bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insight into structure dynamics of soil microbiota mediated by the richness of replanted Pseudostellaria heterophylla
Authors: Zhao Yong-Po , Lin Sheng , Chu Leixia , Gao JiangTao , Azeem Saadia , Lin Wenxiong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractConsecutive monoculture of crops causes serious diseases and significant decline in yield and quality and microbes in the rhizosphere are closely linked with plant health. Here we systematically studied the structure dynamics of soil microbiota in the monocropping system ofPseudostellaria heterophlla.The results illustrated that the successive cropping ofP. heterophyllashifts the diversity and structure of microbial community in rhizosphere soil ofP. heterophylla, showing that the diversity of microbial community in rhizosphere soil ofP. heterophyllawas decreased with the increase of planting years while the structure of microbial community became more deteriorative. Moreover, the population size of typical pathogens increased and the beneficial bacterial population decreased with the increasing years of monoculture, which resulted in the microecological imbalance inP. heterophyllarhizosphere, thereby caused serious replanting diseases in monocropping system. Our results suggested that structure dynamics of rhizosphere microbial communities were mediated by the richness of replantedP. heterophylla,and thus the replant disease result from the imbalanced microbial structure with a higher ratio of pathogens/beneficial bacteria in rhizosphere soil under monocropping regimes. This finding provides a clue to open a new avenue for modulating the root microbiome to enhance the crop production and sustainability.
Physiological maturation and drug responses of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical neuronal networks in long-term culture
Authors: Odawara A. , Katoh H. , Matsuda N. , Suzuki I. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe functional network of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived neurons is a potentially powerfulin vitromodel for evaluating disease mechanisms and drug responses. However, the culture time required for the full functional maturation of individual neurons and networks is uncertain. We investigated the development of spontaneous electrophysiological activity and pharmacological responses for over 1 year in culture using multi-electrode arrays (MEAs). The complete maturation of spontaneous firing, evoked responses, and modulation of activity by glutamatergic and GABAergic receptor antagonists/agonists required 20–30 weeks. At this stage, neural networks also demonstrated epileptiform synchronized burst firing (SBF) in response to pro-convulsants and SBF suppression using clinical anti-epilepsy drugs. Our results reveal the feasibility of long-term MEA measurements from hiPSC-derived neuronal networksin vitrofor mechanistic analyses and drug screening. However, developmental changes in electrophysiological and pharmacological properties indicate the necessity for the international standardization of culture and evaluation procedures.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy of Iron Carbides: From Prediction to Experimental Confirmation
Authors: Liu Xing-Wu , Zhao Shu , Meng Yu , Peng Qing , Dearden Albert K. , Huo Chun-Fang , Yang Yong , Li Yong-Wang , Wen Xiao-Dong 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe Mössbauer spectroscopy of iron carbides (α-Fe, γ'-FeC, η-Fe2C, ζ-Fe2C, χ-Fe5C2, h-Fe7C3, θ-Fe3C, o-Fe7C3, γ'-Fe4C, γ''-Fe4C, and α'-Fe16C2) is predicted utilizing the all electron full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FLAPW) approach across various functionals from LDA to GGA (PBE, PBEsol, and GGA + U) to meta-GGA to hybrid functionals. To validate the predicted MES from different functionals, the single-phase χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C are synthesized in experiment and their experimental MES under different temperature (from 13 K to 298 K) are determined. The result indicates that the GGA functional (especially, the PBEsol) shows remarkable success on the prediction of Mössbauer spectroscopy of α-Fe, χ-Fe5C2 and θ-Fe3C with delocalized d electrons. From the reliable simulations, we propose a linear relationship between Bhf and μB with a slope of 12.81 T/μB for iron carbide systems and that the proportionality constant may vary from structure to structure.
