bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Lipoproteins at Model Cell Membranes: Effect of Lipoprotein Class on Lipid Exchange
Authors: Browning K. L. , Lind T. K. , Maric S. , Malekkhaiat-Häffner S. , Fredrikson G. N. , Bengtsson E. , Malmsten M. , Cárdenas M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHigh and low density lipoproteins (HDL and LDL) are thought to play vital roles in the onset and development of atherosclerosis; the biggest killer in the western world. Key issues of initial lipoprotein (LP) interactions at cellular membranes need to be addressed including LP deposition and lipid exchange. Here we present a protocol for monitoring the in situ kinetics of lipoprotein deposition and lipid exchange/removal at model cellular membranes using the non-invasive, surface sensitive methods of neutron reflection and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation. For neutron reflection, lipid exchange and lipid removal can be distinguished thanks to the combined use of hydrogenated and tail-deuterated lipids. Both HDL and LDL remove lipids from the bilayer and deposit hydrogenated material into the lipid bilayer, however, the extent of removal and exchange depends on LP type. These results support the notion of HDL acting as the ‘good’ cholesterol, removing lipid material from lipid-loaded cells, whereas LDL acts as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, depositing lipid material into the vascular wall.
Angulin proteins ILDR1 and ILDR2 regulate alternative pre-mRNA splicing through binding to splicing factors TRA2A, TRA2B, or SRSF1
Authors: Liu Yueyue , Nie Hongyun , Liu Chengcheng , Zhai Xiaoyan , Sang Qing , Wang Yanfei , Shi Deli , Wang Lei , Xu Zhigang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAngulin proteins are a group of evolutionally conserved type I transmembrane proteins that contain an extracellular Ig-like domain. In mammals, three angulin proteins have been identified, namely immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 1 (ILDR1), immunoglobulin-like domain containing receptor 2 (ILDR2), and lipolysis-stimulated lipoprotein receptor (LSR). All three proteins have been shown to localize at tight junctions (TJs) and are important for TJ formation. Mutations in ILDR1 gene have been shown to cause non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL). In the present work, we show that ILDR1 binds to splicing factors TRA2A, TRA2B, and SRSF1, and translocates into the nuclei when the splicing factors are present. Moreover, ILDR1 affects alternative splicing of Tubulin delta 1 (TUBD1), IQ motif containing B1 (IQCB1), and Protocadherin 19 (Pcdh19). Further investigation show that ILDR2, but not LSR, also binds to the splicing factors and regulates alternative splicing. When endogenous ILDR1 and ILDR2 expression is knockdown with siRNAs in cultured cells, alternative splicing of TUBD1 and IQCB1 is affected. In conclusion, we show here that angulin proteins ILDR1 and ILDR2 are involved in alternative pre-mRNA splicing via binding to splicing factors TRA2A, TRA2B, or SRSF1.
GluA1 AMPAR subunit deletion reduces the hedonic response to sucrose but leaves satiety and conditioned responses intact
Authors: Austen Joseph M. , Sprengel Rolf , Sanderson David J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe GluA1 subunit of the AMPA receptor has been implicated in schizophrenia. While GluA1 is important for cognition, it is not clear what the role of GluA1 is in hedonic responses that are relevant to the negative symptoms of disorders such as schizophrenia. Here, we tested mice that lack GluA1 (Gria1−/− mice) on consumption of sucrose solutions using a licking microstructure analysis. GluA1 deletion drastically reduced palatability (as measured by the mean lick cluster size) across a range of sucrose concentrations. Although initial lick rates were reduced, measures of consumption across long periods of access to sucrose solutions were not affected by GluA1 deletion and Gria1−/− mice showed normal satiety responses to high sucrose concentrations. GluA1 deletion also failed to impair flavour conditioning, in which increased intake of a flavour occurred as a consequence of prior pairing with a high sucrose concentration. These results demonstrate that GluA1 plays a role in responding on the basis of palatability rather than other properties, such as the automatic and learnt post-ingestive, nutritional consequences of sucrose. Therefore, Gria1−/− mice provide a potential model of anhedonia, adding converging evidence to the role of glutamatergic dysfunction in various symptoms of schizophrenia and related disorders.
