bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel bio-mimicking, planar nano-edge microelectrode enables enhanced long-term neural recording
Authors: Wijdenes Pierre , Ali Hasan , Armstrong Ryden , Zaidi Wali , Dalton Colin , Syed Naweed I. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOur inability to accurately monitor individual neurons and their synaptic activity precludes fundamental understanding of brain function under normal and various pathological conditions. However, recent breakthroughs in micro- and nano-scale fabrication processes have advanced the development of neuro-electronic hybrid technology. Among such devices are three-dimensional and planar electrodes, offering the advantages of either high fidelity or longer-term recordings respectively. Here, we present the next generation of planar microelectrode arrays with “nano-edges” that enable long-term (≥1 month) and high fidelity recordings at a resolution 15 times higher than traditional planar electrodes. This novel technology enables better understanding of brain function and offers a tremendous opportunity towards the development of future bionic hybrids and drug discovery devices.
Network diffusion-based analysis of high-throughput data for the detection of differentially enriched modules
Authors: Bersanelli Matteo , Mosca Ettore , Remondini Daniel , Castellani Gastone , Milanesi Luciano 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA relation exists between network proximity of molecular entities in interaction networks, functional similarity and association with diseases. The identification of network regions associated with biological functions and pathologies is a major goal in systems biology. We describe a network diffusion-based pipeline for the interpretation of different types of omics in the context of molecular interaction networks. We introduce the network smoothing index, a network-based quantity that allows to jointly quantify the amount of omics information in genes and in their network neighbourhood, using network diffusion to define network proximity. The approach is applicable to both descriptive and inferential statistics calculated on omics data. We also show that network resampling, applied to gene lists ranked by quantities derived from the network smoothing index, indicates the presence of significantly connected genes. As a proof of principle, we identified gene modules enriched in somatic mutations and transcriptional variations observed in samples of prostate adenocarcinoma (PRAD). In line with the local hypothesis, network smoothing index and network resampling underlined the existence of a connected component of genes harbouring molecular alterations in PRAD.
Gradient Mn-La-Pt Catalysts with Three-layered Structure for Li-O2 battery
Authors: Cai Kedi , Yang Rui , Lang Xiaoshi , Zhang Qingguo , Wang Zhenhua , He Tieshi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractGradient Mn-La-Pt catalysts with three-layered structure of manganese dioxide (MnO2), lanthanum oxide (La2O3), and Platinum (Pt) for Li-O2 battery are prepared in this study. The mass ratio of the catalysts is respectively 5:2:3, 4:2:4, and 3:2:5 (MnO2: La2O3: Pt) which is start from the side of the electrolyte. The relationship between morphology structure and electrochemical performance of gradient catalyst is investigated by energy dispersive spectrometry and constant current charge/discharge test. The Li-O2 battery based on gradient Mn-La-Pt catalysts shows high discharge specific capacity (2707 mAh g−1), specific energy density (8400 Wh kg−1) and long cycle life (56 cycles). The improvement of the Li-O2 battery discharge capacity is attributed to the gradient distribution of MnO2 and Pt and the involvement of La2O3 that can improve the energy density of the battery. More important, this work will also provide new ideas and methods for the research of other metal-air battery.
Effects of size and surface on the auxetic behaviour of monolayer graphene kirigami
Authors: Cai Kun , Luo Jing , Ling Yiru , Wan Jing , Qin Qing-hua 
Published: October 2016

AbstractGraphene is an active element used in the design of nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS) owing to its excellent in-plane physical properties on mechanical, electric and thermal aspects. Considering a component requiring negative Poisson’s ratio in NEMS, a graphene kirigami (GK) containing periodic re-entrant honeycombs is a natural option. This study demonstrates that a GK with specific auxetic property can be obtained by adjusting the sizes of its honeycombs. Using molecular dynamics experiments, the size effects on the auxetic behaviour of GK are investigated. In some cases, the auxetic difference between the hydrogenated GK and continuum kirigami (CK) is negligible, in which the results from macro CK can be used to predict auxetic behaviour of nano kirigami. Surface effect of GK is demonstrated from two aspects. One is to identify the difference of mechanical responses between the pure carbon GK and the hydrogenated GK at same geometry and loading condition. Another is from the difference of mechanical responses between the GK model and the CK model under same loading condition and geometric configuration. Generally, surface energy makes the GK possess higher variation of auxetic behaviour. It also results in higher modulus for the GK as comparing with that of the CK.
