bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
All-passive nonreciprocal metastructure
Authors: Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Davoyan Arthur R. , Engheta Nader 
Published: September 2015

AbstractOne-way propagation of light, analogous to the directional flow of electrons in the presence of electric potential difference, has been an important goal in the wave–matter interaction. Breaking time-reversal symmetry in photonic flows is faced with challenges different from those for electron flows. In recent years several approaches and methods have been offered towards achieving this goal. Here we investigate another systematic approach to design all-passive relatively high-throughput metastructures that exhibit nonreciprocal properties and achieve wave-flow isolation. Moreover, we build on those findings and propose a paradigm for a quasi-two-dimensional metastructure that mimics the nonreciprocal property of Faraday rotation without using any magnetic or electric biasing. We envision that the proposed approaches may serve as a building block for all-passive time-reversal symmetry breaking with potential applications for future nonreciprocal systems and devices
Structure of the native Sec61 protein-conducting channel
Authors: Pfeffer Stefan , Burbaum Laura , Unverdorben Pia , Pech Markus , Chen Yuxiang , Zimmermann Richard , Beckmann Roland , Förster Friedrich 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn mammalian cells, secretory and membrane proteins are translocated across or inserted into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane by the universally conserved protein-conducting channel Sec61, which has been structurally studied in isolated, detergent-solubilized states. Here we structurally and functionally characterize native, non-solubilized ribosome-Sec61 complexes on rough ER vesicles using cryo-electron tomography and ribosome profiling. Surprisingly, the 9-Å resolution subtomogram average reveals Sec61 in a laterally open conformation, even though the channel is not in the process of inserting membrane proteins into the lipid bilayer. In contrast to recent mechanistic models for polypeptide translocation and insertion, our results indicate that the laterally open conformation of Sec61 is the only conformation present in the ribosome-bound translocon complex, independent of its functional state. Consistent with earlier functional studies, our structure suggests that the ribosome alone, even without a nascent chain, is sufficient for lateral opening of Sec61 in a lipid environment.
The structural origin of the hard-sphere glass transition in granular packing
Authors: Xia Chengjie , Li Jindong , Cao Yixin , Kou Binquan , Xiao Xianghui , Fezzaa Kamel , Xiao Tiqiao , Wang Yujie 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGlass transition is accompanied by a rapid growth of the structural relaxation time and a concomitant decrease of configurational entropy. It remains unclear whether the transition has a thermodynamic origin, and whether the dynamic arrest is associated with the growth of a certain static order. Using granular packing as a model hard-sphere glass, we show the glass transition as a thermodynamic phase transition with a ‘hidden’ polytetrahedral order. This polytetrahedral order is spatially correlated with the slow dynamics. It is geometrically frustrated and has a peculiar fractal dimension. Additionally, as the packing fraction increases, its growth follows an entropy-driven nucleation process, similar to that of the random first-order transition theory. Our study essentially identifies a long-sought-after structural glass order in hard-sphere glasses.
Combining genomic and network characteristics for extended capability in predicting synergistic drugs for cancer
Authors: Sun Yi , Sheng Zhen , Ma Chao , Tang Kailin , Zhu Ruixin , Wu Zhuanbin , Shen Ruling , Feng Jun , Wu Dingfeng , Huang Danyi , Huang Dandan , Fei Jian , Liu Qi , Cao Zhiwei 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe identification of synergistic chemotherapeutic agents from a large pool of candidates is highly challenging. Here, we present a Ranking-system of Anti-Cancer Synergy (RACS) that combines features of targeting networks and transcriptomic profiles, and validate it on three types of cancer. Using data on human β-cell lymphoma from the Dialogue for Reverse Engineering Assessments and Methods consortium we show a probability concordance of 0.78 compared with 0.61 obtained with the previous best algorithm. We confirm 63.6% of our breast cancer predictions through experiment and literature, including four strong synergistic pairs. Further in vivo screening in a zebrafish MCF7 xenograft model confirms one prediction with strong synergy and low toxicity. Validation using A549 lung cancer cells shows similar results. Thus, RACS can significantly improve drug synergy prediction and markedly reduce the experimental prescreening of existing drugs for repurposing to cancer treatment, although the molecular mechanism underlying particular interactions remains unknown.
Multiplex lithography for multilevel multiscale architectures and its application to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Cho Hyesung , Moon Kim Sang , Sik Kang Yun , Kim Junsoo , Jang Segeun , Kim Minhyoung , Park Hyunchul , Won Bang Jung , Seo Soonmin , Suh Kahp-Yang , Sung Yung-Eun , Choi Mansoo 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe production of multiscale architectures is of significant interest in materials science, and the integration of those structures could provide a breakthrough for various applications. Here we report a simple yet versatile strategy that allows for the LEGO-like integrations of microscale membranes by quantitatively controlling the oxygen inhibition effects of ultraviolet-curable materials, leading to multilevel multiscale architectures. The spatial control of oxygen concentration induces different curing contrasts in a resin allowing the selective imprinting and bonding at different sides of a membrane, which enables LEGO-like integration together with the multiscale pattern formation. Utilizing the method, the multilevel multiscale Nafion membranes are prepared and applied to polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell. Our multiscale membrane fuel cell demonstrates significant enhancement of performance while ensuring mechanical robustness. The performance enhancement is caused by the combined effect of the decrease of membrane resistance and the increase of the electrochemical active surface area.
Plasma IL-1Ra: linking hyperapoB to risk factors for type 2 diabetes independent of obesity in humans
Authors: Bissonnette S , Saint-Pierre N , Lamantia V , Cyr Y , Wassef H , Faraj M 
Published: September 2015

