz Andreas , Zimmermann Kurt , Zipfel Stephan , Enck Paul , Penders John 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe gut microbiota not only influences host metabolism but can also affect brain function and behaviour through the microbiota-gut-brain axis. To explore the potential role of the intestinal microbiota in anorexia nervosa (AN), we comprehensively investigated the faecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids in these patients before (n = 55) and after weight gain (n = 44) in comparison to normal-weight participants (NW, n = 55) along with dietary intake and gastrointestinal complaints. We show profound microbial perturbations in AN patients as compared to NW participants, with higher levels of mucin-degraders and members of Clostridium clusters I, XI and XVIII and reduced levels of the butyrate-producing Roseburia spp. Branched-chain fatty acid concentrations, being markers for protein fermentation, were elevated. Distinct perturbations in microbial community compositions were observed for individual restrictive and binge/purging AN-subtypes. Upon weight gain, microbial richness increased, however perturbations in intestinal microbiota and short chain fatty acid profiles in addition to several gastrointestinal symptoms did not recover. These insights provide new leads to modulate the intestinal microbiota in order to improve the outcomes of the standard therapy.
AMP-activated protein kinase modulates tau phosphorylation and tau pathology in vivo
Authors: Domise Manon , Didier Sébastien , Marinangeli Claudia , Zhao Haitian , Chandakkar Pallavi , Buée Luc , Viollet Benoit , Davies Peter , Marambaud Philippe , Vingtdeux Valérie 
Published: May 2016

AbstractNeurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) are the pathological hallmark of neurodegenerative diseases commonly known as tauopathies. NFTs result from the intracellular aggregation of abnormally and hyperphosphorylated tau proteins. Tau functions, which include the regulation of microtubules dynamics, are dependent on its phosphorylation status. As a consequence, any changes in tau phosphorylation can have major impacts on synaptic plasticity and memory. Recently, it has been demonstrated that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) was deregulated in the brain of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients where it co-localized with phosphorylated tau in pre-tangle and tangle-bearing neurons. Besides, it was found that AMPK was a tau kinase in vitro. Here, we find that endogenous AMPK activation in mouse primary neurons induced an increase of tau phosphorylation at multiple sites, whereas AMPK inhibition led to a rapid decrease of tau phosphorylation. We further show that AMPK mice deficient for one of the catalytic alpha subunits displayed reduced endogenous tau phosphorylation. Finally, we found that AMPK deficiency reduced tau pathology in the PS19 mouse model of tauopathy. These results show that AMPK regulates tau phosphorylation in mouse primary neurons as well as in vivo and thus suggest that AMPK could be a key player in the development of AD pathology.
Diagnostic Accuracy Study of Intraoperative and Perioperative Serum Intact PTH Level for Successful Parathyroidectomy in 501 Secondary Hyperparathyroidism Patients
Authors: Zhang Lina , Xing Changying , Shen Chong , Zeng Ming , Yang Guang , Mao Huijuan , Zhang Bo , Yu Xiangbao , Cui Yiyao , Sun Bin , Ouyang Chun , Ge Yifei , Jiang Yao , Yin Caixia , Zha Xiaoming , Wang Ningning 
Published: May 2016

