bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group III phospholipase A2 promotes colitis and colorectal cancer
Authors: Murase Remi , Taketomi Yoshitaka , Miki Yoshimi , Nishito Yasumasa , Saito Moe , Fukami Kiyoko , Yamamoto Kei , Murakami Makoto 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLipid mediators play pivotal roles in colorectal cancer and colitis, but only a limited member of the phospholipase A2 (PLA2) subtypes, which lie upstream of various lipid mediators, have been implicated in the positive or negative regulation of these diseases. Clinical and biochemical evidence suggests that secreted PLA2 group III (sPLA2-III) is associated with colorectal cancer, although its precise role remains obscure. Here we have found that sPLA2-III-null (Pla2g3−/−) mice are highly resistant to colon carcinogenesis. Furthermore, Pla2g3−/− mice are less susceptible to dextran sulfate-induced colitis, implying that the amelioration of colonic inflammation by sPLA2-III ablation may underlie the protective effect against colon cancer. Lipidomics analysis of the colon revealed significant reduction of pro-inflammatory/pro-tumorigenic lysophosholipids as well as unusual steady-state elevation of colon-protective fatty acids and their oxygenated metabolites in Pla2g3−/− mice. Overall, our results establish a role of sPLA2-III in the promotion of colorectal inflammation and cancer, expand our understanding of the divergent roles of multiple PLA2 enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract, and point to sPLA2-III as a novel druggable target for colorectal diseases.
Unexpectedly strong hydrophilic character of free-standing thin films from carbon nanotubes
Authors: Janas Dawid , Stando Grzegorz 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe report on the development of a method of formation of hydrophilic carbon nanotube (CNT) films. The technique is simple, straightforward and does not require specialized equipment or use of harsh chemical compounds. Elimination of the need for oxidizing agents has paramount implications because it preserves the inherent CNT properties. A reference study, in which the traditional method of oxidation of CNTs was used to introduce functional groups, gave smaller reduction of water contact angle and made a negative influence on the surface chemistry. From the practical point of view, this method is an important step towards implementation of CNTs in the real life by making them more compatible with interface materials. Interestingly, the method gives high level of control over the surface character of CNT films and hydrophilic character can be precisely patterned where required.
MiR-449a regulates caprine endometrial stromal cell apoptosis and endometrial receptivity
Authors: An Xiaopeng , Liu Xiaorui , Zhang Lei , Liu Junze , Zhao Xinyan , Chen Kaiwen , Ma Haidong , Li Guang , Cao Binyun , Song Yuxuan 
Published: September 2017

AbstractIn this study, an RT-qPCR analysis showed that the expression levels of miR-449a in the pre-receptive endometrium were lower compared to the receptive endometrium, which is consistent with previous sequencing data (previous investigations). To detect the role of miR-449a in endometrial receptivity, we transfected caprine endometrial stromal cells (ESCs) cultured in vitro with miR-449a mimics. The results revealed that miR-449a decreased the mRNA and protein levels of LGR4 by targeting its 3′-untranslated region. The miR-449a mimics significantly reduced the G1 cell population from 52.56% (mimic NC) to 42.19% with a concordant increase in the G2 and S cell populations from 47.44% (mimic NC) to 57.81%, suggesting that miR-449a caused ESC cell cycle arrest. In addition, the number of apoptotic cells was significantly higher in ESCs transfected with miR-449a mimics (P < 0.05) than in ESCs transfected with mimic NC. In vivo, rich pinopodes were observed on the endometrial surface in the miR-449a agomir group compared with the miR-449a antagomir group. The results of hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that endometrial thickness was significantly increased in the miR-449a agomir group compared with the miR-449a antagomir group. These results suggest that miR-449a could enhance endometrial receptivity.
