bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging fungal pathogen Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola in wild European snakes
Authors: Franklinos Lydia H. V. , Lorch Jeffrey M. , Bohuski Elizabeth , Rodriguez-Ramos Fernandez Julia , Wright Owen N. , Fitzpatrick Liam , Petrovan Silviu , Durrant Chris , Linton Chris , Baláž Vojtech , Cunningham Andrew A. , Lawson Becki 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSnake fungal disease (SFD) is an emerging disease of conservation concern in eastern North America. Ophidiomyces ophiodiicola, the causative agent of SFD, has been isolated from over 30 species of wild snakes from six families in North America. Whilst O. ophiodiicola has been isolated from captive snakes outside North America, the pathogen has not been reported from wild snakes elsewhere. We screened 33 carcasses and 303 moulted skins from wild snakes collected from 2010–2016 in Great Britain and the Czech Republic for the presence of macroscopic skin lesions and O. ophiodiicola. The fungus was detected using real-time PCR in 26 (8.6%) specimens across the period of collection. Follow up culture and histopathologic analyses confirmed that both O. ophiodiicola and SFD occur in wild European snakes. Although skin lesions were mild in most cases, in some snakes they were severe and were considered likely to have contributed to mortality. Culture characterisations demonstrated that European isolates grew more slowly than those from the United States, and phylogenetic analyses indicated that isolates from European wild snakes reside in a clade distinct from the North American isolates examined. These genetic and phenotypic differences indicate that the European isolates represent novel strains of O. ophiodiicola. Further work is required to understand the individual and population level impact of this pathogen in Europe.
Chronic treatment with a smart antioxidative nanoparticle for inhibition of amyloid plaque propagation in Tg2576 mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Boonruamkaew Phetcharat , Chonpathompikunlert Pennapa , Vong Long Binh , Sakaue Sho , Tomidokoro Yasushi , Ishii Kazuhiro , Tamaoka Akira , Nagasaki Yukio 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe present study aimed to assess whether our newly developed redox nanoparticle (RNPN) that has antioxidant potential decreases Aβ levels or prevents Aβ aggregation associated with oxidative stress. The transgenic Tg2576 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice were used to investigate the effect of chronic ad libitum drinking of RNPN solution for 6 months, including memory and learning functions, antioxidant activity, and amyloid plaque aggregation. The results showed that RNPN-treated mice had significantly attenuated cognitive deficits of both spatial and non-spatial memories, reduced oxidative stress of lipid peroxide, and DNA oxidation. RNPN treatment increased the percent inhibition of superoxide anion and glutathione peroxidase activity, neuronal densities in the cortex and hippocampus, decreased Aβ(1-40), Aβ(1-42) and gamma (γ)-secretase levels, and reduced Aβ plaque observed using immunohistochemistry analysis and thioflavin S staining. Our results suggest that RNPN may be a promising candidate for AD therapy because of its antioxidant properties and reduction in Aβ aggregation, thereby suppressing its adverse side effect.
Rapid monoisotopic cisplatin based barcoding for multiplexed mass cytometry
Authors: McCarthy Ryan L. , Mak Duncan H. , Burks Jared K. , Barton Michelle C. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMass cytometry presents an exceptional opportunity to interrogate the biology of highly heterogeneous cell populations, owing to the ability to collect highly parametric proteomic data at a single cell level. However, sample-to-sample variability, due to antibody staining and/or instrument sensitivity, can introduce substantial artifacts into the data, which can in turn lead to erroneous conclusions. This variability can be eliminated by sample barcoding which enables samples to be pooled, stained and run simultaneously. Existing mass cytometry barcoding approaches require time intensive labeling, reduce the number of biologically meaningful parameters and/or rely on expensive reagents. We present an approach utilizing monoisotopic cisplatin to perform cell barcoding that does not require cell permeabilization, can be completed in 10 minutes and can be utilized in combination with existing barcoding techniques to greatly increase the number of samples which can be multiplexed to improve throughput and consistency.
