bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lack of association between SREBF-1c gene polymorphisms and risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in a Chinese Han population
Authors: Peng Xian-E. , Chen Feng-Lin , Liu Wenjuan , Hu ZhiJian , Lin Xu 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c) is a key regulator of lipogenesis and insulin sensitivity and is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Here, we assessed the impact of common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in SREBF-1c on NAFLD susceptibility and associated metabolic phenotypes in a Han Chinese population. Four common SNPs (rs62064119, rs2297508, rs11868035 and rs13306741) in the SREBP-1c gene were selected and genotyped in 593 patients with NAFLD and 593 healthy controls. Unconditional logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of NAFLD by determining odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). No significant differences in genotype and allele frequencies of these four SNPs were found between the NAFLD population and the controls (all P > 0.05). In addition, we did not find any association between the SREBF-1c SNPs and the clinical and biochemical parameters, such as body mass index, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein-and low density lipoprotein-cholesterol or systolic and diastolic blood pressure, except that the rs2297508 C-allele or rs11868035 G-allele showed significant associations with lower triglyceride levels in control subjects (P < 0.01). Our findings suggested that the four polymorphisms in SREBF-1c gene are not associated with risk of NAFLD in the Chinese Han population.
Polyurethane scaffolds seeded with CD34+ cells maintain early stem cells whilst also facilitating prolonged egress of haematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Severn Charlotte E. , Macedo Hugo , Eagle Mark J. , Rooney Paul , Mantalaris Athanasios , Toye Ashley M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe describe a 3D erythroid culture system that utilises a porous polyurethane (PU) scaffold to mimic the compartmentalisation found in the bone marrow. PU scaffolds seeded with peripheral blood CD34+ cells exhibit a remarkable reproducibility of egress, with an increased output when directly compared to human bone scaffolds over 28 days. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the persistence of CD34+ cells within the scaffolds for the entirety of the culture. To characterise scaffold outputs, we designed a flow cytometry panel that utilises surface marker expression observed in standard 2D erythroid and megakaryocyte cultures. This showed that the egress population is comprised of haematopoietic progenitor cells (CD36+GPA−/low). Control cultures conducted in parallel but in the absence of a scaffold were also generally maintained for the longevity of the culture albeit with a higher level of cell death. The harvested scaffold egress can also be expanded and differentiated to the reticulocyte stage. In summary, PU scaffolds can behave as a subtractive compartmentalised culture system retaining and allowing maintenance of the seeded “CD34+ cell” population despite this population decreasing in amount as the culture progresses, whilst also facilitating egress of increasingly differentiated cells.
Graphene Dendrimer-stabilized silver nanoparticles for detection of methimazole using Surface-enhanced Raman scattering with computational assignment
Authors: Saleh Tawfik A. , Al-Shalalfeh Mutasem M. , Al-Saadi Abdulaziz A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGraphene functionalized with polyamidoamine dendrimer, decorated with silver nanoparticles (G-D-Ag), was synthesized and evaluated as a substrate with surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for methimazole (MTZ) detection. Sodium borohydride was used as a reducing agent to cultivate silver nanoparticles on the dendrimer. The obtained G-D-Ag was characterized by using UV-vis spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier-transformed infrared (FT-IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The SEM image indicated the successful formation of the G-D-Ag. The behavior of MTZ on the G-D-Ag as a reliable and robust substrate was investigated by SERS, which indicated mostly a chemical interaction between G-D-Ag and MTZ. The bands of the MTZ normal spectra at 1538, 1463, 1342, 1278, 1156, 1092, 1016, 600, 525 and 410 cm−1 were enhanced due to the SERS effect. Correlations between the logarithmical scale of MTZ concentrations and SERS signal intensities were established, and a low detection limit of 1.43 × 10−12 M was successfully obtained. The density functional theory (DFT) approach was utilized to provide reliable assignment of the key Raman bands.