Selective resource allocation may promote a sex ratio in pollinator fig wasps more beneficial for the host tree
Authors: Li Zhao-Tian , Peng Yan-Qiong , Wen Xiao-Lan , Jandér K. Charlotte 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMutualisms play a key role in most ecosystems, yet the mechanisms that prevent overexploitation of the mutualistic relationship are still poorly understood. In the mutualism between fig trees and their pollinating wasps both partners depend on each other. Fig trees benefit from female wasps that disperse their pollen, whereas wasps frequently benefit from a higher ratio of male offspring. Here we use manipulative field experiments to address whether host trees (Ficus racemosa) can influence the offspring sex ratio of the pollinator wasp. We controlled wasp matings; virgin wasps can lay only male eggs. We found that virgin foundress wasps had fewer offspring than mated foundresses. This was not caused by virgin wasps having a shorter lifespan, or laying fewer eggs. Instead, male wasp larvae were more likely to die during development. Additionally, male eggs were deposited in flowers of equal style length to those of female eggs, yet emerged from galls with shorter pedicels than those of female wasps. We suggest that male larvae are either allocated less resources by the tree, or are less able to attract resources, during development. If the tree orchestrates this difference it would promote a more female-biased wasp brood, thus increasing the tree’s fitness.
FUS interacts with nuclear matrix-associated protein SAFB1 as well as Matrin3 to regulate splicing and ligand-mediated transcription
Authors: Yamaguchi Atsushi , Takanashi Keisuke 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFUS (Fused-in-Sarcoma) is a multifunctional DNA/RNA binding protein linked to familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/frontotemporal dementia (ALS/FTD). Since FUS is localized mainly in the nucleus with nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling, it is critical to understand physiological functions in the nucleus to clarify pathogenesis. Here we report a yeast two-hybrid screening identified FUS interaction with nuclear matrix-associated protein SAFB1 (scaffold attachment factor B1). FUS and SAFB1, abundant in chromatin-bound fraction, interact in a DNA-dependent manner. N-terminal SAP domain of SAFB1, a DNA-binding motif, was required for its localization to chromatin-bound fraction and splicing regulation. In addition, depletion of SAFB1 reduced FUS’s localization to chromatin-bound fraction and splicing activity, suggesting SAFB1 could tether FUS to chromatin compartment thorough N-terminal DNA-binding motif. FUS and SAFB1 also interact with Androgen Receptor (AR) regulating ligand-dependent transcription. Moreover, FUS interacts with another nuclear matrix-associated protein Matrin3, which is muted in a subset of familial ALS cases and reportedly interacts with TDP-43. Interestingly, ectopic ALS-linked FUS mutant sequestered endogenous Matrin3 and SAFB1 in the cytoplasmic aggregates. These findings indicate SAFB1 could be a FUS’s functional platform in chromatin compartment to regulate RNA splicing and ligand-dependent transcription and shed light on the etiological significance of nuclear matrix-associated proteins in ALS pathogenesis.
Thapsigargin sensitizes human esophageal cancer to TRAIL-induced apoptosis via AMPK activation
Authors: Ma Zhiqiang , Fan Chongxi , Yang Yang , Di Shouyin , Hu Wei , Li Tian , Zhu Yifang , Han Jing , Xin Zhenlong , Wu Guiling , Zhao Jing , Li Xiaofei , Yan Xiaolong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising anticancer agent for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Forced expression of CHOP, one of the key downstream transcription factors during endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, upregulates the death receptor 5 (DR5) levels and promotes oxidative stress and cell death. In this study, we show that ER stress mediated by thapsigargin promoted CHOP and DR5 synthesis thus sensitizing TRAIL treatment, which induced ESCC cells apoptosis. These effects were reversed by DR5 siRNA in vitro and CHOP siRNA both in vitro and in vivo. Besides, chemically inhibition of AMPK by Compound C and AMPK siRNA weakened the anti-cancer effect of thapsigargin and TRAIL co-treatment. Therefore, our findings suggest ER stress effectively sensitizes human ESCC to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis via the TRAIL-DR5-AMPK signaling pathway, and that activation of ER stress may be beneficial for improving the efficacy of TRAIL-based anti-cancer therapy.
