bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Molecular Basis for Selective Antagonist Destabilization of Dopamine D3 Receptor Quaternary Organization
Authors: Marsango Sara , Caltabiano Gianluigi , Jiménez-Rosés Mireia , Millan Mark J. , Pediani John D. , Ward Richard J. , Milligan Graeme 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is a molecular target for both first-generation and several recently-developed antipsychotic agents. Following stable expression of this mEGFP-tagged receptor, Spatial Intensity Distribution Analysis indicated that a substantial proportion of the receptor was present within dimeric/oligomeric complexes and that increased expression levels of the receptor favored a greater dimer to monomer ratio. Addition of the antipsychotics, spiperone or haloperidol, resulted in re-organization of D3R quaternary structure to promote monomerization. This action was dependent on ligand concentration and reversed upon drug washout. By contrast, a number of other antagonists with high affinity at the D3R, did not alter the dimer/monomer ratio. Molecular dynamics simulations following docking of each of the ligands into a model of the D3R derived from the available atomic level structure, and comparisons to the receptor in the absence of ligand, were undertaken. They showed that, in contrast to the other antagonists, spiperone and haloperidol respectively increased the atomic distance between reference α carbon atoms of transmembrane domains IV and V and I and II, both of which provide key interfaces for D3R dimerization. These results offer a molecular explanation for the distinctive ability of spiperone and haloperidol to disrupt D3R dimerization.
Dynamics of oscillators globally coupled via two mean fields
Authors: Zhang Xiyun , Pikovsky Arkady , Liu Zonghua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany studies of synchronization properties of coupled oscillators, based on the classical Kuramoto approach, focus on ensembles coupled via a mean field. Here we introduce a setup of Kuramoto-type phase oscillators coupled via two mean fields. We derive stability properties of the incoherent state and find traveling wave solutions with different locking patterns; stability properties of these waves are found numerically. Mostly nontrivial states appear when the two fields compete, i.e. one tends to synchronize oscillators while the other one desynchronizes them. Here we identify normal branches which bifurcate from the incoherent state in a usual way, and anomalous branches, appearance of which cannot be described as a bifurcation. Furthermore, hybrid branches combining properties of both are described. In the situations where no stable traveling wave exists, modulated quasiperiodic in time dynamics is observed. Our results indicate that a competition between two coupling channels can lead to a complex system behavior, providing a potential generalized framework for understanding of complex phenomena in natural oscillatory systems.
Cryo-Electron Microscopy Structure of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii Nodavirus Capsid at 7 Angstroms Resolution
Authors: Ho Kok Lian , Kueh Chare Li , Beh Poay Ling , Tan Wen Siang , Bhella David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWhite tail disease in the giant freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii causes significant economic losses in shrimp farms and hatcheries and poses a threat to food-security in many developing countries. Outbreaks of Macrobrachium rosenbergii nodavirus (MrNV), the causative agent of white tail disease (WTD) are associated with up to 100% mortality rates. There are no interventions available to treat or prevent MrNV disease however. Here we show the structure of MrNV virus-like particles (VLPs) produced by recombinant expression of the capsid protein, using cryogenic electron microscopy. Our data show that MrNV VLPs package nucleic acids in a manner reminiscent of other known nodavirus structures. The structure of the capsid however shows striking differences from insect and fish infecting nodaviruses, which have been shown to assemble trimer-clustered T = 3 icosahedral virus particles. MrNV particles have pronounced dimeric blade-shaped spikes extending up to 6 nm from the outer surface of the capsid shell. Our structural analysis supports the assertion that MrNV may belong to a new genus of the Nodaviridae. Moreover, our study provides the first structural view of an important pathogen affecting aquaculture industries across the world.
Phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 is associated to poor outcome on tamoxifen therapy in recurrent breast cancer
Authors: De Marchi Tommaso , Timmermans Mieke A. , Sieuwerts Anieta M. , Smid Marcel , Look Maxime P. , Grebenchtchikov Nicolai , Sweep Fred C. G. J. , Smits Jan G. , Magdolen Viktor , van Deurzen Carolien H. M. , Foekens John A. , Umar Arzu , Martens John W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn a previous study, we detected a significant association between phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) hyper-methylation and mRNA levels to outcome to tamoxifen treatment in recurrent disease. We here aimed to study the association of PSAT1 protein levels to outcome upon tamoxifen treatment and to obtain more insight in its role in tamoxifen resistance. A cohort of ER positive, hormonal therapy naïve primary breast carcinomas was immunohistochemically (IHC) stained for PSAT1. Staining was analyzed for association with patient’s time to progression (TTP) and overall response on first-line tamoxifen for recurrent disease. PSAT1 mRNA levels were also assessed by reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR; n = 161) and Affymetrix GeneChip (n = 155). Association of PSAT1 to biological pathways on tamoxifen outcome were assessed by global test. PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels were significantly associated to poor outcome to tamoxifen treatment. When comparing PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels, IHC and RT-qPCR data showed a significant association. Global test results showed that cytokine and JAK-STAT signaling were associated to PSAT1 expression. We hereby report that PSAT1 protein and mRNA levels measured in ER positive primary tumors are associated with poor clinical outcome to tamoxifen.
Elastocaloric effect and superelastic stability in Ni–Mn–In–Co polycrystalline Heusler alloys: hysteresis and strain-rate effects
Authors: Lu Binfeng , Liu Jian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractControlling material hysteresis and working frequency variability are fundamentally important for refrigeration cycle efficiency and power density in solid-state cooling systems. For elastocaloric cooling, understanding the relationship between the width of the stress hysteresis and elastocaloric behaviour during superelastic cycles under varied strain rates is important. In this work, we report the effects of strain rate effects on the superelastic and elastocaloric responses in Ni45Mn50−xInxCo5 (x = 13.6–14.0 in at%) polycrystalline alloys. We observed a strong correlation between stress hysteresis and superelastic stability during mechanical cycling under increasing strain rates. Excellent transformation reversibility and stable superelastic responses are observed for x = 13.6 with a narrow hysteresis (49 MPa), whereas transformation irreversibility and dramatically deteriorated superelastic stability occur for x = 13.8, with a wide hysteresis (138 MPa). Furthermore, isothermal loading–unloading cycles under increasing and constant maximum applied stress were performed for the x = 13.6 samples, with a combination of low transformation stress and small transformation hysteresis. We suggest that a balance between transformation strain and hysteresis energy loss is fundamental to achieving a high coefficient of performance for elastocaloric materials.
Nickel Cobalt Sulfide core/shell structure on 3D Graphene for supercapacitor application
Authors: Beka Lemu Girma , Li Xin , Liu Weihua 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) core/shell structure of nickel cobalt sulfide is nano-engineered by using series of hydrothermal steps on a CVD grown graphene for supercapacitor application. This core/shell is composited of NiCo2S4 nanotube (NCS) as core and CoxNi(3−x)S2 (CNS) nanosheets as a shell. The as-synthesized composite exhibits excellent electrochemical properties by using the advantage of NCS nanontube core as superhighway for electron and ion transport, and CNS nanosheets shell as high active area pseudocapacitive material. The 3D graphene layer serves as excellent surface area to support 3D NCS/CNS; moreover, it provides excellent electrical conductivity between nickel foam current collector and the 3D NCS/NCS composite. Using these hybrid advantages the as-synthesized graphene/NCS/CNS composite electrode exhibits high areal capacitance of 15.6 F/cm2 at current density of 10 mA/cm2; excellent cycling stability of 93% after 5000 of cycles and excellent rate capability of 74.36% as current increase from 10 to 100 mA/cm2. Moreover, a prototype of asymmetric device fabricated using graphene/NCS/CNS as positive electrode and RGO as negative electrode exhibits high energy density of 23.9 Wh/kg and power density of 2460.6 W/kg at high operating current of 100 mA. Such high performance electrode material may get great application in future energy storage device.
