bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immuno-analysis of microparticles: probing at the limits of detection
Authors: Latham Sharissa L. , Tiberti Natalia , Gokoolparsadh Naveena , Holdaway Karen , Olivier Couraud Pierre , Grau Georges E. R. , Combes Valery 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMicroparticle (MP) research is clouded by debate regarding the accuracy and validity of flow cytometry (FCM) as an analytical methodology, as it is influenced by many variables including the pre-analytical conditions, instruments physical capabilities and detection parameters. This study utilises a simplistic in vitro system for generating MP and through comparative analysis with immuno-electron microscopy (Immuno-EM) assesses the strengths and limitations of probe selection and high-sensitivity FCM. Of the markers examined, MP were most specifically labelled with phosphatidylserine ligands, annexin V and lactadherin, although only ~60% MP are PS positive. Whilst these two ligands detect comparable absolute MP numbers, they interact with the same population in distinct manners; annexin V binding is enhanced on TNF induced MP. CD105 and CD54 expression were, as expected, consistent and enhanced following TNF activation respectively. Their labelling however accounted for as few as 30–40% of MP. The greatest discrepancies between FCM and I-EM were observed in the population solely labelled for the surface antigen. These findings demonstrate that despite significant improvements in resolution, high-sensitivity FCM remains limited in detecting small-size MP expressing low antigen levels. This study highlights factors to consider when selecting endothelial MP probes, as well as interpreting and representing data.
Acetohydroxyacid synthase FgIlv2 and FgIlv6 are involved in BCAA biosynthesis, mycelial and conidial morphogenesis and full virulence in Fusarium graminearum
Authors: Liu Xin , Han Qi , Xu Jianhong , Wang Jian , Shi Jianrong 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this study, we characterized FgIlv2 and FgIlv6, the catalytic and regulatory subunits of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) from the important wheat head scab fungus Fusarium graminearum. AHAS catalyzes the first common step in the parallel pathways toward branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs: isoleucine, leucine, valine) and is the inhibitory target of several commercialized herbicides. Both FgILV2 and FgILV6 deletion mutants were BCAA-auxotrophic and showed reduced aerial hyphal growth and red pigmentation when cultured on PDA plates. Conidial formation was completely blocked in the FgILV2 deletion mutant ΔFgIlv2-4 and significantly reduced in the FgILV6 deletion mutant ΔFgIlv6-12. The auxotrophs of ΔFgIlv2-4 and ΔFgIlv6-12 could be restored by exogenous addition of BCAAs but relied on the designated nitrogen source the medium contained. Deletion of FgILV2 or FgILV6 also leads to hypersensitivity to various cellular stresses and reduced deoxynivalenol production. ΔFgIlv2-4 lost virulence completely on flowering wheat heads, whereas ΔFgIlv6-12 could cause scab symptoms in the inoculated spikelet but lost its aggressiveness. Taken together, our study implies the potential value of antifungals targeting both FgIlv2 and FgIlv6 in F. graminearum.
Phase diagram of the layered oxide SnO: GW and electron-phonon studies
Authors: Chen Peng-Jen , Jeng Horng-Tay 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFirst-principles calculations are performed to study the electronic properties and the electron-phonon interactions of the layered oxide semiconductor SnO. In addition to the high hole mobility that makes SnO a promising material in electronics, it has recently been reported that the semimetallic phase under pressure is superconducting. The superconducting Tc curve exhibits a dome-like feature under pressure and reaches the maximum of 1.4 K at p = 9.2 GPa. Both its crystal structure and the dome-like Tc curve are reminiscent of the Fe-based superconductor FeSe. Motivated by this observation, we investigate the electronic, phonon and their interactions in SnO using first-principles schemes. GW approximation is adopted to correct the underestimated band gaps, including real and continuous band gaps in the semiconducting and semimetallic phases. The phase diagram showing the semiconductor-to-semimetal transition and the Tc curve has been successfully reproduced. Detailed analysis of the electron-phonon interactions demonstrate the importance of the out-of-plane motions of O atoms and the Sn-s lone pairs for the superconductivity to occur. Our method combining GW and e-ph calculations can be further extended to the study of other materials that undergo insulator-to-superconductor phase transition.