Ocean rogue waves and their phase space dynamics in the limit of a linear interference model
Authors: Birkholz Simon , Brée Carsten , Veselić Ivan , Demircan Ayhan , Steinmeyer Günter 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe reanalyse the probability for formation of extreme waves using the simple model of linear interference of a finite number of elementary waves with fixed amplitude and random phase fluctuations. Under these model assumptions no rogue waves appear when less than 10 elementary waves interfere with each other. Above this threshold rogue wave formation becomes increasingly likely, with appearance frequencies that may even exceed long-term observations by an order of magnitude. For estimation of the effective number of interfering waves, we suggest the Grassberger-Procaccia dimensional analysis of individual time series. For the ocean system, it is further shown that the resulting phase space dimension may vary, such that the threshold for rogue wave formation is not always reached. Time series analysis as well as the appearance of particular focusing wind conditions may enable an effective forecast of such rogue-wave prone situations. In particular, extracting the dimension from ocean time series allows much more specific estimation of the rogue wave probability.
Smad4 is required to inhibit osteoclastogenesis and maintain bone mass
Authors: Morita Mayu , Yoshida Shigeyuki , Iwasaki Ryotaro , Yasui Tetsuro , Sato Yuiko , Kobayashi Tami , Watanabe Ryuichi , Oike Takatsugu , Miyamoto Kana , Takami Masamichi , Ozato Keiko , Deng Chu-Xia , Aburatani Hiroyuki , Tanaka Sakae , Yoshimura Akihiko , Toyama Yoshiaki , Matsumoto Morio , Nakamura Masaya , Kawana Hiromasa , Nakagawa Taneaki , Miyamoto Takeshi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBone homeostasis is maintained as a delicate balance between bone-resorption and bone-formation, which are coupled to maintain appropriate bone mass. A critical question is how bone-resorption is terminated to allow bone-formation to occur. Here, we show that TGFβs inhibit osteoclastogenesis and maintain bone-mass through Smad4 activity in osteoclasts. We found that latent-TGFβ1 was activated by osteoclasts to inhibit osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast-specific Smad4 conditional knockout mice (Smad4-cKO) exhibited significantly reduced bone-mass and elevated osteoclast formation relative to controls. TGFβ1-activation induced expression of Irf8 and Bcl6, both of which encode factors inhibiting osteoclastogenesis, by blocking their negative regulator, Prdm1, in osteoclasts in a Smad4-dependent manner. Reduced bone-mass and accelerated osteoclastogenesis seen in Smad4-cKO were abrogated by Prdm1 deletion. Administration of latent-TGFβ1-Fc to wild-type mice antagonized LPS-induced bone destruction in a model of activated osteoclast-mediated bone destruction. Thus, latent-TGFβ1-Fc could serve as a promising new therapeutic agent in bone diseases marked by excessive resorption.
Detecting the Curvature of de Sitter Universe with Two Entangled Atoms
Authors: Tian Zehua , Wang Jieci , Jing Jiliang , Dragan Andrzej 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCasimir-Polder interaction arises from the vacuum fluctuations of quantum field that depend on spacetime curvature and thus is spacetime-dependent. Here we show how to use the resonance Casimir-Polder interaction (RCPI) between two entangled atoms to detect spacetime curvature. We find that the RCPI of two static entangled atoms in the de Sitter-invariant vacuum depends on the de Sitter spacetime curvature relevant to the temperature felt by the static observer. It is characterized by a 1/L2 power law decay when beyond a characteristic length scale associated to the breakdown of a local inertial description of the two-atom system. However, the RCPI of the same setup embedded in a thermal bath in the Minkowski universe is temperature-independent and is always characterized by a 1/L power law decay. Therefore, although a single static atom in the de Sitter-invariant vacuum responds as if it were bathed in thermal radiation in a Minkowski universe, using the distinct difference between RCPI of two entangled atoms one can in principle distinguish these two universes.