Sex differences in prostaglandin biosynthesis in neutrophils during acute inflammation
Authors: Pace Simona , Rossi Antonietta , Krauth Verena , Dehm Friederike , Troisi Fabiana , Bilancia Rossella , Weinigel Christina , Rummler Silke , Werz Oliver , Sautebin Lidia 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe severity and course of inflammatory processes differ between women and men, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying these sex differences are elusive. Prostaglandins (PG) and leukotrienes (LT) are lipid mediators linked to inflammation. We demonstrated superior LT biosynthesis in human neutrophils and monocytes, and in mouse macrophages from females, and we confirmed these sex differencesin vivowhere female mice produced more LTs during zymosan-induced peritonitis versus males. Here, we report sex differences in PG production in neutrophils during acute inflammation. In the late phase (4–8 hrs) of mouse zymosan-induced peritonitis and rat carrageenan-induced pleurisy, PG levels in males were higher versus females, seemingly due to higher PG production in infiltrated neutrophils. Accordingly, human neutrophils from males produced more PGE2than cells from females. Increased PG biosynthesis in males was accompanied by elevated cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression connected to increased nuclear factor-kappa B activation, and was abolished when LT synthesis was pharmacologically blocked, suggesting that elevated PG production in males might be caused by increased COX-2 expression and by shunting phenomena due to suppressed LT formation. Conclusively, our data reveal that the biosynthesis of pro-inflammatory PGs and LTs is conversely regulated by sex with consequences for the inflammatory response.
Exploration of binding and inhibition mechanism of a small molecule inhibitor of influenza virus H1N1 hemagglutinin by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Guan Shanshan , Wang Tianao , Kuai Ziyu , Qian Mengdan , Tian Xiaopian , Zhang Xiuqi , Yu Yongjiao , Wang Song , Zhang Hao , Li Hao , Kong Wei , Shan Yaming 
Published: June 2017

AbstractInfluenza viruses are a major public health threat worldwide. The influenza hemagglutinin (HA) plays an essential role in the virus life cycle. Due to the high conservation of the HA stem region, it has become an especially attractive target for inhibitors for therapeutics. In this study, molecular simulation was applied to study the mechanism of a small molecule inhibitor (MBX2329) of influenza HA. Behaviors of the small molecule under neutral and acidic conditions were investigated, and an interesting dynamic binding mechanism was found. The results suggested that the binding of the inhibitor with HA under neutral conditions facilitates only its intake, while it interacts with HA under acidic conditions using a different mechanism at a new binding site. After a series of experiments, we believe that binding of the inhibitor can prevent the release of HA1 from HA2, further maintaining the rigidity of the HA2 loop and stabilizing the distance between the long helix and short helices. The investigated residues in the new binding site show high conservation, implying that the new binding pocket has the potential to be an effective drug target. The results of this study will provide a theoretical basis for the mechanism of new influenza virus inhibitors.
Initial pseudo-steady state & asymptotic KPZ universality in semiconductor on polymer deposition
Authors: Almeida Renan A. L. , Ferreira Sukarno O. , Ferraz Isnard , Oliveira Tiago J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) class is a paradigmatic example of universality in nonequilibrium phenomena, but clear experimental evidences of asymptotic 2D-KPZ statistics are still very rare, and far less understanding stems from its short-time behavior. We tackle such issues by analyzing surface fluctuations of CdTe films deposited on polymeric substrates, based on a huge spatio-temporal surface sampling acquired through atomic force microscopy. A pseudo-steady state (where average surface roughness and spatial correlations stay constant in time) is observed at initial times, persisting up to deposition of ~104 monolayers. This state results from a fine balance between roughening and smoothening, as supported by a phenomenological growth model. KPZ statistics arises at long times, thoroughly verified by universal exponents, spatial covariance and several distributions. Recent theoretical generalizations of the Family-Vicsek scaling and the emergence of log-normal distributions during interface growth are experimentally confirmed. These results confirm that high vacuum vapor deposition of CdTe constitutes a genuine 2D-KPZ system, and expand our knowledge about possible substrate-induced short-time behaviors.