Assessing mutant p53 in primary high-grade serous ovarian cancer using immunohistochemistry and massively parallel sequencing
Authors: Cole Alexander J. , Dwight Trisha , Gill Anthony J. , Dickson Kristie-Ann , Zhu Ying , Clarkson Adele , Gard Gregory B. , Maidens Jayne , Valmadre Susan , Clifton-Bligh Roderick , Marsh Deborah J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe tumour suppressor p53 is mutated in cancer, including over 96% of high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Mutations cause loss of wild-type p53 function due to either gain of abnormal function of mutant p53 (mutp53), or absent to low mutp53. Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) enables increased accuracy of detection of somatic variants in heterogeneous tumours. We used MPS and immunohistochemistry (IHC) to characterise HGSOCs for TP53 mutation and p53 expression. TP53 mutation was identified in 94% (68/72) of HGSOCs, 62% of which were missense. Missense mutations demonstrated high p53 by IHC, as did 35% (9/26) of non-missense mutations. Low p53 was seen by IHC in 62% of HGSOC associated with non-missense mutations. Most wild-type TP53 tumours (75%, 6/8) displayed intermediate p53 levels. The overall sensitivity of detecting a TP53 mutation based on classification as ‘Low’, ‘Intermediate’ or ‘High’ for p53 IHC was 99%, with a specificity of 75%. We suggest p53 IHC can be used as a surrogate marker of TP53 mutation in HGSOC; however, this will result in misclassification of a proportion of TP53 wild-type and mutant tumours. Therapeutic targeting of mutp53 will require knowledge of both TP53 mutations and mutp53 expression.
Tin phosphide-based anodes for sodium-ion batteries: synthesis via solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and phase-dependent Na storage performance
Authors: Shin Hyun-Seop , Jung Kyu-Nam , Jo Yong Nam , Park Min-Sik , Kim Hansung , Lee Jong-Won 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThere is a great deal of current interest in the development of rechargeable sodium (Na)-ion batteries (SIBs) for low-cost, large-scale stationary energy storage systems. For the commercial success of this technology, significant progress should be made in developing robust anode (negative electrode) materials with high capacity and long cycle life. Sn-P compounds are considered promising anode materials that have considerable potential to meet the required performance of SIBs, and they have been typically prepared by high-energy mechanical milling. Here, we report Sn-P-based anodes synthesised through solvothermal transformation of Sn metal and their electrochemical Na storage properties. The temperature and time period used for solvothermal treatment play a crucial role in determining the phase, microstructure, and composition of the Sn-P compound and thus its electrochemical performance. The Sn-P compound prepared under an optimised solvothermal condition shows excellent electrochemical performance as an SIB anode, as evidenced by a high reversible capacity of ~560 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 and cycling stability for 100 cycles. The solvothermal route provides an effective approach to synthesising Sn-P anodes with controlled phases and compositions, thus tailoring their Na storage behaviour.
Structural effects of naphthalimide-based fluorescent sensor for hydrogen sulfide and imaging in live zebrafish
Authors: Choi Seon-Ae , Park Chul Soon , Kwon Oh Seok , Giong Hoi-Khoanh , Lee Jeong-Soo , Ha Tai Hwan , Lee Chang-Soo 
Published: May 2016

AbstractHydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important biological messenger, but few biologically-compatible methods are available for its detection in aqueous solution. Herein, we report a highly water-soluble naphthalimide-based fluorescent probe (L1), which is a highly versatile building unit that absorbs and emits at long wavelengths and is selective for hydrogen sulfide over cysteine, glutathione and other reactive sulfur, nitrogen and oxygen species in aqueous solution. We describe turn-on fluorescent probes based on azide group reduction on the fluorogenic ‘naphthalene’ moiety to fluorescent amines and intracellular hydrogen sulfide detection without the use of an organic solvent. L1 and L2 were synthetically modified to functional groups with comparable solubility on the N-imide site, showing a marked change in turn-on fluorescent intensity in response to hydrogen sulfide in both PBS buffer and living cells. The probes were readily employed to assess intracellular hydrogen sulfide level changes by imaging endogenous hydrogen sulfide signal in RAW264.7 cells incubated with L1 and L2. Expanding the use of L1 to complex and heterogeneous biological settings, we successfully visualized hydrogen sulfide detection in the yolk, brain and spinal cord of living zebrafish embryos, thereby providing a powerful approach for live imaging for investigating chemical signaling in complex multicellular systems.