Complementarity effects on tree growth are contingent on tree size and climatic conditions across Europe
Authors: Madrigal-González Jaime , Ruiz-Benito Paloma , Ratcliffe Sophia , Calatayud Joaquín , Kändler Gerald , Lehtonen Aleksi , Dahlgren Jonas , Wirth Christian , Zavala Miguel A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractNeglecting tree size and stand structure dynamics might bias the interpretation of the diversity-productivity relationship in forests. Here we show evidence that complementarity is contingent on tree size across large-scale climatic gradients in Europe. We compiled growth data of the 14 most dominant tree species in 32,628 permanent plots covering boreal, temperate and Mediterranean forest biomes. Niche complementarity is expected to result in significant growth increments of trees surrounded by a larger proportion of functionally dissimilar neighbours. Functional dissimilarity at the tree level was assessed using four functional types: i.e. broad-leaved deciduous, broad-leaved evergreen, needle-leaved deciduous and needle-leaved evergreen. Using Linear Mixed Models we show that, complementarity effects depend on tree size along an energy availability gradient across Europe. Specifically: (i) complementarity effects at low and intermediate positions of the gradient (coldest-temperate areas) were stronger for small than for large trees; (ii) in contrast, at the upper end of the gradient (warmer regions), complementarity is more widespread in larger than smaller trees, which in turn showed negative growth responses to increased functional dissimilarity. Our findings suggest that the outcome of species mixing on stand productivity might critically depend on individual size distribution structure along gradients of environmental variation.
Abcb1 in Pigs: Molecular cloning, tissues distribution, functional analysis, and its effect on pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin
Authors: Guo Tingting , Huang Jinhu , Zhang Hongyu , Dong Lingling , Guo Dawei , Guo Li , He Fang , Bhutto Zohaib Ahmed , Wang Liping 
Published: August 2016

AbstractP-glycoprotein (P-gp) is one of the best-known ATP-dependent efflux transporters, contributing to differences in pharmacokinetics and drug-drug interactions. Until now, studies on pig P-gp have been scarce. In our studies, the full-length porcine P-gp cDNA was cloned and expressed in a Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cell line. P-gp expression was then determined in tissues and its role in the pharmacokinetics of oral enrofloxacin in pigs was studied. The coding region of pig Abcb1 gene was 3,861 bp, encoding 1,286 amino acid residues (Mw = 141,966). Phylogenetic analysis indicated a close evolutionary relationship between porcine P-gp and those of cow and sheep. Pig P-gp was successfully stably overexpressed in MDCK cells and had efflux activity for rhodamine 123, a substrate of P-gp. Tissue distribution analysis indicated that P-gp was highly expressed in brain capillaries, small intestine, and liver. In MDCK-pAbcb1 cells, enrofloxacin was transported by P-gp with net efflux ratio of 2.48 and the efflux function was blocked by P-gp inhibitor verapamil. High expression of P-gp in the small intestine could modify the pharmacokinetics of orally administrated enrofloxacin by increasing the Cmax, AUC and Ka, which was demonstrated using verapamil, an inhibitor of P-gp.
Non-Motor symptoms in Portuguese Parkinson’s Disease patients: correlation and impact on Quality of Life and Activities of Daily Living
Authors: Bugalho Paulo , Lampreia Tânia , Miguel Rita , Mendonça Marcelo D. , Caetano André , Barbosa Raquel 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe prevalence of non-motor symptoms (NMS) in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) has varied between studies. Their interrelation isn’t totally understood. Also, the relative importance of each symptom, regarding its impact on activities of daily living (ADL) and health related quality of life (HRQL), remains debatable. We assessed all PD patients attending a Portuguese tertiary movement disorders center during one year (n = 134), with ADL, HRQL and other clinical scales approved for identifying the most relevant NMS in PD. All patients had at least one NMS. Sleep/fatigue, affect/cognition, attention/memory were the most frequent complaints and their prevalence, above 80%, was higher than in most studies. There were significantly correlations between: sleepiness, psychosis and cognition; gastrointestinal, cardiovascular symptoms and pain; depression and apathy; anxiety and insomnia; olfaction, weight and hyperhidrosis. Depression/apathy exerted the strongest influence on HRQL and non-tremor motor dysfunction on ADL. Compared to studies in other countries, we found a higher prevalence of NMS, which could be specific of this population. The interrelation between NMS could be related to degeneration of different brain structures. NMS exert a stronger influence than MS in HRQL, which should be taken in account regarding treatment options.
