bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of histone modification and a regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF
Authors: Gu Ruoyi , Xu Jun , Lin Yixiang , Sheng Wei , Ma Duan , Ma Xiaojing , Huang Guoying 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAbnormal level of Cx43 expression could result in CHD. Epigenetic modification and disease-associated, non-coding SNPs might influence gene transcription and expression. Our study aimed to determine the role of histone modification and an rSNP (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF. Our results indicate that H3K18ac bind to Cx43 promoter and that their levels are reduced in TOF patients relative to controls. The relationship between the non-coding SNP in the Cx43 gene and TOF patients was evaluated in 158 patients and 300 controls. The C allele of rs2071166 was confirmed to result in an increased risk of TOF (OR = 1.586, 95%CI 1.149–2.189). Individuals with the CC genotype at rs2071166 also showed a significant susceptibility to TOF (OR = 2.961, 95%CI 1.452–6.038). The mRNA level in TOF who were CC genotype was lower than that in patients with the AA/AC genotype. Functional analysis in cells and transgenic zebrafish models showed that rs2071166 decreased the activity of the promoter and could block the interaction between RXRα and RARE. This is the first study to illustrate that epigenetic modification and an rSNP in the Cx43 promoter region play a critical role in TOF by impacting the transcriptional activity and expression level of Cx43.
Responses of CH4 and N2O fluxes to land-use conversion and fertilization in a typical red soil region of southern China
Authors: Wu Xing , Liu Huifeng , Zheng Xunhua , Lu Fei , Wang Shuai , Li Zongshan , Liu Guohua , Fu Bojie 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLand-use conversion and fertilization have been widely reported as important management practices affecting CH4 and N2O fluxes; however, few long-term in situ measurements are available after land-use conversion from rice paddies to upland cultivation, especially those including the initial stages after conversion. A 3-year field experiment was conducted in rice paddies and a newly converted citrus orchard to measure CH4 and N2O fluxes in response to land-use conversion and fertilization in a red soil region of southern China. Annual CH4 and N2O emissions averaged 303.9 kg C ha−1 and 3.8 kg N ha−1, respectively, for the rice paddies over three cultivation years. Although annual N2O emissions increased two- to threefold after the conversion of rice paddies to citrus orchard, the substantial reduction in CH4 emissions and even shift into a sink for atmospheric CH4 led to significantly lower CO2-eq emissions of CH4 and N2O in the citrus orchard compared to the rice paddies. Moreover, distinct CH4 emissions were observed during the initial stages and sustained for several weeks after conversion. Our results indicated that the conversion of rice paddies to citrus orchards in this region for higher economic benefits may also lead to lower aggregate CH4 and N2O emissions.
Hyaluronic Acid Coated Chitosan Nanoparticles Reduced the Immunogenicity of the Formed Protein Corona
Authors: Almalik Abdulaziz , Benabdelkamel Hicham , Masood Afshan , Alanazi Ibrahim O. , Alradwan Ibrahim , Majrashi Majed A. , Alfadda Assim A. , Alghamdi Waleed M. , Alrabiah Haitham , Tirelli Nicola , Alhasan Ali H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractStudying the interactions of nanoparticles (NPs) with serum proteins is necessary for the rational development of nanocarriers. Optimum surface chemistry is a key consideration to modulate the formation of the serum protein corona (PC) and the resultant immune response. We investigated the constituent of the PC formed by hyaluronic acid-coated chitosan NPs (HA-CS NPs). Non-decorated chitosan NPs (CS NPs) and alginate-coated chitosan NPs (Alg-CS NPs) were utilized as controls. Results show that HA surface modifications significantly reduced protein adsorption relative to controls. Gene Ontology analysis demonstrates that HA-CS NPs were the least immunogenic nanocarriers. Indeed, less inflammatory proteins were adsorbed onto HA-CS NPs as opposed to CS and Alg-CS NPs. Interestingly, HA-CS NPs differentially adsorbed two unique anti-inflammatory proteins (ITIH4 and AGP), which were absent from the PC of both controls. On the other hand, CS and Alg-CS NPs selectively adsorbed a proinflammatory protein (Clusterin) that was not found on the surfaces of HA-CS NPs. While further studies are needed to investigate abilities of the PCs of only ITIH4 and AGP to modulate the interaction of NPs with the host immune system, our results suggest that this proof-of-concept could potentially be utilized to reduce the immunogenicity of a wide range of nanomaterials.
