bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low-Frequency Spectral Energy Distributions of Radio Pulsars Detected with the Murchison Widefield Array
Authors: Murphy Tara , Kaplan David L. , Bell Martin E. , Callingham J. R. , Croft Steve , Johnston Simon , Dobie Dougal , Zic Andrew , Hughes Jake , Lynch Christene , Hancock Paul , Hurley-Walker Natasha , Lenc Emil , Dwarakanath K. S. , For B.-Q. , Gaensler B. M. , Hindson L. , Johnston-Hollitt M. , Kapińska A. D. , McKinley B. , Morgan J. , Offringa A. R. , Procopio P. , Staveley-Smith L. , Wayth R. , Wu C. , Zheng Q. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present low-frequency spectral energy distributions of 60 known radio pulsars observed with the Murchison Widefield Array telescope. We searched the GaLactic and Extragalactic All-sky Murchison Widefield Array survey images for 200-MHz continuum radio emission at the position of all pulsars in the Australia Telescope National Facility (ATNF) pulsar catalogue. For the 60 confirmed detections, we have measured flux densities in 20 × 8 MHz bands between 72 and 231 MHz. We compare our results to existing measurements and show that the Murchison Widefield Array flux densities are in good agreement.
Climate change impacts on date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia
Authors: ALLBED A. , KUMAR L. , SHABANI F. 
Published: April 2017

SUMMARYDate palm (Phoenix dactyliferaL.) is an important cash crop in many countries, including Saudi Arabia. Understanding the likely potential distribution of this crop under current and future climate scenarios will enable environmental managers to prepare appropriate strategies to manage the changes. In the current study, the simulation model CLIMEX was used to develop a niche model to estimate the impacts of climate change on the current and future potential distribution of date palm. Two global climate models (GCMs), CSIRO-Mk3·0 and MIROC-H under the A2 emission scenario for 2050 and 2100, were used to assess the impacts of climate change. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify which model parameters had the most effect on date palm distribution. Further refinements of the potential distributions were performed through the integration of six non-climatic parameters in a geographic information system. Areas containing suitable soil taxonomy, soil texture, soil salinity, land use, landform and slopes of <7° for date palm were selected as suitable refining variables in order to achieve more realistic models. The results from both GCMs exhibited a significant reduction in climatic suitability for date palm cultivation in Saudi Arabia by 2100. Climate sensitivity analysis indicates that the lower optimal soil moisture, cold stress temperature threshold and wet stress threshold parameters had the most effect on sensitivity, while other parameters were moderately sensitive or insensitive to change. The study also demonstrated that the inclusion of non-climatic parameters with CLIMEX outputs increased the explanatory power of the models. Such models can provide early warning scenarios for how environmental managers should respond to changes in the distribution of the date palm in Saudi Arabia.
Sub-decadal variations in outlet glacier terminus positions in Victoria Land, Oates Land and George V Land, East Antarctica (1972–2013)
Authors: Lovell A.M. , Stokes C.R. , Jamieson S.S.R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRecent work has highlighted the sensitivity of marine-terminating glaciers to decadal-scale changes in the ocean–climate system in parts of East Antarctica. However, compared to Greenland, West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, little is known about recent glacier change and potential cause(s), with several regions yet to be studied in detail. In this paper, we map the terminus positions of 135 glaciers along the coastline of Victoria Land, Oates Land and George V Land from 1972–2013 at a higher temporal resolution (sub-decadal intervals) than in previous research. These three regions span a range of climatic and oceanic conditions and contain a variety of glacier types. Overall, from 1972–2013, 36% of glaciers advanced, 25% retreated and the remainder showed no discernible change. On sub-decadal timescales, there were no clear trends in glacier terminus position change. However, marine-terminating glaciers experienced larger terminus position changes compared with terrestrial glaciers, and those with an unconstrained floating tongue exhibited the largest variations. We conclude that, unlike in Greenland, West Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, there is no clear glacier retreat in the study area and that most of the variations are more closely linked to glacier size and terminus type.