Reverse Electrodialysis-Assisted Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Lee Jihye , Yun Jeongse , Kwon Seung-Ryong , Chang Woo Je , Nam Ki Tae , Chung Taek Dong 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPhotoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting provides an attractive route for large-scale solar energy storage, but issues surrounding the efficiency and the stability of photoelectrode materials impose serious restrictions on its advancement. In order to relax one of the photoelectrode criteria, the band gap, a promising strategy involves complementing the conventional PEC setup with additional power sources. Here we introduce a new concept: solar water splitting combined with reverse electrodialysis (RED). RED is a membrane-based power generation technology that produces an electrochemical potential difference from a salinity gradient. In this study, the RED stack serves not only as a separator, but also as an additional tunable power source to compensate for the limited voltage produced by the photoelectrode. A hybrid system, composed of a single-junction p-Si and a RED stack, successfully enables solar water splitting without the need for an external bias. This system provides flexibility in photoelectrode material selection.
On the long-run efficacy of punishments and recommendations in a laboratory public goods game
Authors: Chaudhuri Ananish , Paichayontvijit Tirnud 
Published: September 2017

AbstractWe use decision-making experiments with human participants to study cooperation in a laboratory public goods game. Such games pose a conflict between cooperating, which is socially optimal and free-riding, which promotes individual self-interest. Prior research emphasizes the need for de-centralized peer-to-peer punishments as an evolutionarily stable response to the problem of free-riding, especially where interactions occur over long horizons. We show that a simple exhortative message appealing to participants’ goodwill can achieve high rates of cooperation in social dilemmas played over many rounds, even in the absence of punishments for free-riding.
TNF-α mRNA is negatively regulated by microRNA-181a-5p in maturation of dendritic cells induced by high mobility group box-1 protein
Authors: Zhu Jing , Wang Fu-Li , Wang Hai-Bin , Dong Ning , Zhu Xiao-Mei , Wu Yao , Wang Yong-Tao , Yao Yong-Ming 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDendritic cell (DC) can be stimulated by both exogenous pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endogenous damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) such as high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) act as post-transcriptional fine tuners of mRNA. Studies have focused mostly on the potential role of miRNAs in DCs maturation triggered by PAMPs, especially LPS, however, little is known about the regulatory mechanism underlying the effects of miRNAs in DC maturation mediated by DAMPs, including HMGB1. Here, we first profiled a miRNA microarray of DCs stimulated by HMGB1 and determined that the up-regulated miRNA miR-181a-5p may act as a regulatory miRNA in these cells. Computational algorithms predicted TNF-α 3′UTR to be targeted by miR-181a-5p, which was confirmed by the experiments involving luciferase reporters. In addition, we found that TNF-α mRNA was down-regulated by miR-181a-5p mimic, and significantly up-regulated by miR-181a-5p inhibitor. Taken together, we identified miR-181a-5p a negative regulator in HMGB1-induced immune responses by targeting TNF-α mRNA in DCs. Moreover, we suggested that miR-181a-5p may play a role in regulating DC responses to HMGB1 and serve as evidence indicating that novel therapies targeting miRNAs may be useful for treating immune dysfunction in the setting of sepsis.
Resveratrol reverses the adverse effects of bevacizumab on cultured ARPE-19 cells
Authors: Subramani Murali , Ponnalagu Murugeswari , Krishna Lekshmi , Jeyabalan Nallathambi , Chevour Priyanka , Sharma Anupam , Jayadev Chaitra , Shetty Rohit , Begum Nargis , Archunan Govindaraju , Das Debashish 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAge-related macular degeneration (AMD) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) are one of the major causes of blindness caused by neo-vascular changes in the retina. Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections are widely used in the treatment of wet-AMD and PDR. A significant percentage of treated patients have complications of repeated injections. Resveratrol (RES) is a polyphenol phytoalexin with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative properties. Hence, we hypothesized that if RES is used in combination with bevacizumab (BEV, anti-VEGF), it could reverse the adverse effects that precipitate fibrotic changes, drusen formation, tractional retinal detachment and so on. Human retinal pigment epithelial cells were treated with various combinations of BEV and RES. There was partial reduction in secreted VEGF levels compared to untreated controls. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition was lower in BEV + RES treated cultures compared to BEV treated cultures. The proliferation status was similar in BEV + RES as well as BEV treated cultures both groups. Phagocytosis was enhanced in the presence of BEV + RES compared to BEV. Furthermore, we observed that notch signaling was involved in reversing the adverse effects of BEV. This study paves way for a combinatorial strategy to treat as well as prevent adverse effects of therapy in patients with wet AMD and PDR.
