bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variola virus F1L is a Bcl-2-like protein that unlike its vaccinia virus counterpart inhibits apoptosis independent of Bim
Authors: Marshall B , Puthalakath H , Caria S , Chugh S , Doerflinger M , Colman P M , Kvansakul M 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSubversion of host cell apoptosis is an important survival strategy for viruses to ensure their own proliferation and survival. Certain viruses express proteins homologous in sequence, structure and function to mammalian pro-survival B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) proteins, which prevent rapid clearance of infected host cells. In vaccinia virus (VV), the virulence factor F1L was shown to be a potent inhibitor of apoptosis that functions primarily be engaging pro-apoptotic Bim. Variola virus (VAR), the causative agent of smallpox, harbors a homolog of F1L of unknown function. We show that VAR F1L is a potent inhibitor of apoptosis, and unlike all other characterized anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family members lacks affinity for the Bim Bcl-2 homology 3 (BH3) domain. Instead, VAR F1L engages Bid BH3 as well as Bak and Bax BH3 domains. Unlike its VV homolog, variola F1L only protects against Bax-mediated apoptosis in cellular assays. Crystal structures of variola F1L bound to Bid and Bak BH3 domains reveal that variola F1L forms a domain-swapped Bcl-2 fold, which accommodates Bid and Bak BH3 in the canonical Bcl-2-binding groove, in a manner similar to VV F1L. Despite the observed conservation of structure and sequence, variola F1L inhibits apoptosis using a startlingly different mechanism compared with its VV counterpart. Our results suggest that unlike during VV infection, Bim neutralization may not be required during VAR infection. As molecular determinants for the human-specific tropism of VAR remain essentially unknown, identification of a different mechanism of action and utilization of host factors used by a VAR virulence factor compared with its VV homolog suggest that studying VAR directly may be essential to understand its unique tropism.
Life or death by NFκB, Losartan promotes survival in dy2J/dy2J mouse of MDC1A
Authors: Elbaz M , Yanay N , Laban S , Rabie M , Mitrani-Rosenbaum S , Nevo Y 
Published: March 2015

AbstractInflammation and fibrosis are well-defined mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the incurable Laminin α2-deficient congenital muscular dystrophy (MDC1A), while apoptosis mechanism is barely discussed. Our previous study showed treatment with Losartan, an angiotensin II type I receptor antagonist, improved muscle strength and reduced fibrosis through transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling inhibition in the dy2J/dy2J mouse model of MDC1A. Here we show for the first time that Losartan treatment up-regulates and shifts the nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) signaling pathway to favor survival versus apoptosis/damage in this animal model. Losartan treatment was associated with significantly increased serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) level, p65 nuclei accumulation, and decreased muscle IκB-β protein level, indicating NFκB activation. Moreover, NFκB anti-apoptotic target genes TNF receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2), cellular inhibitor of apoptosis (cIAP2), and Ferritin heavy chain (FTH1) were increased following Losartan treatment. Losartan induced protein expression toward a pro-survival profile as BCL-2 expression levels were increased and Caspase-3 expression levels were decreased. Muscle apoptosis reduction was further confirmed using terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Thus, along with TGF-β and MAPK signaling, NFκB serves as an important regulatory pathway which following Losartan treatment promotes survival in the dy2J/dy2J mouse model of MDC1A.
α2u-globulins mediate manipulation of host attractiveness in Toxoplasma gondii–Rattus novergicus association
Authors: Vasudevan Anand , Kumar Vineet , Ning Chiang Yin , Yew Joanne Y , Cheemadan Sabna , Vyas Ajai 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Uninfected female rats (Rattus novergicus) exhibit greater attraction to the males infected with protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This phenomenon is contrary to the aversion towards infected males observed in multitude of other host–parasite associations. In this report, we describe a proximate mechanism for this anomaly. We demonstrate that T. gondii infection enhances hepatic production and urinary excretion of α2u-globulins in rats. We further demonstrate that α2u-globulins are sufficient to recapitulate male sexual attractiveness akin to effects of the infection. This manipulation possibly results in greater horizontal transmission of this parasite between the infected male and the uninfected female. It supports the notion that in some evolutionary niches parasites can alter host sexual signaling, likely leading to an increased rate of sexual transmission.