Ancient River Inference Explains Exceptional Oriental Freshwater Mussel Radiations
Authors: Bolotov Ivan N. , Kondakov Alexander V. , Vikhrev Ilya V. , Aksenova Olga V. , Bespalaya Yulia V. , Gofarov Mikhail Yu. , Kolosova Yulia S. , Konopleva Ekaterina S. , Spitsyn Vitaly M. , Tanmuangpak Kitti , Tumpeesuwan Sakboworn 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe concept of long-lived (ancient) lakes has had a great influence on the development of evolutionary biogeography. According to this insight, a number of lakes on Earth have existed for several million years (e.g., Baikal and Tanganyika) and represent unique evolutionary hotspots with multiple intra-basin radiations. In contrast, rivers are usually considered to be variable systems, and the possibility of their long-term existence during geological epochs has never been tested. In this study, we reconstruct the history of freshwater basin interactions across continents based on the multi-locus fossil-calibrated phylogeny of freshwater mussels (Unionidae). These mussels most likely originated in Southeast and East Asia in the Jurassic, with the earliest expansions into North America and Africa (since the mid-Cretaceous) following the colonization of Europe and India (since the Paleocene). We discovered two ancient monophyletic mussel radiations (mean age ~51–55 Ma) within the paleo-Mekong catchment (i.e., the Mekong, Siam, and Malacca Straits paleo-river drainage basins). Our findings reveal that the Mekong may be considered a long-lived river that has existed throughout the entire Cenozoic epoch.
The resonant interaction between anions or vacancies in ZnON semiconductors and their effects on thin film device properties
Authors: Park Jozeph , Jeong Hyun-Jun , Lee Hyun-Mo , Nahm Ho-Hyun , Park Jin-Seong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractZinc oxynitride (ZnON) semiconductors are suitable for high performance thin-film transistors (TFTs) with excellent device stability under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). The present work provides a first approach on the optimization of electrical performance and stability of the TFTs via studying the resonant interaction between anions or vacancies in ZnON. It is found that the incorporation of nitrogen increases the concentration of nitrogen vacancies (VN+s), which generate larger concentrations of free electrons with increased mobility. However, a critical amount of nitrogen exists, above which electrically inactive divacancy (VN-VN)0 forms, thus reducing the number of carriers and their mobility. The presence of nitrogen anions also reduces the relative content of oxygen anions, therefore diminishing the probability of forming O-O dimers (peroxides). The latter is well known to accelerate device degradation under NBIS. Calculations indicate that a balance between device performance and NBIS stability may be achieved by optimizing the nitrogen to oxygen anion ratio. Experimental results confirm that the degradation of the TFTs with respect to NBIS becomes less severe as the nitrogen content in the film increases, while the device performance reaches an intermediate peak, with field effect mobility exceeding 50 cm2/Vs.
The rice production practices of high yield and high nitrogen use efficiency in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Guo Jiuxin , Hu Xiangyu , Gao Limin , Xie Kailiu , Ling Ning , Shen Qirong , Hu Shuijin , Guo Shiwei 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo face the great challenges of ensuring food security and environmental sustainability, agricultural production must be improved by high yield and high resource utilization efficiency (HYHE). We recently addressed this challenge and evaluated yield potential by surveying 735 farmers in 2008–2012 and then conducting 6 rice field experiments in 2008–2013 with large demonstration areas in 2010–2013 aimed to actualize the HYHE in Jiangsu Province, China. The survey result showed that the averaged N rate, grain yield and N partial factor productivity (PFPN) of the farmers were 336.7 kg ha−1, 8131.8 kg ha−1 and 24.2 kg kg−1, respectively. Through controlling total N rates and adjusting the application timing, the yield and the PFPN of optimal N managements (OPT) were increased by 5.9% and 37.6% with 31.4% reduction in N supply amounts for 6 experimental sites, and the yield increased by 5.6% for large demonstration areas compared with farmers’ fertilizer practices (FFP), respectively. In conclusion, although the soil properties of the different regions varied, HYHE could be achieved by regulating the N management practices, thus contributing to higher rice production and lower environmental costs from intensive agriculture in Jiangsu, China.