A dual targeted β-defensin and exome sequencing approach to identify, validate and functionally characterise genes associated with bull fertility
Authors: Whiston Ronan , Finlay Emma K. , McCabe Matthew S. , Cormican Paul , Flynn Paul , Cromie Andrew , Hansen Peter J. , Lyons Alan , Fair Sean , Lonergan Patrick , O’ Farrelly Cliona , Meade Kieran G. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBovine fertility remains a critical issue underpinning the sustainability of the agricultural sector. Phenotypic records collected on >7,000 bulls used in artificial insemination (AI) were used to identify 160 reliable and divergently fertile bulls for a dual strategy of targeted sequencing (TS) of fertility-related β-defensin genes and whole exome sequencing (WES). A haplotype spanning multiple β-defensin genes and containing 94 SNPs was significantly associated with fertility and functional analysis confirmed that sperm from bulls possessing the haplotype showed significantly enhanced binding to oviductal epithelium. WES of all exons in the genome in 24 bulls of high and low fertility identified 484 additional SNPs significantly associated with fertility. After validation, the most significantly associated SNP was located in the FOXJ3 gene, a transcription factor which regulates sperm function in mice. This study represents the first comprehensive characterisation of genetic variation in bovine β-defensin genes and functional analysis supports a role for β-defensins in regulating bull sperm function. This first application of WES in AI bulls with divergent fertility phenotypes has identified a novel role for the transcription factor FOXJ3 in the regulation of bull fertility. Validated genetic variants associated with bull fertility could prove useful for improving reproductive outcomes in cattle.
Constructing the magnetic bifunctional graphene/titania nanosheet-based composite photocatalysts for enhanced visible-light photodegradation of MB and electrochemical ORR from polluted water
Authors: Zhang Qian , Zhang Yihe , Meng Zilin , Tong Wangshu , Yu Xuelian , An Qi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPhotocatalysis is a promising strategy to address the global environmental and energy challenges. However, the studies on the application of the photocatalytically degraded dye-polluted water and the multi-purpose use of one type of catalyst have remained sparse. In this report, we try to demonstrate a concept of multiple and cyclic application of materials and resources in environmentally relevant catalyst reactions. A magnetic composite catalyst prepared from exfoliated titania nanosheets, graphene, the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and a polyelectrolyte enabled such a cyclic application. The composite catalyst decomposed a methylene blue-polluted water under visible light, and then the catalyst was collected and removed from the treated water using a magnet. The photocatalytically treated water was then used to prepare the electrolyte in electrochemical reductive reactions and presented superior electrochemical performance compared with the dye-polluted water. The composite catalyst was once again used as the cathode catalyst in the electrochemical reaction. Each component in the composite catalyst was indispensable in its catalytic activity, but each component played different roles in the photochemical, magnetic recycling, and electrochemical processes. We expect the report inspire the study on the multi-functional catalyst and cyclic use of the catalytically cleaned water, which should contribute for the environmental and energy remedy from a novel perspective.
The Regulatory Small RNA MarS Supports Virulence of Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Pappesch Roberto , Warnke Philipp , Mikkat Stefan , Normann Jana , Wisniewska-Kucper Aleksandra , Huschka Franziska , Wittmann Maja , Khani Afsaneh , Schwengers Oliver , Oehmcke-Hecht Sonja , Hain Torsten , Kreikemeyer Bernd , Patenge Nadja 
Published: September 2017

AbstractSmall regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) play a role in the control of bacterial virulence gene expression. In this study, we investigated an sRNA that was identified inStreptococcus pyogenes(group AStreptococcus, GAS) but is conserved throughout various streptococci. In a deletion strain, expression ofmga, the gene encoding the multiple virulence gene regulator, was reduced. Accordingly, transcript and proteome analyses revealed decreased expression of several Mga-activated genes. Therefore, and because the sRNA was shown to interact with the 5′ UTR of themgatranscript in a gel-shift assay, we designated it MarS formga-activatingregulatorysRNA. Down-regulation of important virulence factors, including the antiphagocytic M-protein, led to increased susceptibility of the deletion strain to phagocytosis and reduced adherence to human keratinocytes. In a mouse infection model, themarSdeletion mutant showed reduced dissemination to the liver, kidney, and spleen. Additionally, deletion ofmarSled to increased tolerance towards oxidative stress. Ourin vitroandin vivoresults indicate a modulating effect of MarS on virulence gene expression and on the pathogenic potential of GAS.