Abstract
Background/Objective:
Plasma apoB predicts the incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D); however, the link between apoB-linpoproteins and risks for T2D remain unclear. Insulin resistance (IR) and compensatory hyperinsulinemia characterize prediabetes, and the involvement of an activated interleukin-1 (IL-1) family, mainly IL-1β and its receptor antagonist (IL-Ra), is well documented. ApoB-lipoproteins were reported to promote IL-1β secretion in immune cells; however, in vivo evidence is lacking. We hypothesized that obese subjects with hyperapoB have an activated IL-1 system that explains hyperinsulinemia and IR in these subjects.

Subjects/Methods:
We examined 81 well-characterized normoglycemic men and postmenopausal women (⩾27 kg m−2, 45–74 years, non-smokers, sedentary, free of chronic disease). Insulin secretion and sensitivity were measured by the gold-standard Botnia clamp, which is a combination of a 1-h intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) followed by 3-h hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp.

Results:
Plasma IL-1β was near detection limit (0.071–0.216 pg ml−1), while IL-1Ra accumulated at 1000-folds higher (77–1068 pg ml−1). Plasma apoB (0.34–1.80 g l−1) associated significantly with hypersinsulinemia (totalIVGTT: C-peptide r=0.27, insulin r=0.22), IR (M/I=−0.29) and plasma IL-1Ra (r=0.26) but not with IL-1β. Plasma IL-1Ra associated with plasma IL-1β (r=0.40), and more strongly with hyperinsulinemia and IR than apoB, while the association of plasma IL-1β was limited to second phase and total insulin secretion (r=0.23). Adjusting the association of plasma apoB to hyperinsulinemia and IR for IL-1Ra eliminated these associations. Furthermore, despite equivalent body composition, subjects with hyperapoB (⩾80th percentile, 1.14 g l−1) had higher C-peptide secretion and lower insulin sensitivity than those with low plasma apoB (⩽20th percentile, 0.78 g l−1). Adjustment for plasma IL-1 Ra eliminated all group differences.

Conclusion:
Plasma apoB is associated with hyperinsulinemia and IR in normoglycemic obese subjects, which is eliminated upon adjustment for plasma IL-1Ra. This may implicate the IL-1 family in elevated risks for T2D in obese subjects with hyperapoB.
Surface Engineering of ZnO Thin Film for High Efficiency Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Tseng Zong-Liang , Chiang Chien-Hung , Wu Chun-Guey 
Published: September 2015