Dispersibility of vapor phase oxygen and nitrogen functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes in various organic solvents
Authors: Khazaee Maryam , Xia Wei , Lackner Gerhard , Mendes Rafael G. , Rümmeli Mark , Muhler Martin , Lupascu Doru C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of gas phase oxygen- and nitrogen-functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (OMWCNTs and NMWCNTs) and the dispersibility of these tubes in organic solvents were investigated. Recently, carbon nanotubes have shown supreme capacity to effectively enhance the efficiency of organic solar cells (OSCs). A critical challenge is to individualize tubes from their bundles in order to provide homogenous nano-domains in the active layer of OSCs. OMWCNTs and NMWCNTs were synthesized via HNO3 vapor and NH3 treatments, respectively. Surface functional groups and the structure of the tubes were analyzed by temperature-programmed desorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy which confirmed the formation of functional groups on the tube surface and the enhancement of surface defects. Elemental analysis demonstrated that the oxygen and nitrogen content increased with increasing treatment time of the multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) in HNO3 vapor. According to ultra-violet visible spectroscopy, modification of the MWCNT increased the extinction coefficients of the tubes owing to enhanced compatibility of the functionalized tubes with organic matrices.
Enhanced Performance by Enlarged Nano-pores of Holly Leaf-derived Lamellar Carbon for Sodium-ion Battery Anode
Authors: Zheng Peng , Liu Ting , Yuan Xiaoyan , Zhang Lifeng , Liu Yi , Huang Jianfeng , Guo Shouwu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractLamellar hard carbon derived from holly leaf with enlarged pores of tiny graphite-like domains and meso-pores was prepared by hydrothermal followed high temperature pyrolysis process. Benefiting from the enlarged nano-pores of tiny graphite-like domains and the thin sheet structure with meso-pores, the derived carbon delivered a high reversible capacity of 318 mAh g−1 at a current rate of 20 mA g−1 and excellent rate capability as the anode of sodium-ion battery. And the hydrothermal followed high temperature pyrolysis method was also confirmed an effective approach for betula platyphylla and sophora japonica leaf as precursor respectively to synthesis hard carbon of lamellar structure with enlarged nano-pores of tiny graphite-like domains.
A Novel Strategy for Live Detection of Viral Infection in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Ekström Jens-Ola , Hultmark Dan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe have created a transgenic reporter for virus infection and used it to study Nora virus infection in Drosophila melanogaster. The transgenic construct, Munin, expresses the yeast transcription factor Gal4, tethered to a transmembrane anchor via a linker that can be cleaved by a viral protease. In infected cells, liberated Gal4 will then transcribe any gene that is linked to a promoter with a UAS motif, the target for Gal4 transcription. For instance, infected cells will glow red in the offspring of a cross between the Munin stock and flies with a UAS-RFPnls transgene (expressing a red fluorescent protein). In such flies we show that after natural infection, via the faecal-oral route, 5–15% of the midgut cells are infected, but there is little if any infection elsewhere. By contrast, we can detect infection in many other tissues after injection of virus into the body cavity. The same principle could be applied for other viruses and it could also be used to express or suppress any gene of interest in infected cells.
HBP Builder: A Tool to Generate Hyperbranched Polymers and Hyperbranched Multi-Arm Copolymers for Coarse-grained and Fully Atomistic Molecular Simulations
Authors: Yu Chunyang , Ma Li , Li Shanlong , Tan Haina , Zhou Yongfeng , Yan Deyue 
Published: May 2016

AbstractComputer simulation has been becoming a versatile tool that can investigate detailed information from the microscopic scale to the mesoscopic scale. However, the crucial first step of molecular simulation is model building, particularly for hyperbranched polymers (HBPs) and hyperbranched multi-arm copolymers (HBMCs) with complex and various topological structures. Unlike well-defined polymers, not only the molar weight of HBPs/HBMCs with polydispersity, but the HBPs/HBMCs with the same degree of polymerization (DP) and degree of branching (DB) also have many possible topological structures, thus making difficulties for user to build model in molecular simulation. In order to build a bridge between model building and molecular simulation of HBPs and HBMCs, we developed HBP Builder, a C language open source HBPs/HBMCs building toolkit. HBP Builder implements an automated protocol to build various coarse-grained and fully atomistic structures of HBPs/HBMCs according to user’s specific requirements. Meanwhile, coarse-grained and fully atomistic output structures can be directly employed in popular simulation packages, including HOOMD, Tinker and Gromacs. Moreover, HBP Builder has an easy-to-use graphical user interface and the modular architecture, making it easy to extend and reuse it as a part of other program.
