bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pleiotropic effects of sphingosine-1-phosphate signaling to control human chorionic mesenchymal stem cell physiology
Authors: Innamorati Giulio , Fontana Emanuela , Steccanella Federica , Gandhi Kushal , Bassi Giulio , Zandonà Valeria , Giacomello Luca 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChorionic stem cells represent a promising opportunity for regenerative medicine. A deeper understanding of the stimuli that regulate their physiology, could lead to innovative clinical approaches. We revealed the presence of multiple sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor isoforms in chorion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (CMSCs). Their activation simultaneously propagated from the plasma membrane through Gi and other heterotrimeric G proteins and further diverged toward extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38 and protein kinase D 1. At a functional level, S1P signaling inhibited CMSC migration, while promoting proliferation. Instead, a reduction of cell density was obtained when S1P was combined to treatments that increased cAMP intracellular concentration. Such surprising reduction of cell viability was relatively specific as it was not observed with stromal stem cells from bone marrow. Neither it was observed by activating analogous G proteins with bradykinin nor by inducing cell death via a cAMP-independent pathway. S1P could thus reveal novel keys to improve CMSC differentiation programs acting on cAMP concentration. Furthermore, S1P receptor agonists/antagonists could become instrumental in favoring CMSC engraftment by controlling cell motility.
Auger electron emission initiated by the creation of valence-band holes in graphene by positron annihilation
Authors: Chirayath V. A. , Callewaert V. , Fairchild A. J. , Chrysler M. D. , Gladen R. W. , Mcdonald A. D. , Imam S. K. , Shastry K. , Koymen A. R. , Saniz R. , Barbiellini B. , Rajeshwar K. , Partoens B. , Weiss A. H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAuger processes involving the filling of holes in the valence band are thought to make important contributions to the low-energy photoelectron and secondary electron spectrum from many solids. However, measurements of the energy spectrum and the efficiency with which electrons are emitted in this process remain elusive due to a large unrelated background resulting from primary beam-induced secondary electrons. Here, we report the direct measurement of the energy spectra of electrons emitted from single layer graphene as a result of the decay of deep holes in the valence band. These measurements were made possible by eliminating competing backgrounds by employing low-energy positrons (<1.25 eV) to create valence-band holes by annihilation. Our experimental results, supported by theoretical calculations, indicate that between 80 and 100% of the deep valence-band holes in graphene are filled via an Auger transition.
Enhanced anti-metastatic and anti-tumorigenic efficacy of Berbamine loaded lipid nanoparticles in vivo
Authors: Parhi Priyambada , Suklabaidya Sujit , Kumar Sahoo Sanjeeb 
Published: July 2017

AbstractResearch on metastasis is gaining momentum for effective cancer management. Berbamine (BBM) has the potency to act as a therapeutic in multiple cancers and cancer metastasis. However, the major limitation of the compound includes poor bioavailability at the tumor site due to short plasma half-life. Here, our major objective involved development of lipid based nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with BBM with an aim to circumvent the above problem. Moreover its, therapeutic potentiality was evaluated through various in vitro cellular studies and in vivo melanoma primary and experimental lung metastatic tumor model in C57BL/6 mice. Results of different cellular experiments demonstrated enhanced therapeutic efficacy of BBM-NPs in inhibiting metastasis, cell proliferation and growth as compared to native BBM in highly metastatic cancer cell lines. Further, in vivo results demonstrated suppression of primary B16F10 melanoma tumor growth in C57BL/6 mice model treated with BBM-NPs than that of native BBM. Importantly, a moderately cytotoxic dose of BBM-NPs was able to significantly suppress the incidence of B16F10 cells lung metastasis in vivo. Results indicated development of an effective approach for aggressive metastatic cancer.