Atrazine degradation through PEI-copper nanoparticles deposited onto montmorillonite and sand
Authors: Kalidhasan Sethu , Dror Ishai , Berkowitz Brian 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe present the synthesis of new composite materials based on copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) deposited onto montmorillonite (MK10) and quartz sand, for degradation of atrazine, in the context of an advanced oxidation process (AOP). The synthesis involves a first step in which polyethylenimine (PEI) capped Cu NPs (PEI_Cu NPs) are prepared, and then deposited onto, separately, MK10 and sand, through a solvent impregnation method. The resulting products are characterized in detail; the copper is found to exist as a mixture of copper (I, II) oxide. The degradation of atrazine follows a second-order kinetic model with constant values of K2 = 1.7957 g mg−1min−1for MK10_PEI_Cu NPs and K2 = 0.8133 g mg−1min−1for sand_PEI_Cu NPs. The reaction rate is linked to Cu2O and CuO redox-active species within the layers, pores and surface of the host materials. A degradation mechanism is found with application of these composite materials in the presence of H2O2; adsorption occurs in the absence of H2O2. In contrast, the unmodified MK10 and sand exhibit adsorption in both of the above reaction conditions. Finally, the stability of the Cu NPs following degradation is evaluated, and no significant amount of copper leaching is found.
Identification of a nanobody specific to human pulmonary surfactant protein A
Authors: He Xian , Wang Shan-Mei , Fang Yin Zhao , Zhao Meng-Meng , Li Nan , Yu Feng , Wang Liu-Sheng , Hu Yang , Du Yu-Kui , Du Shan-Shan , Li Yan , Wei Ya-Ru , Chen Shan-Shan , He Jian-Hua , Weng Dong , Li Hui-Ping 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNanobody (Nb) is a promising vector for targeted drug delivery. This study aims to identify an Nb that can specifically target the lung by binding human pulmonary surfactant protein A (SP-A). Human lung frozen tissue sections were used for 3 rounds of biospanning of our previously constructed Nb library for rat SP-A to establish a sub-library of Nb, which specifically bound human lung tissues. Phage-ELISA was performed to screen the sub-library to identify Nb4, which specifically bound human SP-A. The binding affinity Kd of Nb4 to recombinant human SP-A was 7.48 × 10−7 M. Nb4 (19 kDa) was stable at 30 °C–37 °C and pH 7.0–7.6 and specifically bound the SP-A in human lung tissue homogenates, human lung A549 cells, and human lung tissues, whereas didn’t react with human liver L-02 cells, kidney 293T cells, and human tissues from organs other than the lung. Nb4 accumulated in the lung of nude mice 5 minutes after a tail vein injection of Nb4 and was excreted 3 hours. Short-term exposure (one month) to Nb4 didn’t cause apparent liver and kidney toxicity in rats, whereas 3-month exposure resulted in mild liver and kidney injuries. Nb4 may be a promising vector to specifically deliver drugs to the lung.
Transcription factors NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 regulate leaf growth via auxin signaling in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Min , Hu Xiaolong , Zhu Ming , Xu Miaoyun , Wang Lei 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn plants, leaf is crucial for photosynthesis and respiration. Leaf area and quantity are important for leaf vegetables to increase biomass. The process of leaf development involves coordinated regulation among small RNAs, transcription factors and hormones. Here, we found leaf size were regulated by transcription factors NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 in Arabidopsis. NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 overexpression increased biomass accumulation through promoting leaf growth and cell expansion. NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 were expressed in SAM and leaf vasculature. Endogenous IAA content reduced by 20% and 24% in transgenic Arabidopsis plants overexpressing NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 compared to wild-type plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 bound directly to the cis-element CCAAT in the promoter of the YUC2, and decreased the expression of YUC2, a YUCCA family gene. The auxin transporter gene PIN1 and auxin response factor1 and 2 (ARF1 and ARF2) genes, transcriptional repressors, were downregulated. These findings showed leaf development was regulated by NF-YA2 and NF-YA10 through the auxin-signaling pathway and may provide a new insight into the genetic engineering of vegetables biomass and crop productivity.