Epithelial cell-derived microvesicles activate macrophages and promote inflammation via microvesicle-containing microRNAs
Authors: Lee Heedoo , Zhang Duo , Zhu Ziwen , Dela Cruz Charles S. , Jin Yang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIntercellular communications between lung epithelial cells and alveolar macrophages play an essential role in host defense against acute lung injury. Hyperoxia-induced oxidative stress is an established model to mimic human lung injury. We show that after hyperoxia-associated oxidative stress, a large amount of extracellular vesicles (EVs) are detectable in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and culture medium of lung epithelial cells. Microvesicles (MVs), but not exosomes (Exos) or apoptotic bodies (Abs), are the main type of EVs found in the early stages after hyperoxia. Among all the MV compositions, small RNAs are altered the most significantly after hyperoxia-associated oxidative stress. We further confirmed that hyperoxia up-regulates the levels of certain specific miRNAs in the epithelial cell-derived MVs, such as the miR-320a and miR-221. Functionally, the hyperoxia-induced epithelial MVs promote macrophage activation in vitro and facilitate the recruitment of immunomodulatory cells in vivo detected in BALF. Using MV as a cargo, delivery of the specific miRNA-enriched epithelial MVs (miR-221 and/or miR-320a) also triggers macrophage-mediated pro-inflammatory effects. Collectively, epithelial cell-derived MVs promote macrophage-regulated lung inflammatory responses via MV-shuttling miRNAs.
Impact of feline AIM on the susceptibility of cats to renal disease
Authors: Sugisawa Ryoichi , Hiramoto Emiri , Matsuoka Shigeru , Iwai Satomi , Takai Ryosuke , Yamazaki Tomoko , Mori Nobuko , Okada Yuki , Takeda Naoki , Yamamura Ken-ichi , Arai Toshiro , Arai Satoko , Miyazaki Toru 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRenal failure is one of the most important social problems for its incurability and high costs for patients’ health care. Through clarification of the underlying mechanism for the high susceptibility of cats to renal disease, we here demonstrates that the effective dissociation of serum AIM protein from IgM is necessary for the recovery from acute kidney injury (AKI). In cats, the AIM-IgM binding affinity is 1000-fold higher than that in mice, which is caused by the unique positively-charged amino-acid cluster present in feline AIM. Hence, feline AIM does not dissociate from IgM during AKI, abolishing its translocation into urine. This results in inefficient clearance of lumen-obstructing necrotic cell debris at proximal tubules, thereby impairing AKI recovery. Accordingly, mice whose AIM is replaced by feline AIM exhibit higher mortality by AKI than in wild-type mice. Recombinant AIM administration into the mice improves their renal function and survival. As insufficient recovery from AKI predisposes patients to chronic, end-stage renal disease, feline AIM may be involved crucially in the high mortality of cats due to renal disease. Our findings could be the basis of the development of novel AKI therapies targeting AIM-IgM dissociation, and may support renal function in cats and prolong their lives.
Single Crystal Diamond Needle as Point Electron Source
Authors: Kleshch Victor I. , Purcell Stephen T. , Obraztsov Alexander N. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractDiamond has been considered to be one of the most attractive materials for cold-cathode applications during past two decades. However, its real application is hampered by the necessity to provide appropriate amount and transport of electrons to emitter surface which is usually achieved by using nanometer size or highly defective crystallites having much lower physical characteristics than the ideal diamond. Here, for the first time the use of single crystal diamond emitter with high aspect ratio as a point electron source is reported. Single crystal diamond needles were obtained by selective oxidation of polycrystalline diamond films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Field emission currents and total electron energy distributions were measured for individual diamond needles as functions of extraction voltage and temperature. The needles demonstrate current saturation phenomenon and sensitivity of emission to temperature. The analysis of the voltage drops measured via electron energy analyzer shows that the conduction is provided by the surface of the diamond needles and is governed by Poole-Frenkel transport mechanism with characteristic trap energy of 0.2–0.3 eV. The temperature-sensitive FE characteristics of the diamond needles are of great interest for production of the point electron beam sources and sensors for vacuum electronics.