Radiative recombination of confined electrons at the MgZnO/ZnO heterojunction interface
Authors: Choi Sumin , Rogers David J. , Sandana Eric V. , Bove Philippe , Teherani Ferechteh H. , Nenstiel Christian , Hoffmann Axel , McClintock Ryan , Razeghi Manijeh , Look David , Gentle Angus , Phillips Matthew R. , Ton-That Cuong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe investigate the optical signature of the interface in a single MgZnO/ZnO heterojunction, which exhibits two orders of magnitude lower resistivity and 10 times higher electron mobility compared with the MgZnO/Al2O3 film grown under the same conditions. These impressive transport properties are attributed to increased mobility of electrons at the MgZnO/ZnO heterojunction interface. Depth-resolved cathodoluminescence and photoluminescence studies reveal a 3.2 eV H-band optical emission from the heterointerface, which exhibits excitonic properties and a localization energy of 19.6 meV. The emission is attributed to band-bending due to the polarization discontinuity at the interface, which leads to formation of a triangular quantum well and localized excitons by electrostatic coupling.
MicroRNA-98 negatively regulates myocardial infarction-induced apoptosis by down-regulating Fas and caspase-3
Authors: Sun Chuan , Liu Huibin , Guo Jing , Yu Yang , Yang Di , He Fang , Du Zhimin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAcute myocardial infarction (MI) is the leading cause of sudden death worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRs) is a novel class of regulators of cardiovascular diseases such as MI. This study aimed to explore the role of miR-98 in MI and its underlying mechanisms. We found that miR-98 was downregulated both in infarcted and ischemic myocardium of MI mice as well as H2O2-treated neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVCs). miR-98 overexpression remarkably increased cell viability and inhibited apoptosis of H2O2-treated NRVCs. Meanwhile, overexpression of miR-98 reversed H2O2-induced Bcl-2 downregulation and Bax elevation and significantly reduced JC-1 monomeric cells. Meanwhile, miR-98 overexpression attenuated the upregulation of Fas and caspase-3 in H2O2-treated cardiomyocytes at the mRNA and protein levels. Dual-luciferase reporter assay showed that miR-98 directly targeted to Fas 3′-UTR. Furthermore, MI mice injected with miR-98-agomir had a significant reduction of apoptotic cells, the serum LDH levels, myocardial caspase-3 activity, Fas and caspase-3 expression in heart tissues. Administration of miR-98-agomir also showed decreased infarct size and improved cardiac function. Collectively, miR-98 is downregulated in the MI heart and NRVCs in response to H2O2 stress, and miR-98 overexpression protects cardiomyocytes against apoptosis. Anti-apoptotic effects of miR-98 are associated with regulation of Fas/Caspase-3 apoptotic signal pathway.
Development of RNAi method for screening candidate genes to control emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis
Authors: Rodrigues Thais B. , Rieske Lynne K. , J. Duan Jian , Mogilicherla Kanakachari , Palli Subba R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe ingestion of double-strand RNAs (dsRNA) targeting essential genes in an insect could cause mortality. Based on this principle, a new generation of insect control methods using RNA interference (RNAi) are being developed. In this work, we developed a bioassay for oral delivery of dsRNA to an invasive forest and urban tree pest, the emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis). EAB feeds and develops beneath the bark, killing trees rapidly. This behavior, coupled with the lack of a reliable artificial diet for rearing larvae and adults, make them difficult to study. We found that dsRNA is transported and processed to siRNAs by EAB larvae within 72 h after ingestion. Also, feeding neonate larvae with IAP (inhibitor of apoptosis) or COP (COPI coatomer, β subunit) dsRNA silenced their target genes and caused mortality. Both an increase in the concentration of dsRNA fed and sequential feeding of two different dsRNAs increased mortality. Here we provide evidence for successful RNAi in EAB, and demonstrate the development of a rapid and effective bioassay for oral delivery of dsRNA to screen additional genes.
Highly Sensitive, Engineered Magnetic Nanosensors to Investigate the Ambiguous Activity of Zika Virus and Binding Receptors
Authors: Shelby Tyler , Banerjee Tuhina , Zegar Irene , Santra Santimukul 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aim of this research is twofold: 1) to shed light on zika’s binding and entry mechanism while 2) demonstrating the effectiveness of our magnetic relaxation platform to achieve this goal. Magnetic relaxation-sensitive nanoparticles (MRNPs) are used in a novel fashion to analyze binding interactions between the zika envelope protein (ZENV) and proposed host cell receptors: AXL, HSP70, and TIM-1. Computational analysis is also utilized to examine these binding interactions for the first time. In addition, the role of crizotinib as a potential binding inhibitor is demonstrated and the possibility of ligand-independent phosphatidylserine-mediated binding is explored. Our findings suggest that while the extracellular domain of AXL has the highest affinity for ZENV; HSP70, TIM-1, and phosphatidylserine might also play active roles in zika tropism, which offers a potential explanation for the variety of zika-associated symptoms. This is, to our knowledge, the first time that MRNPs have been used to examine and quantify host-zika interactions. Our magnetic relaxation platform allows for timely and sensitive analysis of these intricate binding relationships, and it is easily customizable for further examination of additional host-pathogen interactions.