Ultrathin Nafion-filled porous membrane for zinc/bromine redox flow batteries
Authors: Kim Riyul , Kim Hyun Gyu , Doo Gisu , Choi Chanyong , Kim Soohyun , Lee Ju-Hyuk , Heo Jiyun , Jung Ho-Young , Kim Hee-Tak 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn this work, we present a 16 μm-thick Nafion-filled porous membrane for Zn/Br redox flow batteries (ZBBs). By using molecular dynamics simulation and dynamic light scattering analysis, we rationally design Nafion solution for Nafion impregnation into a porous polypropylene (PP) separator. A void-free Nafion/PP membrane is successfully fabricated by using NMP as a solvent for the Nafion solution. The resulting membrane shows a smaller area specific resistance in comparison with 600 μm-thick, commercial SF-600 porous membrane. Due to its dense morphology, Br2 diffusivity of the Nafion/PP membrane is two orders of magnitude lower than that of SF-600, resulting in a comparable Br2 crossover in spite of 37.5 times smaller membrane thickness. As a result, the ZBB based on the Nafion/PP membrane exhibits a higher energy efficiency, demonstrating that ion exchange membrane can outperform the conventional porous membrane by reducing the membrane thickness with inexpensive porous substrate.
Investigation of Mitochondrial Metabolic Response to Doxorubicin in Prostate Cancer Cells: An NADH, FAD and Tryptophan FLIM Assay
Authors: Alam Shagufta Rehman , Wallrabe Horst , Svindrych Zdenek , Chaudhary Ajay K. , Christopher Kathryn G. , Chandra Dhyan , Periasamy Ammasi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) is one of the leading cancers in men in the USA. Lack of experimental tools that predict therapy response is one of the limitations of current therapeutic regimens. Mitochondrial dysfunctions including defective oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in cancer inhibit apoptosis by modulating ROS production and cellular signaling. Thus, correction of mitochondrial dysfunction and induction of apoptosis are promising strategies in cancer treatment. We have used Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to quantify mitochondrial metabolic response in PCa cells by tracking auto-fluorescent NAD(P)H, FAD and tryptophan (Trp) lifetimes and their enzyme-bound fractions as markers, before and after treatment with anti-cancer drug doxorubicin. A 3-channel FLIM assay and quantitative analysis of these markers for cellular metabolism show in response to doxorubicin, NAD(P)H mean fluorescence lifetime (τm) and enzyme-bound (a2%) fraction increased, FAD enzyme-bound (a1%) fraction was decreased, NAD(P)H-a2%/FAD-a1% FLIM-based redox ratio and ROS increased, followed by induction of apoptosis. For the first time, a FRET assay in PCa cells shows Trp-quenching due to Trp-NAD(P)H interactions, correlating energy transfer efficiencies (E%) vs NAD(P)H-a2%/FAD-a1% as sensitive parameters in predicting drug response. Applying this FLIM assay as early predictor of drug response would meet one of the important goals in cancer treatment.
Alcohol amplifies ketamine-induced apoptosis in primary cultured cortical neurons and PC12 cells through down-regulating CREB-related signaling pathways
Authors: Zuo Daiying , Sun Feng , Cui Jiahui , Liu Yumiao , Liu Zi , Zhou Xuejiao , Li Zengqiang , Wu Yingliang 
Published: August 2017

AbstractRecreational use of ketamine (KET) has been increasing worldwide. Previous studies have demonstrated that KET induced neurotoxicity; however, few studies have examined how alcohol (ALC) affects KET-induced neurotoxicity. In light of the fact that some KET abusers combine KET with ALC, the present study was aimed to investigate the effects of ALC on KET-induced neurotoxicity and the underlying mechanismin vitro. Our data revealed that co-treatment with ALC and KET was more detrimental to cell viability than KET single treatment in both PC12 cells and primary cultured rat cortical neurons. Furthermore, ALC exacerbated KET-induced apoptosis characterized by morphological changes and the sub-G1 phase increase, which were mitigated by the pretreatment of CNQX, a known alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA)/kainite (KA) receptor antagonist. In addition, ALC and KET co-treatment led to intracellular Ca2+overload, down-regulation of p-Akt, p-CREB, PKA, CaMK-IV, Bcl-2 and BDNF expression and up-regulation of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax expression, which can be attenuated by CNQX pretreatment. These results indicate that the potentiation of ALC on KET-induced neurotoxicity was related to the down-regulation of CREB-related pathways. Our present study also indicates that ALC and KET co-abuse might cause serious neurotoxicity which should be conveyed to the public and drew enough attention.