In vitro fibrillogenesis of tropocollagen type III in collagen type I affects its relative fibrillar topology and mechanics
Authors: Asgari Meisam , Latifi Neda , Heris Hossein K. , Vali Hojatollah , Mongeau Luc 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTropocollagen types I and III were simultaneously fibrilized in vitro, and the differences between the geometric and mechanical properties of the heterotypic fibrils with different mixing ratios of tropocollagen III to I were investigated. Transmission electron microscopy was used to confirm the simultaneous presence of both tropocollagen types within the heterotypic fibrils. The incorporation of collagen III in I caused the fibrils to be thinner with a shorter D-banding than pure collagen I. Hertzian contact model was used to obtain the elastic moduli from atomic force microscope indentation testing using a force volume analysis. The results indicated that an increase in the percentage of tropocollagen III reduced the mechanical stiffness of the obtained fibrils. The mechanical stiffness of the collagen fibrils was found to be greater at higher loading frequencies. This observation might explain the dominance of collagen III over I in soft distensible organs such as human vocal folds.
Filamentous bulking caused by Thiothrix species is efficiently controlled in full-scale wastewater treatment plants by implementing a sludge densification strategy
Authors: Henriet Olivier , Meunier Christophe , Henry Paul , Mahillon Jacques 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFilamentous bulking caused by Thiothrix species is responsible for sludge washout and loss of performance in dairy wastewater treatment plants. A long-term study was conducted over 1.5 years to test three different mitigation strategies in a full-scale plant composed of two parallel sequential batch reactors (SBR1 and 2). Strategies based on polyaluminium chloride addition and volatile fatty acids reduction were ineffective to permanently solve the problem. On the contrary, modification of the reactor cycle based on the implementation of a periodic starvation proved efficient to solve the biomass wash-out and drastically reduce the sludge volume index in both reactors. Bacterial diversity analysis using 16S amplicon sequencing and quantitative PCR indicated a reduction of Thiothrix abundance from 51.9 to 1.0% in SBR1 and from 71.8 to 0.6% in SBR2. Simultaneously, the abundance of the glycogen-accumulating bacterium Candidatus Competibacter increased in both reactors. Microscopy analysis confirmed the transition between a bulking sludge towards a granular-like sludge. This study confirms the applicability of a periodic starvation to (1) solve recurring Thiothrix bulking, (2) convert loose aggregates into dense and compact granular-like structures and (3) considerably reduce energy demand for aeration.
The Rational Design of Therapeutic Peptides for Aminopeptidase N using a Substrate-Based Approach
Authors: Joshi Shilvi , Chen Lang , Winter Michael B. , Lin Yi-Lun , Yang Yang , Shapovalova Mariya , Smith Paige M. , Liu Chang , Li Fang , LeBeau Aaron M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe M1 family of metalloproteases represents a large number of exopeptidases that cleave single amino acid residues from the N-terminus of peptide substrates. One member of this family that has been well studied is aminopeptidase N (APN), a multifunctional protease known to cleave biologically active peptides and aide in coronavirus entry. The proteolytic activity of APN promotes cancer angiogenesis and metastasis making it an important target for cancer therapy. To understand the substrate specificity of APN for the development of targeted inhibitors, we used a global substrate profiling method to determine the P1–P4′ amino acid preferences. The key structural features of the APN pharmacophore required for substrate recognition were elucidated by x-ray crystallography. By combining these substrate profiling and structural data, we were able to design a selective peptide inhibitor of APN that was an effective therapeutic both in vitro and in vivo against APN-expressing prostate cancer models.