Suspended Liquid Subtractive Lithography: One-step generation of 3D channel geometries in viscous curable polymer matrices
Authors: Helmer D. , Voigt A. , Wagner S. , Keller N. , Sachsenheimer K. , Kotz F. , Nargang T. M. , Rapp B. E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe miniaturization of synthesis, analysis and screening experiments is an important step towards more environmentally friendly chemistry, statistically significant biology and fast and cost-effective medicinal assays. The facile generation of arbitrary 3D channel structures in polymers is pivotal to these techniques. Here we present a method for printing microchannels directly into viscous curable polymer matrices by injecting a surfactant into the uncured material via a steel capillary attached to a 3D printer. We demonstrate this technique using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) one of the most widely used polymers for the fabrication of, e. g. microfluidic chips. We show that this technique which we term Suspended Liquid Subtractive Lithography (SLSL) is well suited for printing actuators, T-junctions and complex three dimensional structures. The formation of truly arbitrary channels in 3D could revolutionize the fabrication of miniaturized chips and will find broad application in biology, chemistry and medicine.
ssAAVs containing cassettes encoding SaCas9 and guides targeting hepatitis B virus inactivate replication of the virus in cultured cells
Authors: Scott Tristan , Moyo Buhle , Nicholson Samantha , Maepa Mohube Betty , Watashi Koichi , Ely Abdullah , Weinberg Marc S. , Arbuthnot Patrick 
Published: August 2017

AbstractManagement of infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a global health problem. Persistence of stable covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) during HBV replication is responsible for modest curative efficacy of currently licensed drugs. Novel gene editing technologies, such as those based on CRISPR/Cas9, provide the means for permanently disabling cccDNA. However, efficient delivery of antiviral sequences to infected hepatocytes is challenging. A limiting factor is the large size of sequences encoding Cas9 from Streptococcus pyogenes, and resultant incompatibility with the popular single stranded adeno-associated viral vectors (ssAAVs). We thus explored the utility of ssAAVs for delivery of engineered CRISPR/Cas9 of Staphylococcus aureus (Sa), which is encoded by shorter DNA sequences. Short guide RNAs (sgRNAs) were designed with cognates in the S open reading frame of HBV and incorporated into AAVs that also encoded SaCas9. Intended targeted mutation of HBV DNA was observed after transduction of cells with the all-in-one vectors. Efficacy against HBV-infected hNTCP-HepG2 cells indicated that inactivation of cccDNA was successful. Analysis of likely off-target mutagenesis revealed no unintended sequence changes. Use of ssAAVs to deliver all components required to disable cccDNA by SaCas9 is novel and the technology has curative potential for HBV infection.
Genuine antiplasticizing effect of water on a glass-former drug
Authors: Ruiz Guadalupe N. , Romanini Michela , Hauptmann Astrid , Loerting Thomas , Shalaev Evgenyi , Tamarit Josep Ll. , Pardo Luis C. , Macovez Roberto 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWater is the most important plasticizer of biological and organic hydrophilic materials, which generally exhibit enhanced mechanical softness and molecular mobility upon hydration. The enhancement of the molecular dynamics upon mixing with water, which in glass-forming systems implies a lower glass transition temperature (T
g
), is considered a universal result of hydration. In fact, even in the cases where hydration or humidification of an organic glass-forming sample result in stiffer mechanical properties, the molecular mobility of the sample almost always increases with increasing water content, and its T
g
decreases correspondingly. Here, we present an experimental report of a genuine antiplasticizing effect of water on the molecular dynamics of a small-molecule glass former. In detail, we show that addition of water to prilocaine, an active pharmaceutical ingredient, has the same effect as that of an applied pressure, namely, a decrease in mobility and an increase of T
g
. We assign the antiplasticizing effect to the formation of prilocaine-H2O dimers or complexes with enhanced hydrogen bonding interactions.