AbstractParathyroidectomy (PTX) is an effective treatment for severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT); however, persistent SHPT may occur because of supernumerary and ectopic parathyroids. Here a diagnostic accuracy study of intraoperative and perioperative serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) was performed to predict successful surgery in 501 patients, who received total PTX + autotransplantation without thymectomy. Serum iPTH values before incision (io-iPTH0), 10 and 20 min after removing the last parathyroid (io-iPTH10, io-iPTH20), and the first and fourth day after PTX (D1-iPTH, D4-iPTH) were recoded. Patients whose serum iPTH was >50 pg/mL at the first postoperative week were followed up within six months. Successful PTX was defined if iPTH was <300 pg/mL, on the contrary, persistent SHPT was regarded. There were 86.4% patients underwent successful PTX, 9.8% remained as persistent SHPT and 3.8% were undetermined. Intraoperative serum iPTH demonstrated no significant differences in two subgroups with or without chronic hepatitis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that >88.9% of io-iPTH20% could predict successful PTX (area under the curve [AUC] 0.909, sensitivity 78.6%, specificity 88.5%), thereby avoiding unnecessary exploration to reduce operative complications. D4-iPTH >147.4 pg/mL could predict persistent SHPT (AUC 0.998, sensitivity 100%, specificity 99.5%), so that medical intervention or reoperation start timely.
Complex quantum networks as structured environments: engineering and probing
Authors: Nokkala Johannes , Galve Fernando , Zambrini Roberta , Maniscalco Sabrina , Piilo Jyrki 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe consider structured environments modeled by bosonic quantum networks and investigate the probing of their spectral density, structure and topology. We demonstrate how to engineer a desired spectral density by changing the network structure. Our results show that the spectral density can be very accurately detected via a locally immersed quantum probe for virtually any network configuration. Moreover, we show how the entire network structure can be reconstructed by using a single quantum probe. We illustrate our findings presenting examples of spectral densities and topology probing for networks of genuine complexity.
Effect of the Interaction of Veratrum Nigrum with Panax Ginseng on Estrogenic Activity In Vivo and In Vitro
Authors: Xu Ying , Ding Jie , An Jin-na , Qu Ya-kun , Li Xin , Ma Xiao-ping , Zhang Yi-min , Dai Guo-jing , Lin Na 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPanax ginseng (GS) and Veratrum nigrum (VN) are representative of incompatible pairs in “eighteen antagonistic medicaments” that have been recorded in the Chinese medicinal literature for over 2,000 years. However, evidence linking interference effects with combination use is scare. Based on the estrogen-like effect of GS described in our previous studies, we undertake a characterization of the interaction on estrogenic activity of GS and VN using in vivo models of immature and ovariectomized (OVX) mice and in vitro studies with MCF-7 cells for further mechanism. VN decreased the estrogenic efficacy of GS on promoting the development of the uterus and vagina in immature mice, and reversing the atrophy of reproductive tissues in OVX mice. VN interfered with the estrogenic efficacy of GS by decreasing the increase of the serum estradiol and the up-regulation of ERα and ERβ expressions by treatment with GS. And VN antagonized the estrogenic efficacy of GS on promoting the viability of MCF-7 cells and up-regulation of protein and gene expressions of ERs. In conclusion, this study provided evidence that GS and VN decreased effects on estrogenic activity, which might be related to regulation of estrogen secretion and ERs.
Thermotolerant yeasts selected by adaptive evolution express heat stress response at 30 °C
Authors: Caspeta Luis , Chen Yun , Nielsen Jens 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExposure to long-term environmental changes across >100s of generations results in adapted phenotypes, but little is known about how metabolic and transcriptional responses are optimized in these processes. Here, we show that thermotolerant yeast strains selected by adaptive laboratory evolution to grow at increased temperature, activated a constitutive heat stress response when grown at the optimal ancestral temperature and that this is associated with a reduced growth rate. This preventive response was perfected by additional transcriptional changes activated when the cultivation temperature is increased. Remarkably, the sum of global transcriptional changes activated in the thermotolerant strains when transferred from the optimal to the high temperature, corresponded, in magnitude and direction, to the global changes observed in the ancestral strain exposed to the same transition. This demonstrates robustness of the yeast transcriptional program when exposed to heat and that the thermotolerant strains streamlined their path to rapidly and optimally reach post-stress transcriptional and metabolic levels. Thus, long-term adaptation to heat improved yeasts ability to rapidly adapt to increased temperatures, but this also causes a trade-off in the growth rate at the optimal ancestral temperature.
Localization model description of diffusion and structural relaxation in glass-forming Cu–Zr alloys
Authors: Douglas Jack F , Pazmino Betancourt Beatriz A , Tong Xuhang , Zhang Hao 
Published: May 2016

Abstract
We test the localization model (LM) prediction of a parameter-free relationship between the α-structural relaxation time τ

α
and the Debye–Waller factor  〈u
2 〉  for a series of simulated glass-forming Cu–Zr metallic liquids having a range of alloy compositions. After validating this relationship between the picosecond (‘fast’) and long-time relaxation dynamics over the full range of temperatures and alloy compositions investigated in our simulations, we show that it is also possible to estimate the self-diffusion coefficients of the individual atomic species (D
Cu, D
Zr) and the average diffusion coefficient D using the LM, in conjunction with the empirical fractional Stokes–Einstein (FSE) relation linking these diffusion coefficients to τ

α
. We further observe that the fragility and extent of decoupling between D and τ

α
strongly correlate with  〈u
2 〉  at the onset temperature of glass-formation T
A where particle caging and the breakdown of Arrhenius relaxation first emerge.
An incorrect diagnosis and an unexpected cause of respiratory failure
Authors: Jandrin Melanie , Breunig Michael 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACT
Thoracic aortic aneurysms often are asymptomatic or cause nonspecific symptoms such as cough, dyspnea, wheezing, or dysphagia. Acute onset of severe chest, neck, back, or abdominal pain may indicate an aortic rupture or dissection. Early identification and treatment, including optimized medical management and evaluation for surgical intervention, are necessary to improve patient outcomes.
An Uncommon Presentation of Breast Implant Rupture
Authors: Koh Eugene , Watson David I. , Dean Nicola R. 
Published: May 2016

Summary:
Late periprosthetic seroma has lately been concerning for breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. The authors present an uncommon presentation of breast implant rupture with a seroma and skin rash forming 2 years after insertion of the implant.
Validation of the Korean Version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Kwok Cannas , Lee Mi-Joung , Lee Chun Fan 
Published: May 2016

Background:
Korean immigrant women have been consistently reported as having low participation in breast cancer screening practices. A valid and reliable instrument to explore factors that affect their cancer screening behaviors is essential.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to report the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the Breast Cancer Screening Beliefs Questionnaire (BCSBQ).

Methods:
A convenience sample of 249 Korean Australian women was recruited through a number of Korean community organizations in Sydney.

Results:
Exploratory factor analysis supports a similar fit for the original 3-factor structure of our data set. A significant association was found between the attitudes of these women toward general health checkups and the frequency of their performance of the breast awareness practices and having mammograms. Furthermore, it was found that knowledge and perceptions about the breast cancer scales were significantly associated with education level and that barriers to mammographic screening were much less evident among women who engaged in the 3 screening practices. The results indicated that the Korean version of the BCSBQ had satisfactory validity and internal consistency. The Cronbach’s α of the 3 subscales ranged between .80 and .88.

Conclusion:
The Korean version of the BCSBQ was confirmed to be a culturally appropriate, valid, and reliable instrument for assessing the beliefs, knowledge, and attitudes to breast cancer and breast cancer screening practices among women of Korean background living in Australia.

Implication for Practice:
The Korean version of the BCBSQ can provide nurses with insights into the development of culturally sensitive breast health education programs.