Cell-free plasma hemoglobin removal by dialyzers with various permeability profiles
Authors: Hulko Michael , Kunz Melanie , Yildirim Mehmet , Homeyer Sandra , Amon Oliver , Krause Bernd 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe release of hemoglobin from mechanically stressed erythrocytes into plasma is a general side effect of extracorporeal therapies, such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or hemodialysis. In many reported cases dialysis patients showed elevated cell-free plasma hemoglobin (CPH) levels which are associated with pathophysiological effects. In this in vitro study, the CPH clearance capacity of various filters with different permeability profiles was measured. Simulated dialysis treatments were conducted and clearance was calculated from variations in CPH concentrations over time by measuring plasma absorbance at 405 nm. Conventional high-flux filters exhibited no detectable clearance of CPH. High-flux filters with extended permeability exhibited clearances between 5.8 ± 1.2 and 12.7 ± 1.7 ml/min when tested with plasma and between 5.8 ± 1.2 and 11.3 ± 1.6 ml/min when tested with whole blood. septeX high-cutoff filters had clearances between 13.8 ± 1.8 and 15.5 ± 1.7 ml/min when tested with plasma and of 22.6 ± 2.9 ml/min when tested with whole blood. This study demonstrated that filters with extended permeability and the septeX filter enable CPH removal when used as in chronic and acute settings.
New genetic regulators question relevance of abundant yolk protein production in C. elegans
Authors: Van Rompay Liesbeth , Borghgraef Charline , Beets Isabel , Caers Jelle , Temmerman Liesbet 
Published: November 2015

AbstractVitellogenesis or maternal yolk formation is considered critical to the reproduction of egg-laying animals. In invertebrates, however, most of its regulatory genes are still unknown. Via a combined mapping and whole-genome sequencing strategy, we performed a forward genetic screen to isolate novel regulators of yolk production in the nematode model systemCaenorhabditis elegans. In addition to isolating new alleles ofrab-35,rab-10andM04F3.2, we identified five mutant alleles corresponding to three novel regulatory genes potently suppressing the expression of a GFP-based yolk reporter. We confirmed that mutations invrp-1,ceh-60andlrp-2disrupt endogenous yolk protein synthesis at the transcriptional and translational level. In contrast to current beliefs, our discovered set of mutants with strongly reduced yolk proteins did not show serious reproduction defects. This raises questions as to whether yolk proteinsper seare needed for ultimate reproductive success.
Prediction of nested complementary pattern in argon dielectric-barrier discharge at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Jiang Weiman , Li Jing , Tang Jie , Wang Yishan , Zhao Wei , Duan Yixiang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA two-dimensional self-consistent fluid model was employed to investigate the spatiotemporal nonlinear behavior in an argon glow-like/Townsend-like dielectric-barrier discharge (DBD) at atmospheric pressure. The discharge is characterized by a major current pulse with a residual one ahead per half cycle of the external voltage. The two current pulses are operated in glow mode, but with Townsend mode between them. Contrasting spatial discharge structures are complementarily presented not only at two current pulses in the same half cycle but also during the discharge in the two adjacent-half cycles, resulting in the formation of a unique nested complementary pattern each cycle. This peculiar behavior mainly lies in the fact that sufficient charged particles are trapped in the gas gap due to the last discharge and able to dominate the subsequent discharge through the “spatial memory effect”. The charge transport regime reveals that this nested complementary pattern is presented only in a limited range of driving frequency.
Probing the interactions of CdTe quantum dots with pseudorabies virus
Authors: Du Ting , Cai Kaimei , Han Heyou , Fang Liurong , Liang Jiangong , Xiao Shaobo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractQuantum dots (QDs) have become one of the most promising luminescent materials for tracking viral infection in living cells. However, several issues regarding how QDs interact with the virus remain unresolved. Herein, the effects of Glutathione (GSH) capped CdTe QDs on virus were investigated by using pseudorabies virus (PRV) as a model. One-step growth curve and fluorescence colocalization analyses indicate that CdTe QDs inhibit PRV multiplication in the early stage of virus replication cycle by suppressing the invasion, but have no significant effect on the PRV penetration. Fluorescence spectrum analysis indicates that the size of QDs is reduced gradually after the addition of PRV within 30 min. Release of Cd2+ was detected during the interaction of QDs and PRV, resulting in a decreased number of viruses which can infect cells. Further Raman spectra and Circular Dichroism (CD) spectroscopy analyses reveal that the structure of viral surface proteins is altered by CdTe QDs adsorbed on the virus surface, leading to the inhibition of virus replication. This study facilitates an in-depth understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of viruses and provides a basis for QDs-labeled virus research.