Microchamber Cultures of Bladder Cancer: A Platform for Characterizing Drug Responsiveness and Resistance in PDX and Primary Cancer Cells
Authors: Gheibi Pantea , Zeng Shuxiong , Son Kyung Jin , Vu Tam , Ma Ai-Hong , Dall’Era Marc A. , Yap Stanley Alexander , de Vere White Ralph W. , Pan Chong-Xian , Revzin Alexander 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPrecision cancer medicine seeks to target the underlying genetic alterations of cancer; however, it has been challenging to use genetic profiles of individual patients in identifying the most appropriate anti-cancer drugs. This spurred the development of patient avatars; for example, patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) established in mice and used for drug exposure studies. However, PDXs are associated with high cost, long development time and low efficiency of engraftment. Herein we explored the use of microfluidic devices or microchambers as simple and low-cost means of maintaining bladder cancer cells over extended periods of times in order to study patterns of drug responsiveness and resistance. When placed into 75 µm tall microfluidic chambers, cancer cells grew as ellipsoids reaching millimeter-scale dimeters over the course of 30 days in culture. We cultured three PDX and three clinical patient specimens with 100% success rate. The turn-around time for a typical efficacy study using microchambers was less than 10 days. Importantly, PDX-derived ellipsoids in microchambers retained patterns of drug responsiveness and resistance observed in PDX mice and also exhibited in vivo-like heterogeneity of tumor responses. Overall, this study establishes microfluidic cultures of difficult-to-maintain primary cancer cells as a useful tool for precision cancer medicine.
A tunable electron beam source using trapping of electrons in a density down-ramp in laser wakefield acceleration
Authors: Ekerfelt Henrik , Hansson Martin , Gallardo González Isabel , Davoine Xavier , Lundh Olle 
Published: September 2017

AbstractOne challenge in the development of laser wakefield accelerators is to demonstrate sufficient control and reproducibility of the parameters of the generated bunches of accelerated electrons. Here we report on a numerical study, where we demonstrate that trapping using density down-ramps allows for tuning of several electron bunch parameters by varying the properties of the density down-ramp. We show that the electron bunch length is determined by the difference in density before and after the ramp. Furthermore, the transverse emittance of the bunch is controlled by the steepness of the ramp. Finally, the amount of trapped charge depends both on the density difference and on the steepness of the ramp. We emphasize that both parameters of the density ramp are feasible to vary experimentally. We therefore conclude that this tunable electron accelerator makes it suitable for a wide range of applications, from those requiring short pulse length and low emittance, such as the free-electron lasers, to those requiring high-charge, large-emittance bunches to maximize betatron X-ray generation.
L1 adaptive fuzzy control of wind energy conversion systems via variable structure adaptation for all wind speed regions
Authors: Elnaggar Mahmoud , Saad Mohamed S. , Abdel Fattah Hossam A. , Elshafei Abdel Latif 
Published: September 2017

A decentralised control scheme is proposed to manipulate the speed and the pitch angle of a 1.5 MW wind turbine. In region 2, the goal is to capture maximum power by tracking a reference turbine's speed. For region 3, the goal is to regulate the turbine's speed at its rated value and harvest the rated power. L1 adaptive controllers are proposed to achieve the previous goals. A new L1 adaptive algorithm, based on fuzzy modelling and variable structure adaptation, is introduced. Performance bounds on the proposed controllers are derived. Simulation results illustrate the superiority of the proposed algorithm compared with both proportional–integral and basic L1 adaptive controllers.