Reactivity in the human retinal microvasculature measured during acute gas breathing provocations
Authors: Duan Angelina , Bedggood Phillip A. , Metha Andrew B. , Bui Bang V. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlthough changes in vessel diameter following gas perturbation have been documented in retinal arterioles and venules, these responses have yet to be quantified in the smallest vessels of the human retina. Here, using in vivo adaptive optics, we imaged 3–25 µm diameter vessels of the human inner retinal circulation and monitored the effects of altered gas-breathing conditions. During isocapnic hyperoxia, definite constrictions were seen in 51% of vessel segments (mean ± SD for pre-capillary arterioles −9.5 ± 3.0%; capillaries −11.8 ± 3.3%; post-capillary venules −6.3 ± 2.8%); these are comparable with responses previously reported in larger vessels. During isoxic hypercapnia, definite dilations were seen in 47% of vessel segments (mean ± SD for pre-capillary arterioles +9.8 ± 1.5%; capillaries +13.7 ± 3.8%; post-capillary venules +7.5 ± 4.2%); these are proportionally greater than responses previously reported in larger vessels. The magnitude of these proportional changes implies that the capillary beds themselves play an important role in the retinal response to changes in carbon dioxide levels. Interestingly, the distribution of microvascular responses shown here differs from our previously reported responses to flicker stimulation, suggesting differences in the way blood supply is coordinated following gas perturbation and altered neural activity.
Proteome remodelling by the stress sigma factor RpoS/σS in Salmonella: identification of small proteins and evidence for post-transcriptional regulation
Authors: Lago Magali , Monteil Véronique , Douche Thibaut , Guglielmini Julien , Criscuolo Alexis , Maufrais Corinne , Matondo Mariette , Norel Françoise 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe RpoS/σS sigma subunit of RNA polymerase is the master regulator of the general stress response in many Gram-negative bacteria. Extensive studies have been conducted on σS-regulated gene expression at the transcriptional level. In contrast, very limited information regarding the impact of σS on global protein production is available. In this study, we used a mass spectrometry-based proteomics approach to explore the wide σS-dependent proteome of the human pathogen Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium. Our present goals were twofold: (1) to survey the protein changes associated with the ΔrpoS mutation and (2) to assess the coding capacity of σS-dependent small RNAs. Our proteomics data, and complementary assays, unravelled the large impact of σS on the Salmonella proteome, and validated expression and σS regulation of twenty uncharacterized small proteins of 27 to 96 amino acids. Furthermore, a large number of genes regulated at the protein level only were identified, suggesting that post-transcriptional regulation is an important component of the σS response. Novel aspects of σS in the control of important catabolic pathways such as myo-inositol, L-fucose, propanediol, and ethanolamine were illuminated by this work, providing new insights into the physiological remodelling involved in bacterial adaptation to a non-actively growing state.
Age-related penetrance of the C9orf72 repeat expansion
Authors: Murphy Natalie A. , Arthur Karissa C. , Tienari Pentti J. , Houlden Henry , Chiò Adriano , Traynor Bryan J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA pathogenic hexanucleotide repeat expansion within the C9orf72 gene has been identified as the major cause of two neurodegenerative syndromes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). This mutation is known to have incomplete penetrance, with some patients developing disease in their twenties and a small portion of carriers surviving to their ninth decade without developing symptoms. Describing penetrance by age among C9orf72 carriers and identifying parameters that alter onset age are essential to better understanding this locus and to enhance predictive counseling. To do so, data from 1,170 individuals were used to model penetrance. Our analysis showed that the penetrance was incomplete and age-dependent. Additionally, familial and sporadic penetrance did not significantly differ from one another; ALS cases exhibited earlier age of onset than FTD cases; and individuals with spinal-onset exhibited earlier age of onset than those with bulbar-onset. The older age of onset among female cases in general, and among female bulbar-onset cases in particular, was the most striking finding, and there may be an environmental, lifestyle, or hormonal factor that is influencing these penetrance patterns. These results will have important applications for future clinical research, the identification of disease modifiers, and genetic counseling.
Femtosecond Laser Fabrication of Anatase TiO2 Micro-nanostructures with Chemical Oxidation and Annealing
Authors: Huang Ting , Lu Jinlong , Zhang Xin , Xiao Rongshi , Yang Wuxiong , Wu Qiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe fabrication of nanoporous anatase TiO2 on a microstructured Ti base is achieved through an innovative hybrid fabrication method involving femtosecond laser ablation coupled with H2O2 oxidation and annealing. The anatase TiO2 micro-nanostructures have superior photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange due to enhanced light harvesting capacity and surface area. The photodegradation efficiency increases by a maximum of 80% compared to the nanoporous anatase TiO2 fabricated through H2O2 oxidation and annealing only (without femtosecond laser ablation). Meanwhile, The anatase TiO2 micro-nanostructures show good cyclic performance, indicating a great potential for practical application. The proposed hybrid method can easily tune the morphology and size of microstructure by simply adjusting the femtosecond laser parameters, showing advantage in fabricating of micro-nanostructures with a rich variety of morphologies.