Molecular spectrum of laterally coupled quantum rings under intense terahertz radiation
Authors: Baghramyan Henrikh M. , Barseghyan Manuk G. , Laroze David 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe study the influence of intense THz laser radiation and electric field on molecular states of laterally coupled quantum rings. Laser radiation shows the capability to dissociate quantum ring molecule and add 2-fold degeneracy to the molecular states at the fixed value of the overlapping size between rings. It is shown that coupled to decoupled molecular states phase transition points form almost a straight line with a slope equal to two. In addition, the electric field direction dependent energy spectrum shows unexpected oscillations, demonstrating strong coupling between molecular states. Besides, intraband absorption is considered, showing both blue and redshifts in its spectrum. The obtained results can be useful for the controlling of degeneracy of the discrete energy spectrum of nanoscale structures and in the tunneling effects therein.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 and C-Src tyrosine kinase genes are down-regulated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Remuzgo-Martínez Sara , Genre Fernanda , Castañeda Santos , Corrales Alfonso , Moreno-Fresneda Pablo , Ubilla Begoña , Mijares Verónica , Portilla Virginia , González-Vela Jesús , Pina Trinitario , Ocejo-Vinyals Gonzalo , Irure-Ventura Juan , Blanco Ricardo , Martín Javier , Llorca Javier , López-Mejías Raquel , González-Gay Miguel A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSeveral protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor 22 (PTPN22) single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been significantly related with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility. Nevertheless, its potential influence on PTPN22 expression in RA has not been completely elucidated. Furthermore, PTPN22 binds to C-Src tyrosine kinase (CSK) forming a key complex in autoimmunity. However, the information of CSK gene in RA is scarce. In this study, we analyzed the relative PTPN22 and CSK expression in peripheral blood from 89 RA patients and 43 controls to determine if the most relevant PTPN22 (rs2488457, rs2476601 and rs33996649) and CSK (rs34933034 and rs1378942) polymorphisms may influence on PTPN22 and CSK expression in RA. The association between PTPN22 and CSK expression in RA patients and their clinical characteristics was also evaluated. Our study shows for the first time a marked down-regulation of PTPN22 expression in RA patients carrying the risk alleles of PTPN22 rs2488457 and rs2476601 compared to controls (p = 0.004 and p = 0.007, respectively). Furthermore, CSK expression was significantly lower in RA patients than in controls (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, a reduced PTPN22 expression was disclosed in RA patients with ischemic heart disease (p = 0.009). The transcriptional suppression of this PTPN22/CSK complex may have a noteworthy clinical relevance in RA patients.
Modular assembly of a protein nanotriangle using orthogonally interacting coiled coils
Authors: Park Won Min , Bedewy Mostafa , Berggren Karl K. , Keating Amy E. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSynthetic protein assemblies that adopt programmed shapes would support many applications in nanotechnology. We used a rational design approach that exploits the modularity of orthogonally interacting coiled coils to create a self-assembled protein nanotriangle. Coiled coils have frequently been used to construct nanoassemblies and materials, but rarely with successful prior specification of the resulting structure. We designed a heterotrimer from three pairs of heterodimeric coiled coils that mediate specific interactions while avoiding undesired crosstalk. Non-associating pairs of coiled-coil units were strategically fused to generate three chains that were predicted to preferentially form the heterotrimer, and a rational annealing process led to the desired oligomer. Extensive biophysical characterization and modeling support the formation of a molecular triangle, which is a shape distinct from naturally occurring supramolecular nanostructures. Our approach can be extended to design more complex nanostructures using additional coiled-coil modules, other protein parts, or templated surfaces.