The a.c. Josephson effect without superconductivity
Authors: Gaury Benoit , Weston Joseph , Waintal Xavier 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSuperconductivity derives its most salient features from the coherence of the associated macroscopic wave function. The related physical phenomena have now moved from exotic subjects to fundamental building blocks for quantum circuits such as qubits or single photonic modes. Here we predict that the a.c. Josephson effect—which transforms a d.c. voltageVbinto an oscillating signal cos (2eVbt/ħ)—has a mesoscopic counterpart in normal conductors. We show that when a d.c. voltageVbis applied to an electronic interferometer, there exists a universal transient regime where the current oscillates at frequencyeVb/h. This effect is not limited by a superconducting gap and could, in principle, be used to produce tunable a.c. signals in the elusive 0.1–10-THz ‘terahertz gap’.
Dynamic designing of microstructures by chemical gradient-mediated growth
Authors: Shim Tae Soup , Yang Seung-Man , Kim Shin-Hyun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractShape is one of the most important determinants of the properties of microstructures. Despite of a recent progress on microfabrication techniques, production of three-dimensional micro-objects are yet to be fully achieved. Nature uses reaction–diffusion process during bottom-up self-assembly to create functional shapes and patterns with high complexity. Here we report a method to produce polymeric microstructures by using a dynamic reaction–diffusion process during top-down photolithography, providing unprecedented control over shape and composition. In radical polymerization, oxygen inhibits reaction, and therefore diffusion of oxygen significantly alters spatial distribution of growth rate. Therefore, growth pathways of the microstructures can be controlled by engineering a concentration gradient of oxygen. Moreover, stepwise control of chemical gradients enables the creation of highly complex microstructures. The ease of use and high controllability of this technology provide new opportunities for microfabrication and for fundamental studies on the relationships between shape and function for the materials.
A Dynamical Systems Explanation of the Hurst Effect and Atmospheric Low-Frequency Variability
Authors: Franzke Christian L. E. , Osprey Scott M. , Davini Paolo , Watkins Nicholas W. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe Hurst effect plays an important role in many areas such as physics, climate and finance. It describes the anomalous growth of range and constrains the behavior and predictability of these systems. The Hurst effect is frequently taken to be synonymous with Long-Range Dependence (LRD) and is typically assumed to be produced by a stationary stochastic process which has infinite memory. However, infinite memory appears to be at odds with the Markovian nature of most physical laws while the stationarity assumption lacks robustness. Here we use Lorenz's paradigmatic chaotic model to show that regime behavior can also cause the Hurst effect. By giving an alternative, parsimonious, explanation using nonstationary Markovian dynamics, our results question the common belief that the Hurst effect necessarily implies a stationary infinite memory process. We also demonstrate that our results can explain atmospheric variability without the infinite memory previously thought necessary and are consistent with climate model simulations.
Morphology of human sweat ducts observed by optical coherence tomography and their frequency of resonance in the terahertz frequency region
Authors: Tripathi Saroj R. , Miyata Eisuke , Ishai Paul Ben , Kawase Kodo 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIt is crucial to understand the various biological effects induced by terahertz (THz) electromagnetic waves with the rapid development of electronic and photonic devices operating in the THz frequency region. The presence of sweat glands plays an important role in THz wave interactions with human skin. We investigated the morphological features of sweat ducts using optical coherence tomography (OCT) to further understand such phenomena. We observed remarkable features of the ducts, such as their clear helical structure. The intersubject and intrasubject variations in the diameter of sweat ducts were considerably smaller than the variations in other structural parameters, such as length and number of turns. Based on the sweat duct dimensions and THz dielectric properties of skin measured using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS), we calculated the resonating frequency of the sweat duct under the assumption of it functioning as a helical antenna. Here, we show that the resonance frequency in the axial mode of operation lies in the THz wave region with a centre frequency of 0.44 ± 0.07 THz. We expect that these findings will further our understanding of the various health consequences of the interaction of THz waves with human beings.