AbstractSputtering made ZnO thin film was used as an electron-transport layer in a regular planar perovskite solar cell based on high quality CH3NH3PbI3 absorber prepared with a two-step spin-coating. An efficiency up to 15.9% under AM 1.5G irradiation is achieved for the cell based on ZnO film fabricated under Ar working gas. The atmosphere of the sputtering chamber can tune the surface electronic properties (band structure) of the resulting ZnO thin film and therefore the photovoltaic performance of the corresponding perovskite solar cell. Precise surface engineering of ZnO thin film was found to be one of the key steps to fabricate ZnO based regular planar perovskite solar cell with high power conversion efficiency. Sputtering method is proved to be one of the excellent techniques to prepare ZnO thin film with controllable properties.
Antibody-mediated disruption of the mechanics of CS20 fimbriae of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Singh Bhupender , Mortezaei Narges , Uhlin Bernt Eric , Savarino Stephen J. , Bullitt Esther , Andersson Magnus 
Published: September 2015

AbstractPreventive vaccines against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) are being developed, many of which target common fimbrial colonization factors as the major constituent, based on empirical evidence that these function as protective antigens. Particularly, passive oral administration of ETEC anti-fimbrial antibodies prevent ETEC diarrhea. Little is, however, known regarding the specific mechanisms by which intestinal antibodies against ETEC fimbriae function to prevent disease. Using coli surface antigen 20 (CS20) fimbriae as a model ETEC colonization factor, we show using force spectroscopy that anti-fimbrial antibodies diminish fimbrial elasticity by inhibiting their natural capacity to unwind and rewind. In the presence of anti-CS20 antibodies the force required to unwind a single fimbria was increased several-fold and the extension length was shortened several-fold. Similar measurements in the presence of anti-CS20 Fab fragments did not show any effect, indicating that bivalent antibody binding is required to reduce fimbrial elasticity. Based on these findings, we propose a model for an in-vivo mechanism whereby antibody-mediated disruption of the biomechanical properties of CS20 fimbriae impedes sustained adhesion of ETEC to the intestinal mucosal surface. Further elucidation of the role played by intestinal antibodies in mechanical disruption of fimbrial function may provide insights relevant to ETEC vaccine development.
Cargo Delivery into the Brain by in vivo identified Transport Peptides
Authors: Urich Eduard , Schmucki Roland , Ruderisch Nadine , Kitas Eric , Certa Ulrich , Jacobsen Helmut , Schweitzer Christophe , Bergadano Alessandra , Ebeling Martin , Loetscher Hansruedi , Freskgård Per-Ola 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe blood-brain barrier and the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier prevent access of biotherapeutics to their targets in the central nervous system and therefore prohibit the effective treatment of neurological disorders. In an attempt to discover novel brain transport vectors in vivo, we injected a T7 phage peptide library and continuously collected blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using a cisterna magna cannulated conscious rat model. Specific phage clones were highly enriched in the CSF after four rounds of selection. Validation of individual peptide candidates showed CSF enrichments of greater than 1000-fold. The biological activity of peptide-mediated delivery to the brain was confirmed using a BACE1 peptide inhibitor linked to an identified novel transport peptide which led to a 40% reduction of Amyloid-β in CSF. These results indicate that the peptides identified by the in vivo phage selection approach could be useful transporters for systemically administrated large molecules into the brain with therapeutic benefits.
Antigenic Patterns and Evolution of the Human Influenza A (H1N1) Virus
Authors: Liu Mi , Zhao Xiang , Hua Sha , Du Xiangjun , Peng Yousong , Li Xiyan , Lan Yu , Wang Dayan , Wu Aiping , Shu Yuelong , Jiang Taijiao 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe influenza A (H1N1) virus causes seasonal epidemics that result in severe illnesses and deaths almost every year. A deep understanding of the antigenic patterns and evolution of human influenza A (H1N1) virus is extremely important for its effective surveillance and prevention. Through development of antigenicity inference method for human influenza A (H1N1), named PREDAC-H1, we systematically mapped the antigenic patterns and evolution of the human influenza A (H1N1) virus. Eight dominant antigenic clusters have been inferred for seasonal H1N1 viruses since 1977, which demonstrated sequential replacements over time with a similar pattern in Asia, Europe and North America. Among them, six clusters emerged first in Asia. As for China, three of the eight antigenic clusters were detected in South China earlier than in North China, indicating the leading role of South China in H1N1 transmission. The comprehensive view of the antigenic evolution of human influenza A (H1N1) virus can help formulate better strategy for its prevention and control.
Carbonaceous aerosol tracers in ice-cores record multi-decadal climate oscillations
Authors: Seki Osamu , Kawamura Kimitaka , Bendle James A. P. , Izawa Yusuke , Suzuki Ikuko , Shiraiwa Takayuki , Fujii Yoshiyuki 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCarbonaceous aerosols influence the climate via direct and indirect effects on radiative balance. However, the factors controlling the emissions, transport and role of carbonaceous aerosols in the climate system are highly uncertain. Here we investigate organic tracers in ice cores from Greenland and Kamchatka and find that, throughout the period covered by the records (1550 to 2000 CE), the concentrations and composition of biomass burning-, soil bacterial- and plant wax- tracers correspond to Arctic and regional temperatures as well as the warm season Arctic Oscillation (AO) over multi-decadal time-scales. Specifically, order of magnitude decreases (increases) in abundances of ice-core organic tracers, likely representing significant decreases (increases) in the atmospheric loading of carbonaceous aerosols, occur during colder (warmer) phases in the high latitudinal Northern Hemisphere. This raises questions about causality and possible carbonaceous aerosol feedback mechanisms. Our work opens new avenues for ice core research. Translating concentrations of organic tracers (μg/kg-ice or TOC) from ice-cores, into estimates of the atmospheric loading of carbonaceous aerosols (μg/m3) combined with new model constraints on the strength and sign of climate forcing by carbonaceous aerosols should be a priority for future research.
Scalability of carbon-nanotube-based thin film transistors for flexible electronic devices manufactured using an all roll-to-roll gravure printing system
Authors: Koo Hyunmo , Lee Wookyu , Choi Younchang , Sun Junfeng , Bak Jina , Noh Jinsoo , Subramanian Vivek , Azuma Yasuo , Majima Yutaka , Cho Gyoujin 
Published: September 2015