A New Method for Preparing Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Labeling with Ferumoxytol for Cell Tracking by MRI
Authors: Liu Li , Tseng Lanya , Ye Qing , Wu Yijen L. , Bain Daniel J. , Ho Chien 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are among the major stem cells used for cell therapy and regenerative medicine.In-vivocell-tracking by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for regenerative medicine, allowing verification that the transplanted cells reach the targeted sites. Cellular MRI combined with superparamagnetic iron-oxide (SPIO) contrast agents is an effective cell-tracking method. Here, we are reporting a new “bio-mimicry” method by making use of the “in-vivoenvironment” of MSCs to prepare native MSCs, so that (i) the phagocytic activity of cultured MSCs can be recovered and expanded MSCs can beex-vivolabeled with Ferumoxytol, which is currently the only FDA approved SPIO nanoparticles for human use. Using our new method, 7-day cultured MSCs regain the capability to take up Ferumoxytol and exhibit an intracellular iron concentration of 2.50 ± 0.50 pg/MSC, comparable to that obtained by using Ferumoxytol-heparin-protamine nanocomplex; and (ii) cells can be re-sized to more native size, reducing from 32.0 ± 7.2 μm to 19.5 ± 5.2 μm. Our method can be very useful for expanding MSCs and labeling with Ferumoxytol, without the need for transfection agents and/or electroporation, allowing cell-tracking by MRI in both pre-clinical and clinical studies.
A multiband perfect absorber based on hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Sreekanth Kandammathe Valiyaveedu , ElKabbash Mohamed , Alapan Yunus , Rashed Alireza R. , Gurkan Umut A. , Strangi Giuseppe 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIn recent years, considerable research efforts have been focused on near-perfect and perfect light absorption using metamaterials spanning frequency ranges from microwaves to visible frequencies. This relatively young field is currently facing many challenges that hampers its possible practical applications. In this paper, we present grating coupled-hyperbolic metamaterials (GC-HMM) as multiband perfect absorber that can offer extremely high flexibility in engineering the properties of electromagnetic absorption. The fabricated GC-HMMs exhibit several highly desirable features for technological applications such as polarization independence, wide angle range, broad- and narrow- band modes, multiband perfect and near perfect absorption in the visible to near-IR and mid-IR spectral range. In addition, we report a direct application of the presented system as an absorption based plasmonic sensor with a record figure of merit for this class of sensors.
Glycans affect DNA extraction and induce substantial differences in gut metagenomic studies
Authors: Angelakis Emmanouil , Bachar Dipankar , Henrissat Bernard , Armougom Fabrice , Audoly Gilles , Lagier Jean-Christophe , Robert Catherine , Raoult Didier 
Published: May 2016

AbstractExopolysaccharides produced by bacterial species and present in feces are extremely inhibitory to DNA restriction and can cause discrepancies in metagenomic studies. We determined the effects of different DNA extraction methods on the apparent composition of the gut microbiota using Illumina MiSeq deep sequencing technology. DNA was extracted from the stool from an obese female using 10 different methods and the choice of DNA extraction method affected the proportional abundance at the phylum level, species richness (Chao index, 227 to 2,714) and diversity (non parametric Shannon, 1.37 to 4.4). Moreover DNA was extracted from stools obtained from 83 different individuals by the fastest extraction assay and by an extraction assay that degradated exopolysaccharides. The fastest extraction method was able to detect 68% to 100% genera and 42% to 95% species whereas the glycan degradation extraction method was able to detect 56% to 93% genera and 25% to 87% species. To allow a good liberation of DNA from exopolysaccharides commonly presented in stools, we recommend the mechanical lysis of stools plus glycan degradation, used here for the first time. Caution must be taken in the interpretation of current metagenomic studies, as the efficiency of DNA extraction varies widely among stool samples.