Genomic surveillance reveals low prevalence of livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the East of England
Authors: Harrison Ewan M. , Coll Francesc , Toleman Michelle S. , Blane Beth , Brown Nicholas M. , Török M. Estee , Parkhill Julian , Peacock Sharon J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLivestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) is an emerging problem in many parts of the world. LA-MRSA has been isolated previously from animals and humans in the United Kingdom (UK), but the prevalence is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and to describe the molecular epidemiology of LA-MRSA isolated in the East of England (broadly Cambridge and the surrounding area). We accessed whole genome sequence data for 2,283 MRSA isolates from 1,465 people identified during a 12-month prospective study between 2012 and 2013 conducted in the East of England, United Kingdom. This laboratory serves four hospitals and 75 general practices. We screened the collection for multilocus sequence types (STs) and for host specific resistance and virulence factors previously associated with LA-MRSA. We identified 13 putative LA-MRSA isolates from 12 individuals, giving an estimated prevalence of 0.82% (95% CI 0.47% to 1.43%). Twelve isolates were mecC-MRSA (ten CC130, one ST425 and one ST1943) and single isolate was ST398. Our data demonstrate a low burden of LA-MRSA in the East of England, but the detection of mecC-MRSA and ST398 indicates the need for vigilance. Genomic surveillance provides a mechanism to detect and track the emergence and spread of MRSA clones of human importance.
Seed dispersal by macaws shapes the landscape of an Amazonian ecosystem
Authors: Baños-Villalba Adrián , Blanco Guillermo , Díaz-Luque José A. , Dénes Francisco V. , Hiraldo Fernando , Tella José L. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSeed dispersal is one of the most studied plant–animal mutualisms. It has been proposed that the dispersal of many large-seeded plants from Neotropical forests was primarily conducted by extinct megafauna, and currently by livestock. Parrots can transport large fruits using their beaks, but have been overlooked as seed dispersers. We demonstrate that three macaws (Ara ararauna,A.glaucogularisandA.severus) are the main dispersers of the large-seeded motacú palmAttalea princeps, which is the biomass-dominant tree in the Bolivian Amazonian savannas. Macaws dispersed fruits at high rates (75–100% of fruits) to distant (up to 1200 m) perching trees, where they consumed the pulp and discarded entire seeds, contributing to forest regeneration and connectivity between distant forests islands. The spatial distribution of immature palms was positively associated to the proximity to macaws’ perching trees and negatively to the proximity to cattle paths. The disperser role of livestock, presumably a substitute for extinct megafauna, had little effect due to soil compaction, trampling and herbivory. Our results underscore the importance of macaws as legitimate, primary dispersers of large-seeded plants at long distances and, specifically, their key role in shaping the landscape structure and functioning of this Amazonian biome.
Exploiting nonlinear properties of pure and Sn-doped Bi2Te2Se for passive Q-switching of all-polarization maintaining ytterbium- and erbium-doped fiber lasers
Authors: Bogusławski Jakub , Kowalczyk Maciej , Iwanowski Przemysław , Hruban Andrzej , Diduszko Ryszard , Piotrowski Kazimierz , Dybko Krzysztof , Wojciechowski Tomasz , Aleszkiewicz Marta , Sotor Jarosław 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDue to their broadband nonlinear optical properties, low-dimensional materials are widely used for pulse generation in fiber and solid-state lasers. Here we demonstrate novel materials, Bi2Te2Se (BTS) and Sn-doped Bi2Te2Se (BSTS), which can be used as a universal saturable absorbers for distinct spectral regimes. The material was mechanically exfoliated from a bulk single-crystal and deposited onto a side-polished fiber. We have performed characterization of the fabricated devices and employed them in polarization-maintaining ytterbium- and erbium-doped fiber lasers. This enabled us to obtain self-starting passively Q-switched regime at 1 µm and 1.56 µm. The oscillators emitted stable, linearly polarized radiation with the highest single pulse energy approaching 692 nJ. Both lasers are characterized by the best performance observed in all-polarization maintaining Q-switched fiber lasers with recently investigated new saturable absorbers, which was enabled by a very high damage threshold of the devices. This demonstrates the great potential of the investigated materials for the ultrafast photonics community.