Doxorubicin and resveratrol co-delivery nanoparticle to overcome doxorubicin resistance
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Huan Meng-lei , Liu Miao , Cheng Ying , Sun Yang , Cui Han , Liu Dao-zhou , Mei Qi-bing , Zhou Si-yuan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWith the extensive application of doxorubicin (DOX), DOX resistance has become one of the main obstacles to the effective treatment of breast cancer. In this paper, DOX and resveratrol (RES) were co-encapsulated in a modified PLGA nanoparticle (NPS) to overcome the DOX resistance. CLSM results indicated that DOX and RES were simultaneously delivered into the nucleus of DOX-resistant human breast cancer cells by DOX/RES-loaded NPS. Consequently, DOX/RES-loaded NPS showed significant cytotoxicity on MDA-MB-231/ADR cells and MCF-7/ADR cells. Furthermore, DOX/RES-loaded NPS could overcome DOX resistance by inhibiting the expression of drug resistance-related protein such as P-gp, MRP-1 and BCRP, and induce apoptosis through down-regulating the expression of NF-κB and BCL-2. In tumor-bearing mice, DOX/RES-loaded NPS mainly delivered DOX and RES to tumor tissue. Compared with free DOX, DOX/RES-loaded NPS significantly inhibited the DOX-resistant tumor growth in tumor-bearing mice without causing significant systemic toxicity. In a word, DOX/RES-loaded NPS could overcome the DOX resistance and had the potential in the treatment of DOX-resistant breast cancer.
miRNA-145 inhibits VSMC proliferation by targeting CD40
Authors: Guo Xin , Li Dai , Chen Min , Chen Lei , Zhang Bikui , Wu Tian , Guo Ren 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRecent studies have demonstrated functions of miR-145 in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) phenotypes and vascular diseases. In this study, we aim to determine whether CD40 is involved in miR-145 mediated switch of VSMC phenotypes. In cultured VSMCs, the effects of miR-145 and CD40 on TNF-α, TGF-β, and Homocysteine (Hcy) induced cell proliferation were evaluated by over-expression of miR-145 or by siRNA-mediated knockdown of CD40. We also used ultrasound imaging to explore the effect of miR-145 on carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in atherosclerotic cerebral infarction (ACI) patients. The results showed 50 ng/mL TNF-α, 5 ng/mL TGF-β, and 500 μmol/L Hcy significantly increased the expression of CD40, both at mRNA and protein levels, and also induced the proliferation of VSMCs. We found that over-expression of miR-145 significantly inhibited the expression of CD40 and the differentiation of VSMCs, and over-expression of miR-145 decreased IL-6 levels in VSMC supernatants. In ACI patients, the lower expression of miR-145 was associated with thicker CIMT and higher levels of plasma IL-6. Our results suggest that the miR-145/CD40 pathway is involved in regulating VSMC phenotypes in TNF-α, TGF-β, and Hcy induced VSMCs proliferation model. Targeting miR-145/CD40 might be a useful strategy for treating atherosclerosis.
Working stroke of the kinesin-14, ncd, comprises two substeps of different direction
Authors: Nitzsche Bert , Dudek Elzbieta , Hajdo Lukasz , Kasprzak Andrzej A. , Vilfan Andrej , Diez Stefan 
Published: October 2016

Significance
Kinesin, dynein, and myosin motor proteins are best known for their production of linear force along the axes of cytoskeletal filaments. However, many of these motors can also generate torque manifesting itself by filament rotations around their longitudinal axes when gliding on motor-coated surfaces. By combining the measured longitudinal and angular velocities of microtubules gliding on nonprocessive kinesin-14 motors with a theoretical model we here show that the working stroke of this motor comprises at least two distinct conformational changes. Our observations clarify the temporal order of events in the hydrolysis cycle of kinesin-14, which has not been conclusive from previous structural and single-molecule data. Moreover, our results demonstrate how conformational changes in individual enzymes can be deduced from their ensemble properties.
Germline replications and somatic mutation accumulation are independent of vegetative life span inArabidopsis
Authors: Watson J. Matthew , Platzer Alexander , Kazda Anita , Akimcheva Svetlana , Valuchova Sona , Nizhynska Viktoria , Nordborg Magnus , Riha Karel 
Published: October 2016

SignificanceIn contrast to animals, plants lack a segregated germline. Instead, all plant tissue is derived from small clusters of meristematic cells that throughout development give rise to vegetative tissues and only late in development to reproductive organs. Hence, mutations acquired during vegetative growth can be passed on to offspring; it is generally believed that older plants will acquire more such mutations over their lifetimes due to replication during cell division. Here we measure the number of DNA replications occurring in the cell lineage leading to gametes and demonstrate that the number of replications is independent of life span, suggesting that older plants may not be passing on more mutations to their offspring relative to younger plants.