X-ray crystallographic structure of a bacterial polysialyltransferase provides insight into the biosynthesis of capsular polysialic acid
Authors: Lizak Christian , Worrall Liam J. , Baumann Lars , Pfleiderer Moritz M. , Volkers Gesa , Sun Tianjun , Sim Lyann , Wakarchuk Warren , Withers Stephen G. , Strynadka Natalie C. J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPolysialic acid (polySia) is a homopolymeric saccharide that is associated with some neuroinvasive pathogens and is found on selective cell types in their eukaryotic host. The presence of a polySia capsule on these bacterial pathogens helps with resistance to phagocytosis, cationic microbial peptides and bactericidal antibody production. The biosynthesis of bacterial polySia is catalysed by a single polysialyltransferase (PST) transferring sialic acid from a nucleotide-activated donor to a lipid-linked acceptor oligosaccharide. Here we present the X-ray structure of the bacterial PST from Mannheimia haemolytica serotype A2, thereby defining the architecture of this class of enzymes representing the GT38 family. The structure reveals a prominent electropositive groove between the two Rossmann-like domains forming the GT-B fold that is suitable for binding of polySia chain products. Complex structures of PST with a sugar donor analogue and an acceptor mimetic combined with kinetic studies of PST active site mutants provide insight into the principles of substrate binding and catalysis. Our results are the basis for a molecular understanding of polySia biosynthesis in bacteria and might assist the production of polysialylated therapeutic reagents and the development of novel antibiotics.
Nanocapsules Containing Neem (Azadirachta Indica) Oil: Development, Characterization, And Toxicity Evaluation
Authors: Pasquoto-Stigliani Tatiane , Campos Estefânia V. R. , Oliveira Jhones L. , Silva Camila M. G. , Bilesky-José Natalia , Guilger Mariana , Troost Johann , Oliveira Halley C. , Stolf-Moreira Renata , Fraceto Leonardo F. , de Lima Renata 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this study, we prepared, characterized, and performed toxicity analyses of poly(ε-caprolactone) nanocapsules loaded with neem oil. Three formulations were prepared by the emulsion/solvent evaporation method. The nanocapsules showed a mean size distribution around 400 nm, with polydispersity below 0.2 and were stable for 120 days. Cytotoxicity and genotoxicity results showed an increase in toxicity of the oleic acid + neem formulations according to the amount of oleic acid used. The minimum inhibitory concentrations demonstrated that all the formulations containing neem oil were active. The nanocapsules containing neem oil did not affect the soil microbiota during 300 days of exposure compared to the control. Phytotoxicity studies indicated that NC_20 (200 mg of neem oil) did not affect the net photosynthesis and stomatal conductance of maize plants, whereas use of NC_10 (100:100 of neem:oleic acid) and NC_15 (150:50 of neem:oleic acid) led to negative effects on these physiological parameters. Hence, the use of oleic acid as a complement in the nanocapsules was not a good strategy, since the nanocapsules that only contained neem oil showed lower toxicity. These results demonstrate that evaluation of the toxicity of nanopesticides is essential for the development of environmentally friendly formulations intended for applications in agriculture.
Endocannabinoids Have Opposing Effects On Behavioral Responses To Nociceptive And Non-nociceptive Stimuli
Authors: Summers Torrie , Hanten Brandon , Peterson Warren , Burrell Brian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe endocannabinoid system is thought to modulate nociceptive signaling making it a potential therapeutic target for treating pain. However, there is evidence that endocannabinoids have both pro- and anti-nociceptive effects. In previous studies using Hirudo verbana (the medicinal leech), endocannabinoids were found to depress nociceptive synapses, but enhance non-nociceptive synapses. Here we examined whether endocannabinoids have similar bidirectional effects on behavioral responses to nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive stimuli in vivo. Hirudo were injected with either the 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) or anandamide and tested for changes in response to nociceptive and non-nociceptive stimuli. Both endocannabinoids enhanced responses to non-nociceptive stimuli and reduced responses to nociceptive stimuli. These pro- and anti-nociceptive effects were blocked by co-injection of a TRPV channel inhibitor, which are thought to function as an endocannabinoid receptor. In experiments to determine the effects of endocannabinoids on animals that had undergone injury-induced sensitization, 2-AG and anandamide diminished sensitization to nociceptive stimuli although the effects of 2-AG were longer lasting. Sensitized responses to non-nociceptive stimuli were unaffected 2-AG or anandamide. These results provide evidence that endocannabinoids can have opposing effects on nociceptive vs. non-nociceptive pathways and suggest that cannabinoid-based therapies may be more appropriate for treating pain disorders in which hyperalgesia and not allodynia is the primary symptom.