Circulating MicroRNA as Thrombosis Sentinels: Caveats and Considerations
Authors: Tay Jasmine , Tiao Jim , Hughes Quintin , Jorritsma Jessica , Gilmore Grace , Baker Ross 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe small noncoding RNAs, microRNAs (or miRNAs), have been implicated in a myriad of diseases and accumulating evidence indicate their potential high value as diagnostic biomarkers. Although their roles in hemostasis and coagulation pathways are less defined, many studies have demonstrated their participation in regulating key factors of hemostasis. However, the mounting challenges associated with the accurate measurement of circulating miRNAs and the involvement of platelet activation in contributing to the circulating miRNA expression profile introduce further complexity to the study of thrombosis-associated miRNAs. This review outlines the current knowledge of miRNAs that have been postulated to regulate key hemostatic factors, and miRNA diagnostic panels in thrombotic disease, with a focus on experimental fundamentals, such as selecting condition-specific reference controls, considerations that are crucial for accurate evaluation of miRNAs in the context of disease biomarkers.
Positive Effects of Promoting Physical Activity and Balanced Diets in a Primary School Setting with a High Proportion of Migrant School Children
Authors: Weber Katharina , Spörkel Olaf , Mertens Melina , Freese Alem , Strassburger Klaus , Kemper Boris , Bachmann Clemens , Diehlmann Knut , Stemper Theodor , Buyken Anette , Ketelhut Kerstin , Müssig Karsten 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Background Children with migration background are at particular risk for overweight. We assessed the effects of a primary school-based initiative targeted at enhancing physical activity and dietary education among children with a high proportion of migration background.
Methods Four 3rd and 4th grade classes (n=70 children, 77% with migration background) participated in a 10-months intervention comprising 2 additional exercise lessons weekly and 10 nutrition lessons per school year. 6 school classes (n=125 children, 65% with migration background) served as control. Before and after the intervention, an assessment of physical fitness and motor skills and questionnaires on dietary behavior and knowledge were conducted. In a subgroup (n=37), after 6 months of the intervention, daily physical activity was assessed by accelerometer-based monitoring. Differences in changes between the groups were assessed using linear regression analyses.
Results Changes between the 2 time points for fitness and motor skill tests (differences in standard deviation scores) were larger in the intervention than in the control group for the total mean test value (β=0.38, p<0.001), driven by higher improvements in 5 of the 8 test items, i.e., obstacle race (speed) (β=0.22, p=0.049), standing long jump (strength) (β=0.35, p<0.001), sit-ups (strength) (β=0.33, p=0.002), stand and reach (mobility) (β=0.22, p=0.042), and 6 min run (endurance) (β=0.40, p<0.001), independently of confounders. Changes in dietary knowledge and consumption frequencies did not differ between groups.
Conclusions Promoting guided physical activity in a primary school setting with a high proportion of children with migration background positively affected parameters of fitness and motor skills.
Effects of Hypoxia during Continuous and Intermittent Exercise on Glycaemic Control and Selected Markers of Vascular Function in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Hall Barbara , Zebrowska Aleksandra , Kaminski Tomasz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Robins Anna 
Published: September 2017

Abstract
Objectives The aim of the study was to assess the effect of continuous and intermittent exercise in hypoxia on glycaemic control and selected markers of vascular function in patients with Type 1 diabetes (T1D).
Methods 12 patients suffering from T1D for 12.1±6.0 years and 12 healthy adults performed: continuous exercise (ExC) and intermittent exercise (ExInt) in normoxia and hypoxia (FiO₂=15.1%). Glycaemia and proangiogenic factors concentrations were measured at rest and immediately after exercise.
Results T1D patients’ glycaemia decreased in response to ExC (p<0.01) and ExInt (p<0.05) under hypoxic conditions. ExInt in normoxia (p<0.05) and hypoxia (p<0.05) reduced HIF-1α in the T1D group. A tendency for vascular endothelial growth factor to increase after ExInt in hypoxia (6.0±3.8 vs. 17.1±13.07 pg/mL) and a proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α level to decrease (33.2±19.1 vs. 25.1±14.4 pg/mL) was found in the same group.
Conclusions Combining exercise with hypoxia may allow more effective short-term glycaemic control in T1D. Intermittent exercise with hypoxia could stabilize the secretion of selected proangiogenic factors and reduce inflammation, potentially leading to improved vascular function.