Identification of Streptococcus cristatus peptides that repress expression of virulence genes in Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Ho Meng-Hsuan , Lamont Richard J. , Xie Hua 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDental plaque is a complex multispecies biofilm, and is a direct precursor of periodontal disease. The virulence of periodontal pathogens, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, is expressed in the context of this polymicrobial community. Previously, we reported an antagonistic relationship between Streptococcus cristatus and P. gingivalis, and identified arginine deiminase (ArcA) of S. cristatus as the signaling molecule to which P. gingivalis responds by repressing the expression and production of FimA protein. Here we demonstrate that direct interaction between P. gingivalis and S. cristatus is necessary for the cell-cell communication. Two surface proteins of P. gingivalis, PGN_0294 and PGN_0806, were found to interact with S. cristatus ArcA. Using a peptide array analysis, we identified several P. gingivalis-binding sites of ArcA, which led to the discovery of an 11-mer peptide with the native sequence of ArcA that repressed expression of fimbriae and of gingipains. These data indicate that a functional motif of ArcA is sufficient to selectively alter virulence gene expression in P. gingivalis, and PGN_0294 and PGN_0806 may serve as receptors for ArcA. Our findings provide a molecular basis for future rational design of agents that interfere with the initiation and formation of a P. gingivalis-induced pathogenic community.
The novel transcriptional factor HP1BP3 negatively regulates Hsp70 transcription in Crassostrea hongkongensis
Authors: Xu Delin , Yang Qin , Cui Miao , Zhang Qizhong 
Published: April 2017

AbstractChHP1BP3, a chromatin complex-related protein known with dynamic features, was identified as a ChHsp70 promoter-associated factor in Crassostrea hongkongensis by DNA-affinity purification and mass spectrometry analysis. Direct interaction between purified ChHP1BP3 and the ChHsp70 promoter region was demonstrated using EMSA. ChHp1bp3 depletion led to clear enhancements in ChHsp70 mRNA expression in C. hongkongensis hemocytes. However, ChHp1bp3 overexpression in heterologous HEK293T cells correlated with fluctuations in ChHsp70 transcription. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis showed that both ChHsp70 and ChHp1bp3 transcription were responsive to external physical/chemical stresses by heat, CdCl2 and NP. This indicated a plausible correlation between ChHsp70 and ChHp1bp3 in the stress-induced genetic regulatory pathway. While, the distinctive ChHp1bp3 expression patterns upon physical and chemical stresses suggest that the mechanisms that mediate ChHp1bp3 induction might be stress-specific. This study discovered a novel role for HP1BP3 as a negative regulator in controlling Hsp70 transcription in C. hongkongensis, and contributed to better understanding the complex regulatory mechanisms governing Hsp70 transcription.
Enhanced mechanical, thermal, and electric properties of graphene aerogels via supercritical ethanol drying and high-temperature thermal reduction
Authors: Cheng Yehong , Zhou Shanbao , Hu Ping , Zhao Guangdong , Li Yongxia , Zhang Xinghong , Han Wenbo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGraphene aerogels with high surface areas, ultra-low densities and thermal conductivities have been prepared to exploit their wide applications from pollution adsorption to energy storage, supercapacitor, and thermal insulation. However, the low mechanical properties, poor thermal stability and electric conductivity restrict these aerogels’ applications. In this paper, we prepared mechanically strong graphene aerogels with large BET surface areas, low thermal conductivities, high thermal stability and electric conductivities via hydrothermal reduction and supercritical ethanol drying. Annealing at 1500 °C resulted in slightly increased thermal conductivity and further improvement in mechanical properties, oxidation temperature and electric conductivity of the graphene aerogel. The large BET surface areas, together with strong mechanical properties, low thermal conductivities, high thermal stability and electrical conductivities made these graphene aerogels feasible candidates for use in a number of fields covering from batteries to sensors, electrodes, lightweight conductor and insulation materials.