Evolutionary origin of the NCSI gene subfamily encoding norcoclaurine synthase is associated with the biosynthesis of benzylisoquinoline alkaloids in plants
Authors: Vimolmangkang Sornkanok , Deng Xianbao , Owiti Albert , Meelaph Thitirat , Ogutu Collins , Han Yuepeng 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSacred lotus is rich in biologically active compounds, particularly benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs). Here, we report on isolation of genes encoding (S)-norcoclaurine synthase (NCS) in sacred lotus, which is a key entry-enzyme in BIA biosynthesis. Seven NCS genes, designated NnNCS1 through NnNCS7, were identified in the sacred lotus genome, and five are located next to each other within a 83 kb region on scaffold 8. The NCS genes are divided into two subfamilies, designated NCSI and NCSII. The NCSII genes are universal in plants, while the NCSI genes are only identified in a limited number of dicotyledonous taxa that produce BIAs. In sacred lotus, only NnNCS4 belongs to the NCSII subfamily, whilst the rest NCS genes within the NCSI subfamily. Overall, the NnNCS7 gene was predominantly expressed in all tested tissues, and its expression is significantly correlated with alkaloid content in leaf. In contrast, the NnNCS4 expression shows no significant correlation with alkaloid accumulation in leaf, and its lack of expression cannot inhibit alkaloid accumulation. Taken together, these results suggest that the NCSI subfamily is crucial for BIA biosynthesis, and its origin may represent an important evolutionary event that allows certain plant taxa to produce BIAs.
Association between selenium levels and oesophageal adenocarcinoma risk: evidence from a meta-analysis
Authors: Hong Bin , Huang Lihong , Mao Ning , Xiong Tao , Li Chao , Hu Liangbo , Du Ying 
Published: May 2016

Quantification of the association between selenium and risk of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC) is still conflicting. The purpose of this meta-analysis is to explore the relationship between selenium levels and OAC risk. PubMed and Web of Knowledge were searched for the related articles. Pooled relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) from random effects models were calculated. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Dose–response relationship was assessed by restricted cubic spline and variance-weighted least squares regression analysis. Five articles involving 748 OAC cases were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggest that higher selenium level was not significantly associated with the risk of OAC (summary RRs=1.08, 95% CIs=0.84–1.39, I2=0%). Besides, no significant association was found in case-control studies (summary RRs=1.13, 95% CIs=0.84–1.52, I2=0%) or cohort studies (summary RRs=0.99, 95% CIs=0.55–1.78, I2=32.6%). A linear dose–response relationship was attested that an increase in dietary selenium intake of 10 μg/day is marginally associated with 1% increase in the risk of developing OAC (summary RRs=1.01, 95% CIs=0.99–1.03), but not statistically significant. No publication bias was found. In conclusion, our analysis indicated that a higher selenium level was not significantly associated with the risk of OAC. The relevant further studies are warranted.
Differential effects of NOX4 and NOX1 on immune cell-mediated inflammation in the aortic sinus of diabetic ApoE−/− mice
Authors: Di Marco Elyse , Gray Stephen P. , Chew Phyllis , Kennedy Kit , Cooper Mark E. , Schmidt Harald H.H.W. , Jandeleit-Dahm Karin A.M. 
Published: May 2016

Oxidative stress and inflammation are central mediators of atherosclerosis particularly in the context of diabetes. The potential interactions between the major producers of vascular reactive oxygen species (ROS), NADPH oxidase (NOX) enzymes and immune-inflammatory processes remain to be fully elucidated. In the present study we investigated the roles of the NADPH oxidase subunit isoforms, NOX4 and NOX1, in immune cell activation and recruitment to the aortic sinus atherosclerotic plaque in diabetic ApoE−/− mice. Plaque area analysis showed that NOX4- and NOX1-derived ROS contribute to atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus following 10 weeks of diabetes. Immunohistochemical staining of the plaques revealed that NOX4-derived ROS regulate T-cell recruitment. In addition, NOX4-deficient mice showed a reduction in activated CD4+ T-cells in the draining lymph nodes of the aortic sinus coupled with reduced pro-inflammatory gene expression in the aortic sinus. Conversely, NOX1-derived ROS appeared to play a more important role in macrophage accumulation. These findings demonstrate distinct roles for NOX4 and NOX1 in immune-inflammatory responses that drive atherosclerosis in the aortic sinus of diabetic mice.
Self‐packaged SISL dual‐band BPF using a new quadruple‐mode resonator
Authors: Du Chengying , Ma Kaixue , Mou Shouxian 
Published: May 2016

A new quadruple‐mode resonator (QMR) is proposed to design a self‐packaged dual‐band bandpass filter (DBBPF) by using the substrate integrated suspended line (SISL) technology. The low insertion losses of the fabricated DBBPF are 0.52/1.76 dB and the fractional bandwidth are 65.4%/9.2% for two operation passbands at 2.65/8.71 GHz, respectively. The measured results are in good agreement with electromagnetic simulation.