First demonstration of multi-color 3-D in vivo imaging using ultra-compact Compton camera
Authors: Kishimoto Aya , Kataoka Jun , Taya Takanori , Tagawa Leo , Mochizuki Saku , Ohsuka Shinji , Nagao Yuto , Kurita Keisuke , Yamaguchi Mitsutaka , Kawachi Naoki , Matsunaga Keiko , Ikeda Hayato , Shimosegawa Eku , Hatazawa Jun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the field of nuclear medicine, single photon emission tomography and positron emission tomography are the two most common techniques in molecular imaging, but the available radioactive tracers have been limited either by energy range or difficulties in production and delivery. Thus, the use of a Compton camera, which features gamma-ray imaging of arbitrary energies from a few hundred keV to more than MeV, is eagerly awaited along with potential new tracers which have never been used in current modalities. In this paper, we developed an ultra-compact Compton camera that weighs only 580 g. The camera consists of fine-pixelized Ce-doped Gd3Al2Ga3O12 scintillators coupled with multi-pixel photon counter arrays. We first investigated the 3-D imaging capability of our camera system for a diffuse source of a planar geometry, and then conducted small animal imaging as pre-clinical evaluation. For the first time, we successfully carried out the 3-D color imaging of a live mouse in just 2 h. By using tri-color gamma-ray fusion images, we confirmed that 131I, 85Sr, and 65Zn can be new tracers that concentrate in each target organ.
Fabrication of full-color GaN-based light-emitting diodes on nearly lattice-matched flexible metal foils
Authors: Kim Hyeryun , Ohta Jitsuo , Ueno Kohei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Morita Mari , Tokumoto Yuki , Fujioka Hiroshi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractGaN-based light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been widely accepted as highly efficient solid-state light sources capable of replacing conventional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. However, their applications are limited to small devices because their fabrication process is expensive as it involves epitaxial growth of GaN by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on single crystalline sapphire wafers. If a low-cost epitaxial growth process such as sputtering on a metal foil can be used, it will be possible to fabricate large-area and flexible GaN-based light-emitting displays. Here we report preparation of GaN films on nearly lattice-matched flexible Hf foils using pulsed sputtering deposition (PSD) and demonstrate feasibility of fabricating full-color GaN-based LEDs. It was found that introduction of low-temperature (LT) grown layers suppressed the interfacial reaction between GaN and Hf, allowing the growth of high-quality GaN films on Hf foils. We fabricated blue, green, and red LEDs on Hf foils and confirmed their normal operation. The present results indicate that GaN films on Hf foils have potential applications in fabrication of future large-area flexible GaN-based optoelectronics.
A novel peptide specifically binding to VEGF receptor suppresses angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Zhang Yuan , He Bifang , Liu Kun , Ning Lin , Luo Delun , Xu Kai , Zhu Wenli , Wu Zhigang , Huang Jian , Xu Xun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the most important angiogenic factors, plays an essential role in both physiological and pathological angiogenesis through binding to VEGF receptors (VEGFRs). Here we report a novel peptide designated HRHTKQRHTALH (peptide HRH), which was isolated from the Ph.D. -12 phage display library using VEGFR-Fc fusion protein as the bait. This peptide was found to dose-dependently inhibit the proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated by VEGF. The anti-angiogenesis effect of the HRH peptide was further confirmed in vivo using the chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, which was also dose-dependent. Besides, peptide HRH was proved to inhibit corneal neovascularization in an alkali-burnt rat corneal model and a suture-induced rat corneal model. Taken together, these findings suggest that the HRH peptide can inhibit angiogenesis both in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, the HRHTKQRHTALH peptide might be a promising lead peptide for the development of potential angiogenic inhibitors.