N-Glycan Modification of a Recombinant Protein via Coexpression of Human Glycosyltransferases in Silkworm Pupae
Authors: Kato Tatsuya , Kako Natsumi , Kikuta Kotaro , Miyazaki Takatsugu , Kondo Sachiko , Yagi Hirokazu , Kato Koichi , Park Enoch Y. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRecombinant proteins produced in insect cells and insects, unlike those produced in mammalian cells, have pauci-mannose-type N-glycans. In this study, we examined complex-type N-glycans on recombinant proteins via coexpression of human β-1,2-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase II (hGnT II) and human β1,4-galactosyltransferase (hGalT I) in silkworm pupae, by using the Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus (BmNPV) bacmid system. The actin A3 promoter from B. mori and the polyhedrin promoter from Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedroviruses (AcMNPVs) were used to coexpress hGnT II and hGalT I. These recombinant BmNPVs were coexpressed with human IgG (hIgG), hGnT II and hGalT I in silkworm pupae. When hIgG was coexpressed with hGnT II, approximately 15% of all N-glycans were biantennary, with both arms terminally modified with N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). In contrast, when hIgG was coexpressed with both hGnT II and hGalT I under the control of the polyhedrin promoter, 27% of all N-glycans were biantennary and terminally modified with GlcNAc, with up to 5% carrying one galactose and 11% carrying two. The obtained N-glycan structure was dependent on the promoters used for coexpression of hGnT II or hGalT I. This is the first report of silkworm pupae producing a biantennary, terminally galactosylated N-glycan in a recombinant protein. These results suggest that silkworms can be used as alternatives to insect and mammalian hosts to produce recombinant glycoproteins with complex N-glycans.
Expression and localisation of two-pore domain (K2P) background leak potassium ion channels in the mouse retina
Authors: Hughes Steven , Foster Russell G. , Peirson Stuart N. , Hankins Mark W. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTwo-pore domain (K2P) potassium channels perform essential roles in neuronal function. These channels produce background leak type potassium currents that act to regulate resting membrane potential and levels of cellular excitability. 15 different K2P channels have been identified in mammals and these channels perform important roles in a wide number of physiological systems. However, to date there is only limited data available concerning the expression and role of K2P channels in the retina. In this study we conduct the first comprehensive study of K2P channel expression in the retina. Our data show that K2P channels are widely expressed in the mouse retina, with variations in expression detected at different times of day and throughout postnatal development. The highest levels of K2P channel expression are observed for Müller cells (TWIK-1, TASK-3, TRAAK, and TREK-2) and retinal ganglion cells (TASK-1, TREK-1, TWIK-1, TWIK-2 and TWIK-3). These data offer new insight into the channels that regulate the resting membrane potential and electrical activity of retinal cells, and suggests that K2P channels are well placed to act as central regulators of visual signalling pathways. The prominent role of K2P channels in neuroprotection offers novel avenues of research into the treatment of common retinal diseases.
Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Cholecalciferol in Dogs from 2 Different Oral Formulations Using Corrective Measures to Overcome Interference from Endogenous Cholecalciferol
Authors: Patel Harilal , Patel Prakash , Bhatt Chandrakant , Ghoghari Ashok , Patel Urvesh , Ukawalal Mukesh , Sheikh Shafiq , Ramanathan Vikram , Srinivas Nuggehally 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe aim of the preclinical investigation was to obtain single dose pharmacokinetics in dogs from 2 different oral cholecalciferol formulations using corrective measures to overcome the interference of endogenous cholecalciferol. 6 dogs were fasted overnight and the following day received 60 000 IU dose cholecalciferol [reference, Eris®, vs. test, Sunbless®] by oral dosing. Blood samples were collected on day 0 (baseline establishment) and after dosing on day 1 up to 28 days. The serum samples were extracted using protein precipitation/solid phase extraction and analysed to determine cholecalciferol by LC-MS/MS assay with calibrators prepared from cholecalciferol free serum. Standard pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out to assess pharmacokinetic parameters. An un-paired t-test was employed for comparing statistical significance between formulations. Serum cholecalciferol concentration vs. time profiles for the 2 formulations was almost superimposable. None of the pharmacokinetic parameters showed statistically significant differences (p>0.05) between the 2 treatments. For example: Cmax (ng/mL) and AUCinf (ng.h/mL) derived after the baseline corrections were 708.65 and 38 877.18 for reference and 743.71 and 40 665.51 for test, respectively. Pharmacokinetics of cholecalciferol was comparable between reference vs. test formulations. The procedures, baseline correction and employment of cholecalciferol devoid serum, can be readily adopted in future pharmacokinetic studies in animals or humans.