Protective effect of botulinum toxin A after cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Uchiyama Akihiko , Yamada Kazuya , Perera Buddhini , Ogino Sachiko , Yokoyama Yoko , Takeuchi Yuko , Ishikawa Osamu , Motegi Sei-ichiro 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBotulinum toxin A (BTX-A) blocks the release of acetylcholine vesicles into the synaptic space and has been clinically used for aesthetic indications, neuromuscular disorders and hyperhidrosis. Several studies have demonstrated that BTX-A enhanced the blood flow and improved ischemia in animal models. Our objective was to assess the effects of BTX-A on cutaneous ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injuries, mimicking decubitus ulcers. The administration of BTX-A in I/R areas significantly inhibited the formation of decubitus-like ulcer in cutaneous I/R injury mouse model. The number of CD31+ vessels and αSMA+ pericytes or myofibroblasts in wounds were significantly increased in the I/R mice treated with BTX-A. The hypoxic area and the number of oxidative stress-associated DNA-damaged cells and apoptotic cells in the I/R sites were reduced by BTX-A administration. In an in vitro assay, BTX-A significantly prevented the oxidant-induced intracellular accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in vascular endothelial cells. Furthermore, the administration of BTX-A completely suppressed the ulcer formation in an intermittent short-time cutaneous I/R injury model. These results suggest that BTX-A might have protective effects against ulcer formation after cutaneous I/R injury by enhancing angiogenesis and inhibiting hypoxia-induced cellular damage. Exogenous application of BTX-A might have therapeutic potential for cutaneous I/R injuries.
Silicene nanomesh
Authors: Pan Feng , Wang Yangyang , Jiang Kaili , Ni Zeyuan , Ma Jianhua , Zheng Jiaxin , Quhe Ruge , Shi Junjie , Yang Jinbo , Chen Changle , Lu Jing 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSimilar to graphene, zero band gap limits the application of silicene in nanoelectronics despite of its high carrier mobility. By using first-principles calculations, we reveal that a band gap is opened in silicene nanomesh (SNM) when the width W of the wall between the neighboring holes is even. The size of the band gap increases with the reduced W and has a simple relation with the ratio of the removed Si atom and the total Si atom numbers of silicene. Quantum transport simulation reveals that the sub-10 nm single-gated SNM field effect transistors show excellent performance at zero temperature but such a performance is greatly degraded at room temperature.
Association of FPGS genetic polymorphisms with primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma
Authors: Miao Chengli , Liu Ding , Zhang Feng , Wang Youxin , Zhang Yanbin , Yu Junhui , Zhang Zhanzhi , Liu Gang , Li Bing , Liu Xing , Luo Chenghua 
Published: March 2015

AbstractPrimary retroperitoneal liposarcoma is generally regarded as a genetic disorder. We have retrospectively genotyped 8 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 6 candidate genes (MDM2, CDK4, CDC27, FPGS, IGFN1 and PRAMEF13) in 138 patients and 131 healthy control subjects to evaluate the effects of genetic factors on individual susceptibility to primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma in Chinese population. Three SNPs (rs2870820, rs1695147, rs3730536) of MDM2 showed significant differences in single-loci genotypes and allele frequencies between case and control groups (p < 0.05). The minor allele G of SNP rs10760502 in FPGS (folylpolyglutamate synthase) gene was significantly associated with increased risk for primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma, compared with major allele A. Our data suggest that FPGS variant in Chinese population may affect individual susceptibility to primary retroperitoneal liposarcoma.