Sprint interval training decreases left-ventricular glucose uptake compared to moderate-intensity continuous training in subjects with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes
Authors: Heiskanen Marja A. , Sjöros Tanja J. , Heinonen Ilkka H. A. , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Koivumäki Mikko , Motiani Kumail K. , Eskelinen Jari-Joonas , Virtanen Kirsi A. , Knuuti Juhani , Hannukainen Jarna C. , Kalliokoski Kari K. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with reduced myocardial glucose uptake (GU) and increased free fatty acid uptake (FFAU). Sprint interval training (SIT) improves physical exercise capacity and metabolic biomarkers, but effects of SIT on cardiac function and energy substrate metabolism in diabetic subjects are unknown. We tested the hypothesis that SIT is more effective than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on adaptations in left and right ventricle (LV and RV) glucose and fatty acid metabolism in diabetic subjects. Twenty-six untrained men and women with T2DM or prediabetes were randomized into two-week-long SIT (n = 13) and MICT (n = 13) interventions. Insulin-stimulated myocardial GU and fasted state FFAU were measured by positron emission tomography and changes in LV and RV structure and function by cardiac magnetic resonance. In contrast to our hypothesis, SIT significantly decreased GU compared to MICT in LV. FFAU of both ventricles remained unchanged by training. RV end-diastolic volume (EDV) and RV mass increased only after MICT, whereas LV EDV, LV mass, and RV and LV end-systolic volumes increased similarly after both training modes. As SIT decreases myocardial insulin-stimulated GU compared to MICT which may already be reduced in T2DM, SIT may be metabolically less beneficial than MICT for a diabetic heart.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Impact of different promoters, promoter mutation, and an enhancer on recombinant protein expression in CHO cells
Authors: Wang Wen , Jia Yan-long , Li Yi-chun , Jing Chang-qin , Guo Xiao , Shang Xue-fang , Zhao Chun-peng , Wang Tian-yun 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn the present study, six commonly used promoters, including cytomegalovirus major immediate-early (CMV), the CMV enhancer fused to the chicken beta-actin promoter (CAG), human elongation factor-1α (HEF-1α), mouse cytomegalovirus (mouse CMV), Chinese hamster elongation factor-1α (CHEF-1α), and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), a CMV promoter mutant and a CAG enhancer, were evaluated to determine their effects on transgene expression and stability in transfected CHO cells. The promoters and enhancer were cloned or synthesized, and mutation at C-404 in the CMV promoter was generated; then all elements were transfected into CHO cells. Stably transfected CHO cells were identified via screening under the selection pressure of G418. Flow cytometry, qPCR, and qRT-PCR were used to exploreeGFPexpression levels, gene copy number, and mRNA expression levels, respectively. Furthermore, the erythropoietin (EPO) gene was used to test the selected strong promoter. Of the six promoters, the CHEF-1α promoter yielded the highest transgene expression levels, whereas the CMV promoter maintained transgene expression more stably during long-term culture of cells. We conclude that CHEF-1α promoter conferred higher level of EPO expression in CHO cells, but the CMV promoter with its high levels of stability performs best in this vector system.
Unusually high ratio of shear modulus to Young’s modulus in a nano-structured gyroid metamaterial
Authors: Park Jun-Hyoung , Lee Jae-Chul 
Published: August 2017

AbstractUnlike the constant nature of elastic coefficients of isotropic bulk materials, the Young’s (E) and shear (μ) moduli of nano-structured (NS) gyroid metamaterials change with relative density (ρ), but at different rates depending on the cell size of the structure. These elastic behaviors displayed by E and μ cause crossover/inversion of these two moduli, such that μ of the NS gyroid metamaterials is greater than E for the structures with ρ < 0.23. This peculiar elastic behavior causes NS gyroid metamaterials to display high μ/E values (~1.0), which are more than 250% larger than the typical values of the bulk material (~0.38), indicating that the NS gyroid metamaterial, even if it is light, is resistant to shear deformation. Here, we report the results of molecular dynamics simulations performed to elucidate the reason for unusually high μ/E values in NS gyroid metamaterials.
Dioxin Receptor Adjusts Liver Regeneration After Acute Toxic Injury and Protects Against Liver Carcinogenesis
Authors: Moreno-Marín Nuria , Barrasa Eva , Morales-Hernández Antonio , Paniagua Beroé , Blanco-Fernández Gerardo , Merino Jaime M. , Fernández-Salguero Pedro M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and organ homeostasis, including the liver. AhR depletion induces undifferentiation and pluripotency in normal and transformed cells. Here, AhR-null mice (AhR−/−) were used to explore whether AhR controls liver regeneration and carcinogenesis by restricting the expansion of stem-like cells and the expression of pluripotency genes. Short-term CCl4 liver damage was earlier and more efficiently repaired in AhR−/− than in AhR+/+ mice. Stem-like CK14 + and TBX3 + and pluripotency-expressing OCT4 + and NANOG + cells expanded sooner in AhR−/− than in AhR+/+ regenerating livers. Stem-like side population cells (SP) isolated from AhR−/− livers had increased β-catenin (β-Cat) signaling with overexpression of Axin2, Dkk1 and Cyclin D1. Interestingly, β-Cat, Axin2 and Dkk1 also increased during regeneration but more notably in AhR-null livers. Liver carcinogenesis induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) produced large carcinomas in all AhR−/− mice but mostly premalignant adenomas in less than half of AhR+/+ mice. AhR-null tumoral tissue, but not their surrounding non-tumoral parenchyma, had nuclear β-Cat and Axin2 overexpression. OCT4 and NANOG were nevertheless similarly expressed in AhR+/+ and AhR−/− lesions. We suggest that AhR may serve to adjust liver repair and to block tumorigenesis by modulating stem-like cells and β-Cat signaling.