A simple and predictive phenotypic High Content Imaging assay for Plasmodium falciparum mature gametocytes to identify malaria transmission blocking compounds
Authors: Lucantoni Leonardo , Silvestrini Francesco , Signore Michele , Siciliano Giulia , Eldering Maarten , Dechering Koen J. , Avery Vicky M. , Alano Pietro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPlasmodium falciparum gametocytes, specifically the mature stages, are the only malaria parasite stage in humans transmissible to the mosquito vector. Anti-malarial drugs capable of killing these forms are considered essential for the eradication of malaria and tools allowing the screening of large compound libraries with high predictive power are needed to identify new candidates. As gametocytes are not a replicative stage it is difficult to apply the same drug screening methods used for asexual stages. Here we propose an assay, based on high content imaging, combining “classic” gametocyte viability readout based on gametocyte counts with a functional viability readout, based on gametocyte activation and the discrimination of the typical gamete spherical morphology. This simple and rapid assay has been miniaturized to a 384-well format using acridine orange staining of wild type P. falciparum 3D7A sexual forms and was validated by screening reference antimalarial drugs and the MMV Malaria Box. The assay demonstrated excellent robustness and ability to identify quality hits with high likelihood of confirmation of transmission reducing activity in subsequent mosquito membrane feeding assays.
Gapless quantum spin liquid ground state in the two-dimensional spin-1/2 triangular antiferromagnet YbMgGaO4
Authors: Li Yuesheng , Liao Haijun , Zhang Zhen , Li Shiyan , Jin Feng , Ling Langsheng , Zhang Lei , Zou Youming , Pi Li , Yang Zhaorong , Wang Junfeng , Wu Zhonghua , Zhang Qingming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractQuantum spin liquid (QSL) is a novel state of matter which refuses the conventional spin freezing even at 0 K. Experimentally searching for the structurally perfect candidates is a big challenge in condensed matter physics. Here we report the successful synthesis of a new spin-1/2 triangular antiferromagnet YbMgGaO4 with "Equation missing" symmetry. The compound with an ideal two-dimensional and spatial isotropic magnetic triangular-lattice has no site-mixing magnetic defects and no antisymmetric Dzyaloshinsky-Moriya (DM) interactions. No spin freezing down to 60 mK (despite θw ~ −4 K), the power-law temperature dependence of heat capacity and nonzero susceptibility at low temperatures suggest that YbMgGaO4 is a promising gapless (≤|θw|/100) QSL candidate. The residual spin entropy, which is accurately determined with a non-magnetic reference LuMgGaO4, approaches zero (<0.6%). This indicates that the possible QSL ground state (GS) of the frustrated spin system has been experimentally achieved at the lowest measurement temperatures.
Uric acid enhances the antitumor immunity of dendritic cell-based vaccine
Authors: Wang Yihan , Ma Xuelei , Su Chao , Peng Bin , Du Jing , Jia Hongyuan , Luo Min , Fang Chunju , Wei Yuquan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUric acid (UA) released from dying cells has been recognized by the immune system as a danger signal. In response to UA, dendritic cells (DC) in the immune system mature and enhance the T cell response to foreign antigens. It is conceivable that the antitumor immunity of a tumor vaccine could be promoted by the administration of UA. To test this concept, we applied UA as an adjuvant to a DC-based vaccine and discovered that the administration of UA as an adjuvant significantly enhanced the ability of the tumor lysate-pulsed DC vaccine in delaying the tumor growth. The antitumor activity was achieved with adoptively transferred lymphocytes and both CD8+ T cells and NK cells were required to achieve effective immunity. This resulted in an increased accumulation of activated CD8+ T cells and an elevated production of IFN-γ. Collectively, our study shows that the administration of UA enhances the antitumor activity of tumor lysate-pulsed DC vaccine, thus providing the preclinical rationale for the application of UA in DC-based vaccine strategies.