Proton Transfer in Molten Lithium Carbonate: Mechanism and Kinetics by Density Functional Theory Calculations
Authors: Lei Xueling , Huang Kevin , Qin Changyong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUsing static and dynamic density functional theory (DFT) methods with a cluster model of [(Li2CO3)8H]+, the mechanism and kinetics of proton transfer in lithium molten carbonate (MC) were investigated. The migration of proton prefers an inter-carbonate pathway with an energy barrier of 8.0 kcal/mol at the B3LYP/6-31 G(d,p) level, which is in good agreement with the value of 7.6 kcal/mol and 7.5 kcal/mol from experiment and FPMD simulation, respectively. At transition state (TS), a linkage of O–H–O involving O 2p and H 1 s orbitals is formed between two carbonate ions. The calculated trajectory of H indicates that proton has a good mobility in MC, oxygen can rotate around carbon to facilitate the proton migration, while the movement of carbon is very limited. Small variations on geometry and atomic charge were detected on the carbonate ions, implying that the proton migration is a synergetic process and the whole carbonate structure is actively involved. Overall, the calculated results indicate that MC exhibits a low energy barrier for proton conduction in IT-SOFCs.
Preparation and characterization of a new graphite superconductor: Ca0.5Sr0.5C6
Authors: Nishiyama Saki , Fujita Hidenori , Hoshi Masatoshi , Miao Xiao , Terao Takahiro , Yang Xiaofan , Miyazaki Takafumi , Goto Hidenori , Kagayama Tomoko , Shimizu Katsuya , Yamaoka Hitoshi , Ishii Hirofumi , Liao Yen-Fa , Kubozono Yoshihiro 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe have produced a superconducting binary-elements intercalated graphite, CaxSr1−xCy, with the intercalation of Sr and Ca in highly-oriented pyrolytic graphite; the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, was ~3 K. The superconducting CaxSr1−xCy sample was fabricated with the nominal x value of 0.8, i.e., Ca0.8Sr0.2Cy. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy provided the stoichiometry of Ca0.5(2)Sr0.5(2)Cy for this sample, and the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) pattern showed that Ca0.5(2)Sr0.5(2)Cy took the SrC6-type hexagonal-structure rather than CaC6-type rhombohedral-structure. Consequently, the chemical formula of CaxSr1−xCy sample could be expressed as ‘Ca0.5(2)Sr0.5(2)C6’. The XRD pattern of Ca0.5(2)Sr0.5(2)C6 was measured at 0–31 GPa, showing that the lattice shrank monotonically with increasing pressure up to 8.6 GPa, with the structural phase transition occurring above 8.6 GPa. The pressure dependence of Tc was determined from the DC magnetic susceptibility and resistance up to 15 GPa, which exhibited a positive pressure dependence of Tc up to 8.3 GPa, as in YbC6, SrC6, KC8, CaC6 and Ca0.6K0.4C8. The further application of pressure caused the rapid decrease of Tc. In this study, the fabrication and superconducting properties of new binary-elements intercalated graphite, CaxSr1−xCy, are fully investigated, and suitable combinations of elements are suggested for binary-elements intercalated graphite.
Neural correlates of proactive and reactive motor response inhibition of gambling stimuli in frequent gamblers
Authors: Brevers D. , He Q. , Keller B. , Noël X. , Bechara A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe used functional magnetic resonance imaging to examine whether motivational-salient cues could exert a differential impact on proactive (the restrain of actions in preparation for stopping) and reactive (outright stopping) inhibition. Fourteen high-frequency poker players, and 14 matched non-gambler controls, performed a modified version of the stop-signal paradigm, which required participants to inhibit categorization of poker or neutral pictures. The probability that a stop-signal occurs (0%, 17%, 25%, 33%) was manipulated across blocks of trials, as indicated by the color of the computer screen. Behavioral analyses revealed that poker players were faster than controls in categorizing pictures across all levels of proactive motor response inhibition (go trials). Brain imaging analyses highlighted higher dorsal anterior cingulate cortex activation in poker players, as compared to controls, during reactive inhibition. These findings suggest that, due to their faster rates of stimulus discrimination, poker players might have recruited more cognitive resources than controls when required to stop their response (reactive inhibition). Nevertheless, no main effect of stimulus type was found, on either proactive or reactive inhibition. Additional studies are, therefore, needed in order to confirm that investigating the dynamics between reactive and proactive inhibition offers a discriminative analysis of inhibitory control toward motivational-salient cues.