Non-Mono-Exponential Analysis of Diffusion-Weighted Imaging for Treatment Monitoring in Prostate Cancer Bone Metastases
Authors: Reischauer Carolin , Patzwahl René , Koh Dow-Mu , Froehlich Johannes M. , Gutzeit Andreas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDiffusion-weighted imaging quantified using the mono-exponential model has shown great promise for monitoring treatment response in prostate cancer bone metastases. The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate whether non-mono-exponential diffusion models better describe the water diffusion properties and may improve treatment response assessment. Diffusion-weighted imaging data of 12 treatment-naïve patients with 34 metastases acquired before and at one, two, and three months after initiation of antiandrogen treatment are analysed using the mono-exponential, the intravoxel incoherent motion, the stretched exponential, and the statistical model. Repeatability of the fitted parameters and changes under therapy are quantified. Model preference is assessed and correlation coefficients across times are calculated to delineate the relationship between the prostate-specific antigen levels and the diffusion parameters as well as between the diffusion parameters within each model. There is a clear preference for non-mono-exponential diffusion models at all time points. Particularly the stretched exponential is favoured in approximately 60% of the lesions. Its parameters increase significantly in response to treatment and are highly repeatable. Thus, the stretched exponential may be utilized as a potential optimal model for monitoring treatment response. Compared with the mono-exponential model, it may provide complementary information on tissue properties and improve response assessment.
Mushroom lectin overcomes hepatitis B virus tolerance via TLR6 signaling
Authors: He Meina , Su Dan , Liu Qinghong , Gao Wenjuan , Kang Youmin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCurrently, chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a serious public health problem in the world. Recombinant HBV vaccine, as a preventive strategy against HBV infection, generates high antibody level, but it is not effective to activate innate and cellular immunity for chronic HBV infection therapy. Lectins from mushroom are natural and active proteins which have been shown important biological functions. However, little is known about the immunological mechanism engaged by mushroom lectins. Here we report that, lectin fromPleurotus ostreatus(POL) stimulated innate response by activating Toll-like receptor 6 signal pathway of dendritic cells. Subsequently POL enhanced HBV specific antibody level and follicular helper T cells response which overcame HBV tolerance in transgenic mice. This study suggests a novel mechanism for POL acting on immune response and a therapeutic approach to break HBV tolerance.
Serum albumin and osmolality inhibit Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus predation in human serum
Authors: Im Hansol , Son Sangmo , Mitchell Robert J. , Ghim Cheol-Min 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe evaluated the bactericidal activity ofBdellovibrio bacteriovorus, strain HD100, within blood sera against bacterial strains commonly associated with bacteremic infections, includingE. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniaeandSalmonella enterica. Tests show thatB. bacteriovorusHD100 is not susceptible to serum complement or its bactericidal activity. After a two hour exposure to human sera, the prey populations decreased 15- to 7,300-fold due to the serum complement activity while, in contrast, theB. bacteriovorusHD100 population showed a loss of only 33%. Dot blot analyses showed that this is not due to the absence of antibodies against this predator. Predation in human serum was inhibited, though, by both the osmolality and serum albumin. The activity ofB. bacteriovorusHD100 showed a sharp transition between 200 and 250 mOsm/kg, and was progressively reduced as the osmolality increased. Serum albumin also acted to inhibit predation by binding to and coating the predatory cells. This was confirmed via dot blot analyses and confocal microscopy. The results from both the osmolality and serum albumin tests were incorporated into a numerical model describing bacterial predation of pathogens. In conclusion, both of these factors inhibit predation and, as such, they limit its effectiveness against pathogenic prey located within sera.