Two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy of uranium isotopes in femtosecond laser ablation plumes
Authors: Phillips Mark C. , Brumfield Brian E. , LaHaye Nicole , Harilal Sivanandan S. , Hartig Kyle C. , Jovanovic Igor 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe demonstrate measurement of uranium isotopes in femtosecond laser ablation plumes using two-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy (2DFS). The high-resolution, tunable CW-laser spectroscopy technique clearly distinguishes atomic absorption from 235U and 238U in natural and highly enriched uranium metal samples. We present analysis of spectral resolution and analytical performance of 2DFS as a function of ambient pressure. Simultaneous measurement using time-resolved absorption spectroscopy provides information on temporal dynamics of the laser ablation plume and saturation behavior of fluorescence signals. The rapid, non-contact measurement is promising for in-field, standoff measurements of uranium enrichment for nuclear safety and security.
Iscador Qu inhibits doxorubicin-induced senescence of MCF7 cells
Authors: Srdic-Rajic Tatjana , Santibañez Juan F. , Kanjer Ksenija , Tisma-Miletic Nevena , Cavic Milena , Galun Daniel , Jevric Marko , Kardum Nevena , Konic-Ristic Aleksandra , Zoranovic Tamara 
Published: June 2017

AbstractChemotherapy in patients with inoperable or advanced breast cancer inevitably results in low-dose exposure of tumor-cell subset and senescence. Metabolically active senescent cells secrete multiple tumor promoting factors making their elimination a therapeutic priority. Viscum album is one of the most widely used alternative anti-cancer medicines facilitating chemotherapy tolerance of breast cancer patients. The aim of this study was to model and investigate how Viscum album extracts execute additive anti-tumor activity with low-dose Dox using ER + MCF7 breast cancer cells. We report that cotreatment of MCF7 with Viscum album and Dox abrogates G2/M cycle arrest replacing senescence with intrinsic apoptotic program. Mechanistically, this switch was associated with down-regulation of p21, p53/p73 as well as Erk1/2 and p38 activation. Our findings, therefore, identify a novel mechanistic axis of additive antitumor activity of Viscum album and low dose-Dox. In conclusion, ER + breast cancer patients may benefit from addition of Viscum album to low-dose Dox chemotherapy due to suppression of cancer cell senescence and induction of apoptosis.
Metallicity in a Holstein-Hubbard Chain at Half Filling with Gaussian Anharmonicity
Authors: Lavanya Ch. Uma , Sankar I. V. , Chatterjee Ashok 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Holstein-Hubbard model with Gaussian phonon anharmonicity is studied in one-dimension at half filling using a variational method based on a series of canonical transformations. A fairly accurate phonon state is chosen to average the transformed Holstein-Hubbard Hamiltonian to obtain an effective Hubbard model which is then solved using the exact Bethe - ansatz following Lieb and Wu to obtain the ground state energy, the average lattice displacement and the renormalized parameters. The Mott-Hubbard criterion, local spin moment and the von Neumann entropy (which is a measure of quantum entanglement) are calculated to determine the ground state phase diagram which shows that the width of the metallic phase flanked by the SDW and CDW phases increases with increasing anharmonicity at low and moderate values of anharmonicity but eventually saturates when the anharmonicity becomes substantially large.
Characterization of slow cycling corneal limbal epithelial cells identifies putative stem cell markers
Authors: Sartaj R. , Zhang C. , Wan P. , Pasha Z. , Guaiquil V. , Liu A. , Liu J. , Luo Y. , Fuchs E. , Rosenblatt M. I. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn order to identify reliable markers of corneal epithelial stem cells, we employed an inducible transgenic “pulse-chase” murine model (K5Tta × TRE-H2BGFP) to localize, purify, and characterize slow cycling cells in the cornea. The retention of GFP labeling in slowly dividing cells allowed for localization of these cells to the corneal limbus and their subsequent purification by FACS. Transcriptome analysis from slow cycling cells identified differentially expressed genes when comparing to GFP- faster-dividing cells. RNA-Seq data from corneal epithelium were compared to epidermal hair follicle stem cell RNA-Seq to identify genes representing common putative stem cell markers or determinants, which included Sox9, Fzd7, Actn1, Anxa3 and Krt17. Overlapping retention of GFP and immunohistochemical expression of Krt15, ΔNp63, Sox9, Actn1, Fzd7 and Krt17 were observed in our transgenic model. Our analysis presents an array of novel genes as putative corneal stem cell markers.