AbstractTo demonstrate that roll-to-roll (R2R) gravure printing is a suitable advanced manufacturing method for flexible thin film transistor (TFT)-based electronic circuits, three different nanomaterial-based inks (silver nanoparticles, BaTiO3 nanoparticles and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)) were selected and optimized to enable the realization of fully printed SWNT-based TFTs (SWNT-TFTs) on 150-m-long rolls of 0.25-m-wide poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). SWNT-TFTs with 5 different channel lengths, namely, 30, 80, 130, 180 and 230 μm, were fabricated using a printing speed of 8 m/min. These SWNT-TFTs were characterized and the obtained electrical parameters were related to major mechanical factors such as web tension, registration accuracy, impression roll pressure and printing speed to determine whether these mechanical factors were the sources of the observed device-to-device variations. By utilizing the electrical parameters from the SWNT-TFTs, a Monte Carlo simulation for a 1-bit adder circuit, as a reference, was conducted to demonstrate that functional circuits with reasonable complexity can indeed be manufactured using R2R gravure printing. The simulation results suggest that circuits with complexity, similar to the full adder circuit, can be printed with a 76% circuit yield if threshold voltage (Vth) variations of less than 30% can be maintained.
Crystal Violet Lactone Salicylaldehyde Hydrazone Zn(II) Complex: a Reversible Photochromic Material both in Solution and in Solid Matrix
Authors: Li Kai , Li Yuanyuan , Tao Jing , Liu Lu , Wang Lili , Hou Hongwei , Tong Aijun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractCrystal violet lactone (CVL) is a classic halochromic dye which has been widely used as chromogenic reagent in thermochromic and piezochromic systems. In this work, a very first example of CVL-based reversible photochromic compound was developed, which showed distinct color change upon UV-visible light irradiation both in solution and in solid matrix. Moreover, metal complex of CVL salicylaldehyde hydrozone was facilely synthesized, exhibiting reversible photochromic properties with good fatigue resistance. It was served as promising solid material for photo-patterning.
Activating transcription factor 3 represses inflammatory responses by binding to the p65 subunit of NF-κB
Authors: Kwon Ji-Woong , Kwon Hyuk-Kwon , Shin Hyeon-Jun , Choi Yong-Min , Anwar Muhammad Ayaz , Choi Sangdun 
Published: September 2015