Artificial dielectric polarizing-beamsplitter and isolator for the terahertz region
Authors: Mendis Rajind , Nagai Masaya , Zhang Wei , Mittleman Daniel M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate a simple and effective strategy for implementing a polarizing beamsplitter for the terahertz spectral region, based on an artificial dielectric medium that is scalable to a range of desired frequencies. The artificial dielectric medium consists of a uniformly spaced stack of metal plates, which is electromagnetically equivalent to a stacked array of parallel-plate waveguides. The operation of the device relies on both the lowest-order, transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic modes of the parallel-plate waveguide. This is in contrast to previous work that relied solely on the transverse-electric mode. The fabricated polarizing beamsplitter exhibits extinction ratios as high as 42 dB along with insertion losses as low as 0.18 dB. Building on the same idea, we also demonstrate an isolator with non-reciprocal transmission, providing high isolation and low insertion loss at a select design frequency. The performance of our isolator far exceeds that of other experimentally demonstrated terahertz isolators, and indeed, even rivals that of commercially available isolators for optical wavelengths. Because these waveguide-based artificial dielectrics are low loss, inexpensive, and easy to fabricate, this approach offers a promising new route for polarization control of free-space terahertz beams.
Effect of septal flash on right ventricular systolic function in left bundle-branch block patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Li Guang-yuan , Wang Yong-huai , Guan Zheng-yu , Jin Xuan-yi , Li Yang , Liu Shuang , Ma Chun-yan , Yang Jun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA leftward motion of the ventricular septum prior to ejection, known as the septal flash (SF), is frequently observed in patients with left bundle-branch block (LBBB). We investigated whether the abnormal motion of the ventricular septum affects right ventricle (RV) contractile performance in LBBB patients with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Forty-four patients with complete LBBB were selected using standard 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs), with 30 healthy individuals serving as controls. According to the presence of SF, patients with LBBB were allocated to two subgroups: those with SF (LBBB-SF, n = 24) and those without SF (LBBB-NSF, n = 20). RV longitudinal strain (LS) decreased in LBBB patients with preserved LVEF compared to control subjects (p = 0.002). And RV LS decreased significantly in LBBB-SF patients compared to NSF-LBBB patients (p = 0.04). RV LS correlated negatively with involved septal myocardial segments of SF (r = −0.36, p = 0.02), but did not correlate with the magnitude of SF. RV contractile performance deceased in LBBB patients with preserved LVEF. SF, particularly the extent of this phenomenon, may further affect RV contractile performance.
Polymorphic Transitions in Cerium-Substituted Zirconolite (CaZrTi2O7)
Authors: Clark Braeden M. , Sundaram S. K. , Misture Scott T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCompounds with the formulae CaZr1−xCexTi2O7 with x = 0.1–0.5 were synthesized by solid state reaction. Cerium was used as a surrogate for actinide elements. A transition from the 2M polymorph to the 4M polymorph (expanded unit cell due to cation ordering) in zirconolite was observed with increasing cerium content. The presence of both tri- and tetravalent Ce, contrary to formulation, was confirmed using X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy, suggesting substitution on both Ca and Zr sites. Sintering was carried out via spark plasma sintering, during which the perovskite phase (Ca0.4Ce0.4TiO3) was stabilized due to the reducing conditions of this technique. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry revealed that the 2M polymorph was dilute in Ce content in comparison to the 4M-zirconolite. High temperature X-ray diffraction was used to detail the kinetics of perovskite to zirconolite transition. It was found that CaCeTi2O7 (cubic pyrochlore) formed as an intermediate phase during the transition. Our results show that a transition from 2M- to 4M-zirconolite occurs with increasing Ce content and can be controlled by adjusting the PO2 and the heat treatment temperature.
Phase matching as a gate for photon entanglement
Authors: Zheltikov A. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPhase matching is shown to provide a tunable gate that helps discriminate entangled states of light generated by four-wave mixing (FWM) in optical fibers against uncorrelated photons originating from Raman scattering. Two types of such gates are discussed. Phase-matching gates of the first type are possible in the normal dispersion regime, where FWM sidebands can be widely tuned by high-order dispersion management, enhancing the ratio of the entangled-photon output to the Raman noise. The photon-entanglement gates of the second type are created by dual-pump cross-phase-modulation-induced FWM sideband generation and can be tuned by group-velocity mismatch of the pump fields.