A Na+ Superionic Conductor for Room-Temperature Sodium Batteries
Authors: Song Shufeng , Duong Hai M. , Korsunsky Alexander M. , Hu Ning , Lu Li 
Published: August 2016

AbstractRechargeable lithium ion batteries have ruled the consumer electronics market for the past 20 years and have great significance in the growing number of electric vehicles and stationary energy storage applications. However, in addition to concerns about electrochemical performance, the limited availability of lithium is gradually becoming an important issue for further continued use and development of lithium ion batteries. Therefore, a significant shift in attention has been taking place towards new types of rechargeable batteries such as sodium-based systems that have low cost. Another important aspect of sodium battery is its potential compatibility with the all-solid-state design where solid electrolyte is used to replace liquid one, leading to simple battery design, long life span, and excellent safety. The key to the success of all-solid-state battery design is the challenge of finding solid electrolytes possessing acceptable high ionic conductivities at room temperature. Herein, we report a novel sodium superionic conductor with NASICON structure, Na3.1Zr1.95Mg0.05Si2PO12 that shows high room-temperature ionic conductivity of 3.5 × 10−3 S cm−1. We also report successful fabrication of a room-temperature solid-state Na-S cell using this conductor.
Dynamic transition of neuronal firing induced by abnormal astrocytic glutamate oscillation
Authors: Li Jiajia , Tang Jun , Ma Jun , Du Mengmeng , Wang Rong , Wu Ying 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe gliotransmitter glutamate released from astrocytes can modulate neuronal firing by activating neuronal N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. This enables astrocytic glutamate(AG) to be involved in neuronal physiological and pathological functions. Based on empirical results and classical neuron-glial “tripartite synapse” model, we propose a practical model to describe extracellular AG oscillation, in which the fluctuation of AG depends on the threshold of calcium concentration and the effect of AG degradation is considered as well. We predict the seizure-like discharges under the dysfunction of AG degradation duration. Consistent with our prediction, the suppression of AG uptake by astrocytic transporters, which operates by modulating the AG degradation process, can account for the emergence of epilepsy.
Physiological basis for low-temperature survival and storage of quiescent larvae of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Koštál Vladimír , Korbelová Jaroslava , Štětina Tomáš , Poupardin Rodolphe , Colinet Hervé , Zahradníčková Helena , Opekarová Iva , Moos Martin , Šimek Petr 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe cryopreservation techniques proposed for embryos of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster are not yet ready for practical use. Alternative methods for long-term storage of D. melanogaster strains, although urgently needed, do not exist. Herein, we describe a narrow interval of low temperatures under which the larvae of D. melanogaster can be stored in quiescence for up to two months. The development of larvae was arrested at the pre-wandering stage under fluctuating thermal regime (FTR), which simultaneously resulted in diminishing the accumulation of indirect chill injuries. Our physiological, metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that compared to larvae stored at constant low temperatures, the larvae stored under FTR conditions were able to decrease the rates of depletion of energy substrates, exploited brief warm episodes of FTR for homeostatic control of metabolite levels and more efficiently exerted protection against oxidative damage.