Hyperuricemia and overexcretion of uric acid increase the risk of simple renal cysts in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Han Ying , Zhang Mingliang , Lu Junxi , Zhang Lei , Han Junfeng , Zhao Fangya , Chen Haibing , Bao Yuqian , Jia Weiping 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPrevious studies have discussed the relationship between simple renal cysts (SRC) and serum uric acid level in healthy individuals. We performed a cross-sectional study to evaluate the association between serum uric acid level and fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) and simple renal cysts in males and postmenopausal females with type 2 diabetes. The overall prevalence of SRC was 18.1% in our population. SRC prevalence was significantly higher in hyperuricemic than normouricemic subjects (27.3% vs. 16.8%, P < 0.001). Subjects who overexcreted uric acid had a higher prevalence of SRC than underexcretors (total population: 21.6% vs. 16.3%; normouricemic subjects: 19.8% vs. 13.7%; hyperuricemic subjects: 50.0% vs. 22.7%, all P-values < 0.05). Hyperuricemia (odds ratio [OR] 1.824, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.332–2.498, P < 0.001); FEUA (OR 1.046, 95% CI 1.002–1.091, P < 0.05); male gender (OR 1.922, 95% CI 1.489–2.480, P < 0.001); age (OR 1.049, 95% CI 1.035–1.064, P < 0.001); and albuminuria (OR 1.492, 95% CI 1.176–1.892, P < 0.01) were independent risk factors for SRC development. These findings suggested that hyperuricemia and high level of FEUA were both independent risk factors for SRC development in males and postmenopausal females with type 2 diabetes. Half of overproduction hyperuricemic patients had SRC.
Pro-invasive stimuli and the interacting protein Hsp70 favour the route of alpha-enolase to the cell surface
Authors: Perconti Giovanni , Maranto Cristina , Romancino Daniele P. , Rubino Patrizia , Feo Salvatore , Bongiovanni Antonella , Giallongo Agata 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCell surface expression of alpha-enolase, a glycolytic enzyme displaying moonlighting activities, has been shown to contribute to the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells through the protein non-enzymatic function of binding plasminogen and enhancing plasmin formation. Although a few recent records indicate the involvement of protein partners in the localization of alpha-enolase to the plasma membrane, the cellular mechanisms underlying surface exposure remain largely elusive. Searching for novel interactors and signalling pathways, we used low-metastatic breast cancer cells, a doxorubicin-resistant counterpart and a non-tumourigenic mammary epithelial cell line. Here, we demonstrate by a combination of experimental approaches that epidermal growth factor (EGF) exposure, like lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure, promotes the surface expression of alpha-enolase. We also establish Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70), a multifunctional chaperone distributed in intracellular, plasma membrane and extracellular compartments, as a novel alpha-enolase interactor and demonstrate a functional involvement of Hsp70 in the surface localization of alpha-enolase. Our results contribute to shedding light on the control of surface expression of alpha-enolase in non-tumourigenic and cancer cells and suggest novel targets to counteract the metastatic potential of tumours.
The solution plasma process for heteroatom-carbon nanosheets: the role of precursors
Authors: Hyun Koangyong , Saito Nagahiro 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe solution plasma process (SPP), known as non-equilibrium cold plasma at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, was used to investigate the synthesis of nitrogen-carbon nasnosheets (NCNs). To verify the effect of elementary composition and structure ofN-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), various precursors were used in the SPP to synthesize NCNs via the bottom-up synthesis method for the first time. The NCNs were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Among the various precursors, SPP of 2-pyrrolidone was demonstrated to facilitate the formation of highly ordered NCNs. On the other hand, the SPP with cyclopentanone, cyclohexanone and pyrrole did not lead to the formation of carbon nanosheets. The results of this study would uncover new parameter fields for the growth of heteroatom-carbon nanosheets using this synthesis system. In addition, the study is expected to contribute toward research in improving the large-area growth and quality of two-dimensional nanostructures, such as heteroatom-carbon nanosheets or graphene, for various applications in other synthesis methods.