Ice nucleation active particles are efficiently removed by precipitating clouds
Authors: Stopelli Emiliano , Conen Franz , Morris Cindy E. , Herrmann Erik , Bukowiecki Nicolas , Alewell Christine 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIce nucleation in cold clouds is a decisive step in the formation of rain and snow. Observations and modelling suggest that variations in the concentrations of ice nucleating particles (INPs) affect timing, location and amount of precipitation. A quantitative description of the abundance and variability of INPs is crucial to assess and predict their influence on precipitation. Here we used the hydrological indicator δ18O to derive the fraction of water vapour lost from precipitating clouds and correlated it with the abundance of INPs in freshly fallen snow. Results show that the number of INPs active at temperatures ≥ −10 °C (INPs−10) halves for every 10% of vapour lost through precipitation. Particles of similar size (>0.5 μm) halve in number for only every 20% of vapour lost, suggesting effective microphysical processing of INPs during precipitation. We show that INPs active at moderate supercooling are rapidly depleted by precipitating clouds, limiting their impact on subsequent rainfall development in time and space.
Evolution of solidification texture during additive manufacturing
Authors: Wei H. L. , Mazumder J. , DebRoy T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStriking differences in the solidification textures of a nickel based alloy owing to changes in laser scanning pattern during additive manufacturing are examined based on theory and experimental data. Understanding and controlling texture are important because it affects mechanical and chemical properties. Solidification texture depends on the local heat flow directions and competitive grain growth in one of the six <100> preferred growth directions in face centered cubic alloys. Therefore, the heat flow directions are examined for various laser beam scanning patterns based on numerical modeling of heat transfer and fluid flow in three dimensions. Here we show that numerical modeling can not only provide a deeper understanding of the solidification growth patterns during the additive manufacturing, it also serves as a basis for customizing solidification textures which are important for properties and performance of components.
Strain induced piezoelectric effect in black phosphorus and MoS2 van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Huang Le , Li Yan , Wei Zhongming , Li Jingbo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe structural, electronic, transport and optical properties of black phosphorus/MoS2 (BP/MoS2) van der Waals (vdw) heterostructure are investigated by using first principles calculations. The band gap of BP/MoS2 bilayer decreases with the applied normal compressive strain and a semiconductor-to-metal transition is observed when the applied strain is more than 0.85 Å. BP/MoS2 bilayer also exhibits modulation of its carrier effective mass and carrier concentration by the applied compressive strain, suggesting that mobility engineering and good piezoelectric effect can be realized in BP/MoS2 heterostructure. Because the type-II band alignment can facilitate the separation of photo-excited electrons and holes and it can benefit from the great absorption coefficient in ultra-violet region, the BP/MoS2 shows great potential to be a very efficient ultra-violet photodetector.
Training of Working Memory Impacts Neural Processing of Vocal Pitch Regulation
Authors: Li Weifeng , Guo Zhiqiang , Jones Jeffery A. , Huang Xiyan , Chen Xi , Liu Peng , Chen Shaozhen , Liu Hanjun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWorking memory training can improve the performance of tasks that were not trained. Whether auditory-motor integration for voice control can benefit from working memory training, however, remains unclear. The present event-related potential (ERP) study examined the impact of working memory training on the auditory-motor processing of vocal pitch. Trained participants underwent adaptive working memory training using a digit span backwards paradigm, while control participants did not receive any training. Before and after training, both trained and control participants were exposed to frequency-altered auditory feedback while producing vocalizations. After training, trained participants exhibited significantly decreased N1 amplitudes and increased P2 amplitudes in response to pitch errors in voice auditory feedback. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between the degree of improvement in working memory capacity and the post-pre difference in P2 amplitudes. Training-related changes in the vocal compensation, however, were not observed. There was no systematic change in either vocal or cortical responses for control participants. These findings provide evidence that working memory training impacts the cortical processing of feedback errors in vocal pitch regulation. This enhanced cortical processing may be the result of increased neural efficiency in the detection of pitch errors between the intended and actual feedback.