SOX9-regulated cell plasticity in colorectal metastasis is attenuated by rapamycin
Authors: Carrasco-Garcia Estefania , Lopez Lidia , Aldaz Paula , Arevalo Sara , Aldaregia Juncal , Egaña Larraitz , Bujanda Luis , Cheung Martin , Sampron Nicolas , Garcia Idoia , Matheu Ander 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis proposes a hierarchical organization of tumors, in which stem-like cells sustain tumors and drive metastasis. The molecular mechanisms underlying the acquisition of CSCs and metastatic traits are not well understood. SOX9 is a transcription factor linked to stem cell maintenance and commonly overexpressed in solid cancers including colorectal cancer. In this study, we show that SOX9 levels are higher in metastatic (SW620) than in primary colorectal cancer cells (SW480) derived from the same patient. This elevated expression correlated with enhanced self-renewal activity. By gain and loss-of-function studies in SW480 and SW620 cells respectively, we reveal that SOX9 levels modulate tumorsphere formation and self-renewal ability in vitro and tumor initiation in vivo. Moreover, SOX9 regulates migration and invasion and triggers the transition between epithelial and mesenchymal states. These activities are partially dependent on SOX9 post-transcriptional modifications. Importantly, treatment with rapamycin inhibits self-renewal and tumor growth in a SOX9-dependent manner. These results identify a functional role for SOX9 in regulating colorectal cancer cell plasticity and metastasis and provide a strong rationale for a rapamycin-based therapeutic strategy.
Incorporation of non-canonical amino acids into the developing murine proteome
Authors: Calve Sarah , Witten Andrew J. , Ocken Alexander R. , Kinzer-Ursem Tamara L. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAnalysis of the developing proteome has been complicated by a lack of tools that can be easily employed to label and identify newly synthesized proteins within complex biological mixtures. Here, we demonstrate that the methionine analogs azidohomoalanine and homopropargylglycine can be globally incorporated into the proteome of mice through facile intraperitoneal injections. These analogs contain bio-orthogonal chemical handles to which fluorescent tags can be conjugated to identify newly synthesized proteins. We show these non-canonical amino acids are incorporated into various tissues in juvenile mice and in a concentration dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of these methionine analogs to pregnant dams during a critical stage of murine development, E10.5–12.5 when many tissues are assembling, does not overtly disrupt development as assessed by proteomic analysis and normal parturition and growth of pups. This successful demonstration that non-canonical amino acids can be directly administered in vivo will enable future studies that seek to characterize the murine proteome during growth, disease and repair.
In vivo mutagenesis of miRNA gene families using a scalable multiplexed CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease system
Authors: Narayanan Anand , Hill-Teran Guillermina , Moro Albertomaria , Ristori Emma , Kasper Dionna M. , A. Roden Christine , Lu Jun , Nicoli Stefania 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA large number of microRNAs (miRNAs) are grouped into families derived from the same phylogenetic ancestors. miRNAs within a family often share the same physiological functions despite differences in their primary sequences, secondary structures, or chromosomal locations. Consequently, the generation of animal models to analyze the activity of miRNA families is extremely challenging. Using zebrafish as a model system, we successfully provide experimental evidence that a large number of miRNAs can be simultaneously mutated to abrogate the activity of an entire miRNA family. We show that injection of the Cas9 nuclease and two, four, ten and up to twenty-four multiplexed single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) can induce mutations in 90% of the miRNA genomic sequences analyzed. We performed a survey of these 45 mutations in 10 miRNA genes, analyzing the impact of our mutagenesis strategy on the processing of each miRNA both computationally and in vivo. Our results offer an effective approach to mutate and study the activity of miRNA families and pave the way for further analysis on the function of complex miRNA families in higher multicellular organisms.
Function of RSKS-1-AAK-2-DAF-16 signaling cascade in enhancing toxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes can be suppressed by mir-259 activation in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Zhuang Ziheng , Li Min , Liu Hui , Luo Libo , Gu Weidong , Wu Qiuli , Wang Dayong 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCaenorhabditis elegansis an important non-mammalian alternative assay model for toxicological study. Previous study has indicated that exposure to multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) dysregulated the transcriptional expression ofmir-259. In this study, we examined the molecular basis formir-259in regulating MWCNTs toxicity in nematodes. Mutation ofmir-259induced a susceptible property to MWCNTs toxicity and MWCNTs exposure induced a significant increase inmir-259::GFPin pharyngeal/intestinal valve and reproductive tract, implying thatmir-259might mediate a protection mechanisms for nematodes against MWCNTs toxicity. RSKS-1, a putative ribosomal protein S6 kinase, acted as the target formir-259in regulating MWCNTs toxicity and mutation ofrsks-1suppressed the susceptible property ofmir-259mutant to MWCNTs toxicity. Moreover,mir-259functioned in pharynx-intestinal valve and RSKS-1 functioned in pharynx to regulate MWCNTs toxicity. Furthermore, RSKS-1 regulated MWCNTs toxicity by suppressing the function of AAK-2-DAF-16 signaling cascade. Our results will strengthen our understanding the microRNAs mediated protection mechanisms for animals against the toxicity from certain nanomaterials.