AbstractActivating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is induced by inflammatory responses, cell death, cytokines and oxidative stress conditions. ATF3 is a negative regulator in the Toll-like receptor 4 signalling pathway. The principal molecule in this pathway is nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) that translocates into the nucleus to initiate the transcription of inflammatory mediators. However, scarce data are available regarding the interaction of ATF3 and p65, a part of the NF-κB dimer. Therefore, we studied the mechanism of regulation of p65 by ATF3 in RAW 264.7 cells. First, LPS-mediated NF-κB activation was confirmed and then the direct interaction of ATF3 and p65 was observed through immunoprecipitation (IP). The presence of histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) was also detected in the complex. In ATF3 deficient cells, NF-κB activity was up-regulated and HDAC1 was not detected by IP. These observations suggest that p65 is attenuated by ATF3 such that ATF3 recruits HDAC1 to the ATF3/p65 complex and facilitates the deacetylation of p65. Likewise, inflammatory response genes were induced by translocated NF-κB in ATF3-deficient cells. Cumulatively, we uncovered a novel mechanism for the negative regulation of NF-κB by ATF3 via direct interaction with p65.
Renoprotective effect of long acting thioredoxin by modulating oxidative stress and macrophage migration inhibitory factor against rhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury
Authors: Nishida Kento , Watanabe Hiroshi , Ogaki Shigeru , Kodama Azusa , Tanaka Ryota , Imafuku Tadashi , Ishima Yu , Giam Chuang Victor Tuan , Toyoda Masao , Kondoh Masumi , Wu Qiong , Fukagawa Masafumi , Otagiri Masaki , Maruyama Toru 
Published: September 2015

AbstractRhabdomyolysis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious life-threatening condition. As such, more effective strategies are needed for its prevention. Thioredoxin-1 (Trx), a redox-active and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) modulating protein, has a short retention time in the blood. We examined the renoprotective effect of long acting Trx that was genetically fused with human serum albumin (HSA-Trx) against glycerol-induced AKI. An intravenous HSA-Trx pre-treatment attenuated the glycerol-induced decline in renal function, compared to a PBS, HSA or Trx alone. HSA-Trx caused a reduction in the tubular injuries and in the number of apoptosis-positive tubular cells. Renal superoxide, 8-hydroxy deoxyguanosine, nitrotyrosine and the plasma Cys34-cysteinylated albumin were clearly suppressed by the HSA-Trx treatment. Prior to decreasing TNF-α and IL-6, HSA-Trx suppressed an increase of plasma MIF level. In LLC-PK1 cells, HSA-Trx decreased the level of reactive oxygen species and lactate dehydrogenase release induced by myoglobin. HSA-Trx treatment resulted in a threefold increase in the survival of lethal glycerol-treated mice. The post-administration of HSA-Trx at 1 and 3 hr after glycerol injection exerted a significant renoprotective effect. These results suggest HSA-Trx has potential for use in the treatment of rhabdomyolysis-associated AKIviaits extended effects of modulating oxidative stress and MIF.
Metabolomics insights into chronic kidney disease and modulatory effect of rhubarb against tubulointerstitial fibrosis
Authors: Zhang Zhi-Hao , Wei Feng , Vaziri Nosratola D. , Cheng Xian-Long , Bai Xu , Lin Rui-Chao , Zhao Ying-Yong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a major public health problem worldwide. Rhubarb has been shown to have nephroprotective and anti-fibrotic activities in patients with CKD. However, bioactive fractions and biochemical mechanism of anti-fibrotic properties of rhubarb remain unclear. Here we applied ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry together with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to investigate the urinary metabolite profile in rats with adenine-induced CKD treated with the petroleum ether (PE)-, ethyl acetate (EA)- and n-butanol (BU)- extracts of rhubarb. Significant differences in renal function, kidney histopathology as well as metabolic profiles were observed between CKD and control rats. Changes in these parameters reflected characteristic phenotypes of CKD rats. We further identified a series of differential urinary metabolites for CKD rats, suggesting metabolic dysfunction in pathway of amino acid, purine, taurine and choline metabolisms. Treatment with EA, BU and PE extracts of rhubarb improved renal function and histopathological abnormalities including interstitial fibrosis and inflammation and either fully or partially reversed the abnormalities of the urinary metabolites. Among them, the nephroprotective effect of EA extract was stronger than BU and PE extracts. This work provides important mechanistic insights into the CKD and nephroprotective effects of different rhubarb extract against tubulo-interstitial fibrosis.