Overcoming the biological aging of titanium using a wet storage method after ultraviolet treatment
Authors: Choi Sung-Hwan , Jeong Won-Seok , Cha Jung-Yul , Lee Jae-Hoon , Lee Kee-Joon , Yu Hyung-Seog , Choi Eun-Ha , Kim Kwang-Mahn , Hwang Chung-Ju 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe evaluated whether the biological activity of the surface of titanium, when stored in an aqueous solution after ultraviolet (UV) treatment, is comparable to that of the surface immediately after UV treatment. We subjected Grade IV titanium discs with machined surfaces to UV radiation for 15 min and then tested them immediately and after storage for 28 days, with and without distilled H2O (dH2O). We evaluated the surface characteristics using surface profiling, contact angle analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and in terms of the surface zeta-potential. We determined the level of biological activity by analysing albumin adsorption, MC3T3-E1 and human mesenchymal cell adhesion and cytoskeleton development, as well as the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species between groups. The surface characteristics produced by the UV irradiation were maintained in dH2O for 28 days. We found that titanium stored in dH2O for 28 days after UV treatment exhibited enhanced protein adsorption, cell attachment, and cytoskeleton development. Titanium stored in dH2O for 28 days after UV irradiation exhibited a lower level of oxidative stress, comparable to that of the titanium immediately after UV treatment. UV treatment combined with wet storage can be used as a means of overcoming the biological aging of titanium.
Evidence for Chemical Vapor Induced 2H to 1T Phase Transition in MoX2 (X = Se, S) Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Films
Authors: Friedman Adam L. , Hanbicki Aubrey T. , Perkins F. Keith , Jernigan Glenn G. , Culbertson James C. , Campbell Paul M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractElectron-donors can impart charge to the surface of transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films while interacting with the film via a weak physisorption bond, making them ideal for vapor and gas sensors. We expose monolayer MoS2 and MoSe2 films to strong electron-donor chemical vapor analytes. After analyzing the resultant behavior and taking into consideration doping effects, we conclude that exposure to strong electron-donors could be a method of inducing the semiconductor-metal 2H-1T TMD phase transition. We find that the conductance response to strong electron donors in both monolayer MoS2 and MoSe2 FET devices ceases after moderate exposure, with final value of the conductance being on order of that expected for the 1T phase. Full device relaxation back to a semiconducting state is accomplished by annealing in vacuum at 400 °C. We also examine chemically exposed TMD films intermittently interrogated with Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We observe the appearance of weak characteristic 1T phase Raman features for MoS2 and we observed a quenching of the photoluminescence of both TMD films that is recoverable with annealing. Considering all of our data together, the effects cannot be described by doping alone. Additionally, our results suggest a mechanism for a new type of passive chemical vapor sensor.
Experimental evidence of exciton capture by mid-gap defects in CVD grown monolayer MoSe2
Authors: Chen Ke , Ghosh Rudresh , Meng Xianghai , Roy Anupam , Kim Joon-Seok , He Feng , Mason Sarah C. , Xu Xiaochuan , Lin Jung-Fu , Akinwande Deji , Banerjee Sanjay K. , Wang Yaguo 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn two dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides, defect-related processes can significantly affect carrier dynamics and transport properties. Using femtosecond degenerate pump-probe spectroscopy, exciton capture, and release by mid-gap defects have been observed in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown monolayer MoSe2. The observed defect state filling shows a clear saturation at high exciton densities, from which the defect density is estimated to be around 0.5 × 1012/cm2. The exciton capture time extracted from experimental data is around ~ 1 ps, while the average fast and slow release times are 52 and 700 ps, respectively. The process of defect trapping excitons is found to exist uniquely in CVD grown samples, regardless of substrate and sample thickness. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements on CVD and exfoliated samples suggest that the oxygen-associated impurities could be responsible for the exciton trapping. Our results bring new insights to understand the role of defects in capturing and releasing excitons in 2D materials, and demonstrate an approach to estimate the defect density nondestructively, both of which will facilitate the design and application of optoelectronics devices based on CVD grown 2D transition metal dichalcogenides.