Spin-orbit coupling control of anisotropy, ground state and frustration in 5d2 Sr2MgOsO6
Authors: Morrow Ryan , Taylor Alice E. , Singh D. J. , Xiong Jie , Rodan Steven , Wolter A. U. B. , Wurmehl Sabine , Büchner Bernd , Stone M. B. , Kolesnikov A. I. , Aczel Adam A. , Christianson A. D. , Woodward Patrick M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe influence of spin-orbit coupling (SOC) on the physical properties of the 5d2 system Sr2MgOsO6 is probed via a combination of magnetometry, specific heat measurements, elastic and inelastic neutron scattering and density functional theory calculations. Although a significant degree of frustration is expected, we find that Sr2MgOsO6 orders in a type I antiferromagnetic structure at the remarkably high temperature of 108 K. The measurements presented allow for the first accurate quantification of the size of the magnetic moment in a 5d2 system of 0.60(2) μB –a significantly reduced moment from the expected value for such a system. Furthermore, significant anisotropy is identified via a spin excitation gap and we confirm by first principles calculations that SOC not only provides the magnetocrystalline anisotropy, but also plays a crucial role in determining both the ground state magnetic order and the size of the local moment in this compound. Through comparison to Sr2ScOsO6, it is demonstrated that SOC-induced anisotropy has the ability to relieve frustration in 5d2 systems relative to their 5d3 counterparts, providing an explanation of the high TN found in Sr2MgOsO6.
Screening for Language Delay: Growth Trajectories of Language Ability in Low- and High-Performing Children
Authors: Klem Marianne , Hagtvet Bente , Hulme Charles , Gustafsson Jan-Eric 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This study investigated the stability and growth of preschool language skills and explores latent class analysis as an approach for identifying children at risk of language impairment.

Method

The authors present data from a large-scale 2-year longitudinal study, in which 600 children were assessed with a language-screening tool (LANGUAGE4) at age 4 years. A subsample (
n
= 206) was assessed on measures of sentence repetition, vocabulary, and grammatical knowledge at ages 4, 5, and 6 years.

Results
A global latent language factor showed a high degree of longitudinal stability in children between the ages of 4 to 6 years. A low-performing group showing a language deficit compared to their age peers at age 4 was identified on the basis of the LANGUAGE4. The growth-rates during this 2-year time period were parallel for the low-performing and 3 higher performing groups of children.

Conclusions
There is strong stability in children's language skills between the ages of 4 and 6 years. The results demonstrate that a simple language screening measure can successfully identify a low-performing group of children who show persistent language weaknesses between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
EO polymer at cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Park D.H. , Yun V. , Luo J. , Jen A.K.‐Y. , Herman W.N. 
Published: August 2016

Electro‐optic (EO) properties at 7 K of a guest–host type nonlinear poled polymer system consisting of AJLZ53 chromophores in an amorphous polycarbonate host are reported for the first time. A modified attenuated total reflection method that takes into account multilayer structure is used to accurately characterise linear and nonlinear optical properties. At the telecommunication wavelength of 1550 nm, <10% drop of the EO coefficient r33 at 7 K is observed compared with that at 300 K, while n3r33 only decreases <5% because of increased anisotropic indices of refraction at low temperatures. This decrease of the r33 at 7 K indicates that the EO activity of nonlinear polymers at room temperatures is not of pure electronic origin because of vibrational mode contributions to the first‐order hyperpolarisability.