Genome-wide analysis implicates microRNAs and their target genes in the development of bipolar disorder
Authors: Forstner A J , Hofmann A , Maaser A , Sumer S , Khudayberdiev S , Mühleisen T W , Leber M , Schulze T G , Strohmaier J , Degenhardt F , Treutlein J , Mattheisen M , Schumacher J , Breuer R , Meier S , Herms S , Hoffmann P , Lacour A , Witt S H , Reif A , Müller-Myhsok B , Lucae S , Maier W , Schwarz M , Vedder H , Kammerer-Ciernioch J , Pfennig A , Bauer M , Hautzinger M , Moebus S , Priebe L , Sivalingam S , Verhaert A , Schulz H , Czerski P M , Hauser J , Lissowska J , Szeszenia-Dabrowska N , Brennan P , McKay J D , Wright A , Mitchell P B , Fullerton J M , Schofield P R , Montgomery G W , Medland S E , Gordon S D , Martin N G , Krasnov V , Chuchalin A , Babadjanova G , Pantelejeva G , Abramova L I , Tiganov A S , Polonikov A , Khusnutdinova E , Alda M , Cruceanu C , Rouleau G A , Turecki G , Laprise C , Rivas F , Mayoral F , Kogevinas M , Grigoroiu-Serbanescu M , Propping P , Becker T , Rietschel M , Cichon S , Schratt G , Nöthen M M 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and highly heritable neuropsychiatric disorder with a lifetime prevalence of 1%. Molecular genetic studies have identified the first BD susceptibility genes. However, the disease pathways remain largely unknown. Accumulating evidence suggests that microRNAs, a class of small noncoding RNAs, contribute to basic mechanisms underlying brain development and plasticity, suggesting their possible involvement in the pathogenesis of several psychiatric disorders, including BD. In the present study, gene-based analyses were performed for all known autosomal microRNAs using the largest genome-wide association data set of BD to date (9747 patients and 14 278 controls). Associated and brain-expressed microRNAs were then investigated in target gene and pathway analyses. Functional analyses ofmiR-499andmiR-708were performed in rat hippocampal neurons. Ninety-eight of the six hundred nine investigated microRNAs showed nominally significantP-values, suggesting that BD-associated microRNAs might be enriched within known microRNA loci. After correction for multiple testing, nine microRNAs showed a significant association with BD. The most promising weremiR-499,miR-708andmiR-1908. Target gene and pathway analyses revealed 18 significant canonical pathways, including brain development and neuron projection. FormiR-499, four Bonferroni-corrected significant target genes were identified, including the genome-wide risk gene for psychiatric disorderCACNB2. First results of functional analyses in rat hippocampal neurons neither revealed nor excluded a major contribution ofmiR-499ormiR-708to dendritic spine morphogenesis. The present results suggest that research is warranted to elucidate the precise involvement of microRNAs and their downstream pathways in BD.
Effects of deep brain stimulation on prepulse inhibition in obsessive-compulsive disorder
Authors: Kohl S , Gruendler T O J , Huys D , Sildatke E , Dembek T A , Hellmich M , Vorderwulbecke M , Timmermann L , Ahmari S E , Klosterkoetter J , Jessen F , Sturm V , Visser-Vandewalle V , Kuhn J 
Published: November 2015

AbstractOwing to a high response rate, deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the ventral striatal area has been approved for treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (tr-OCD). Many basic issues regarding DBS for tr-OCD are still not understood, in particular, the mechanisms of action and the origin of side effects. We measured prepulse inhibition (PPI) in treatment-refractory OCD patients undergoing DBS of the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) and matched controls. As PPI has been used in animal DBS studies, it is highly suitable for translational research. Eight patients receiving DBS, eight patients with pharmacological treatment and eight age-matched healthy controls participated in our study. PPI was measured twice in the DBS group: one session with the stimulator switched on and one session with the stimulator switched off. OCD patients in the pharmacologic group took part in a single session. Controls were tested twice, to ensure stability of data. Statistical analysis revealed significant differences between controls and (1) patients with pharmacological treatment and (2) OCD DBS patients when the stimulation was switched off. Switching the stimulator on led to an increase in PPI at a stimulus-onset asynchrony of 200 ms. There was no significant difference in PPI between OCD patients being stimulated and the control group. This study shows that NAcc-DBS leads to an increase in PPI in tr-OCD patients towards a level seen in healthy controls. Assuming that PPI impairments partially reflect the neurobiological substrates of OCD, our results show that DBS of the NAcc may improve sensorimotor gating via correction of dysfunctional neural substrates. Bearing in mind that PPI is based on a complex and multilayered network, our data confirm that DBS most likely takes effect via network modulation.