CALYPSO view of SVS 13A with PdBI: Multiple jet sources
Authors: Lefèvre C. , Cabrit S. , Maury A. J. , Gueth F. , Tabone B. , Podio L. , Belloche A. , Codella C. , Maret S. , Anderl S. , André Ph. , Hennebelle P. 
Published: July 2017

Aims. We aim to clarify the origin of the multiple jet features emanating from the binary protostar SVS 13A (=VLA4A/VLA4B).
Methods. We used the Plateau de Bure Interferometer to map at 0.3–0.8′′ (~70–190 au) dust emission at 1.4 mm, CO(2–1), SiO(5–4), SO(65–54). Revised proper motions for VLA4A/4B and jet wiggling models are computed to clarify their respective contribution.
Results. VLA4A shows compact dust emission suggestive of a disk <50 au, and is the hot corino source, while CO/SiO/SO counterparts to the small-scale H2 jet originate from VLA4B and reveal the jet variable velocity structure. This jet exhibits ≃ 3″ wiggling consistent with orbital motion around a yet undetected ≃20–30 au companion to VLA4B, or jet precession. Jet wiggling combined with velocity variability can explain the large apparent angular momentum in CO bullets. We also uncover a synchronicity between CO jet bullets and knots in the HH7–11 chain demonstrating that they trace two distinct jets. Their ≃300 yr twin outburst period may be triggered by close perihelion approach of VLA4A in an eccentric orbit around VLA4B. A third jet is tentatively seen at PA ≃ 0°.
Conclusions. SVS13 A harbors at least 2 and possibly 3 distinct jet sources. The CO and HH7-11 jets are launched from quasi-coplanar disks, separated by 20–70 au. Their synchronous major events every 300 yr favor external triggering by close binary interactions, a scenario also invoked for FU Or outbursts.
High-Normal Glucose Levels in a Routine Oral 1-Hour 50 g Glucose Challenge Test Are Associated with a Poorer Glycemic Status Later in Life
Authors: Baevsky Tuvia , Rosenberg Reena , Shevy Menashe , Yoles Israel 
Published: July 2017

Objective A 1-hour 50 g glucose challenge test (GCT) is generally used as a screening test for a 3-hour 100 g test. The future glycemic status of a pregnant woman with abnormal (high) GCT is widely discussed in the literature. On the other hand, future glycemic status of women with various glucose levels within the normal range on GCT has not yet been studied. To examine the hypothesis that lower glucose levels in GCT may result in a better glycemic status later in life, we compared the glucose levels in GCT with the glycemic status 9 years later in a large cohort in Israel.
Study Design The study was performed at the Central District of Clalit Health Services, the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. From the computerized database, we gathered data on women who underwent GCT between August 2005 and August 2006.We evaluated the association between GCT results at entry and fasting glucose levels 9 years later. The study was approved by the institutional review board (IRB). We used analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by pairwise comparisons using Tukey's method (p = 0.05) and ordinal logistic regression tests for statistical analysis.
Results A total of 6,929 women performed GCT at entry. Fasting glucose levels were available 9 years later for 4,247 women. GCT results at entry level were grouped and divided into the following groups: very low GCT (<100 mg%), low-normal (100–125 mg%), high-normal (126–140 mg%), and abnormal GCT (>140 mg%). Fasting glucose results, as well as impaired fasting glucose 9 years following normal GCT had a direct correlation with GCT results. Ten percent of women who performed GCT had a high-normal result of 126 to 140 mg%. This high-normal group had a significantly higher fasting glucose and impaired fasting glucose (>100 mg%) 9 years after performing the GCT as compared with the very low or normal GCT groups. Moreover, diabetes risk of this group was significantly higher than the lower groups.
Conclusion Although GCT is only a screening test, it may serve as a practical predictor for further fasting glucose levels, impaired fasting glucose, and diabetes in a relatively short time (9 years). In this study, women with GCT levels up to 125 mg%, when tested 9 years later, had significantly lower fasting glucose and lower percentage of impaired fasting glucose and diabetes than those with GCT above 126 mg%. Women with “normal” GCT levels between 126 and 140 mg% should be closely monitored for their further glycemic status.