Endothelial Cell Culture Under Perfusion On A Polyester-Toner Microfluidic Device
Authors: Urbaczek Ana Carolina , Leão Paulo Augusto Gomes Carneiro , Souza Fayene Zeferino Ribeiro de , Afonso Ana , Vieira Alberice Juliana , Cappelini Luciana Teresa Dias , Carlos Iracilda Zeppone , Carrilho Emanuel 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis study presents an inexpensive and easy way to produce a microfluidic device that mimics a blood vessel, serving as a start point for cell culture under perfusion, cardiovascular research, and toxicological studies. Endpoint assays (i.e., MTT reduction and NO assays) were used and revealed that the components making up the microchip, which is made of polyester and toner (PT), did not induce cell death or nitric oxide (NO) production. Applying oxygen plasma and fibronectin improved the adhesion and proliferation endothelial cell along the microchannel. As expected, these treatments showed an increase in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) concentration profiles, which is correlated with adherence and cell proliferation, thus promoting endothelialization of the device for neovascularization. Regardless the simplicity of the device, our “vein-on-a-chip” mimetic has a potential to serve as a powerful tool for those that demand a rapid microfabrication method in cell biology or organ-on-a-chip research.
Quantitative assessment of aeolian desertification dynamics– A case study in north Shanxi of China (1975 to 2015)
Authors: Xue Zhanjin , Qin Zuodong , Cheng Fangqin , Ding Guangwei , Li Hongjian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAeolian desertification is one of the serious environmental issues in North Shanxi Province. Accurately assessing aeolian desertification dynamics and its causes is essential to formulate an effective strategy for combating aeolian desertification. Here, we adopted remote sensing (RS) images from four periods (1975, 1990, 2000, and 2015) to classify the intensity of aeolian desertified land (ADL). Four intensity grades (i.e., light, moderate, severe, and extremely severe) were categorized based on a series of indices. Then, the RS images were further interpreted coupled with the local climate and socio-economic data to evaluate ADL and its driving force. Results showed that there were 3941.16, 5389.92, 7526.38, and 3752.74 km2 of ADL in the above 4 periods, accounting for 28.56%, 39.06%, 54.53%, and 27.19% of the total study area, respectively. ADL experienced three major development stages: slower expansion during 1975–1990 at a rate of 96.58 km2/year, rapid expansion during 1990–2000 of 213.65 km2/year, and a reversion during 2000–2015 with a net decrease of 251.58 km2/year. The ADL development in north Shanxi was a result of mutual interaction between natural factors and human activities. It is also noted that the human activities were identified as the dominant driving force.
Magnetic Control of Magneto-Electrochemical Cell and Electric Double Layer Transistor
Authors: Tsuchiya Takashi , Imura Masataka , Koide Yasuo , Terabe Kazuya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA magneto-electrochemical cell and an electric double layer transistor (EDLT), each containing diluted [Bmim]FeCl4 solution, have been controlled by applying a magnetic field in contrast to the control of conventional field effect devices by an applied electric field. A magnetic field of several hundred mT generated by a small neodymium magnet is sufficient to operate magneto-electrochemical cells, which generate an electromotive force of 130 mV at maximum. An EDLT composed of hydrogen-terminated diamond was also operated by applying a magnetic field. Although it showed reversible drain current modulation with a magnetoresistance effect of 503%, it is not yet advantageous for practical application. Magnetic control has unique and interesting characteristics that are advantageous for remote control of electrochemical behavior, the application for which conventional electrochemical devices are not well suited. Magnetic control is opening a door to new applications of electrochemical devices and related technologies.