Association between hyperglycemia and retinopathy of prematurity: a systemic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Au Sunny C. L. , Tang Shu-Min , Rong Shi-Song , Chen Li-Jia , Yam Jason C. S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAs the role of hyperglycemia in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has not been well established, a meta-analysis of the association between hyperglycemia and ROP was conducted. Studies were identified through literature search in MEDLINE and EMBASE up to June 20, 2014 with keywords related to “hyperglycaemia” and “ROP”. Nine eligible studies involving 1939 neonates with 509 cases of ROP were included. Unadjusted analyses showed that hyperglycemia was significantly associated with ROP (Odds ratio [OR] = 4.16, P<0.0001). Comparing with the control, subjects in the ROP group had a significantly longer duration of hyperglycemia (Standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.21, P< 0.0001) and higher mean glucose level. (SMD = 0.88, P = 0.0004) However, when combining the adjusted OR (after adjustment for birth weight, gestational age and other factors) provided from individual studies, only borderline significant association were observed on duration of hyperglycemia with ROP (adjusted OR 1.08, P = 0.03); and no significant association on mean glucose level with ROP (adjusted OR = 1.08, P = 0.15). Hence, hyperglycemia cannot be definitely considered as a risk factor for ROP and further studies should adjust for potential confounding factors to clarify this association.
Magnetic interactions in BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3 films and BiFeO3/BiMnO3 superlattices
Authors: Xu Qingyu , Sheng Yan , Khalid M. , Cao Yanqiang , Wang Yutian , Qiu Xiangbiao , Zhang Wen , He Maocheng , Wang Shuangbao , Zhou Shengqiang , Li Qi , Wu Di , Zhai Ya , Liu Wenqing , Wang Peng , Xu Y. B. , Du Jun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe clear understanding of exchange interactions between magnetic ions in substituted BiFeO3 is the prerequisite for the comprehensive studies on magnetic properties. BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3 films and BiFeO3/BiMnO3 superlattices have been fabricated by pulsed laser deposition on (001) SrTiO3 substrates. Using piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM), the ferroelectricity at room temperature has been inferred from the observation of PFM hysteresis loops and electrical writing of ferroelectric domains for both samples. Spin glass behavior has been observed in both samples by temperature dependent magnetization curves and decay of thermo-remnant magnetization with time. The magnetic ordering has been studied by X-ray magnetic circular dichroism measurements and Fe-O-Mn interaction has been confirmed to be antiferromagnetic (AF). The observed spin glass in BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3 films has been attributed to cluster spin glass due to Mn-rich ferromagnetic (FM) clusters in AF matrix, while spin glass in BiFeO3/BiMnO3 superlattices is due to competition between AF Fe-O-Fe, AF Fe-O-Mn and FM Mn-O-Mn interactions in the well ordered square lattice with two Fe ions in BiFeO3 layer and two Mn ions in BiMnO3 layer at interfaces.
Magnetic properties in α-MnO2 doped with alkaline elements
Authors: Tseng Li-Ting , Lu Yunhao , Fan Hai Ming , Wang Yiren , Luo Xi , Liu Tao , Munroe Paul , Li Sean , Yi Jiabao 
Published: March 2015

Abstractα-MnO2 nanotubes were fabricated using a hydrothermal technique. Li, Na and K ions were introduced into MnO2 nanotubes to tailor their magnetic properties. It was found that with a doping concentration lower than 12 at%, the nanotubes showed ferromagnetic-like ordering at low temperature (<50 K), while antiferromagnetic coupling dominated their physical behavior with doping concentrations beyond 12 at%. Such experimental phenomenon was in very good agreement with associated first principle calculations. The ferromagnetic-like ordering originates from the breaking of equivalence between two different Mn-O octahedrals in α-MnO2 due to the filling of alkaline ions in the tunnels. Both small charge transfer and lattice distortion play important roles in the ferromagnetic ordering.
The relationship between grain boundary structure, defect mobility and grain boundary sink efficiency
Authors: Uberuaga Blas Pedro , Vernon Louis J. , Martinez Enrique , Voter Arthur F. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNanocrystalline materials have received great attention due to their potential for improved functionality and have been proposed for extreme environments where the interfaces are expected to promote radiation tolerance. However, the precise role of the interfaces in modifying defect behavior is unclear. Using long-time simulations methods, we determine the mobility of defects and defect clusters at grain boundaries in Cu. We find that mobilities vary significantly with boundary structure and cluster size, with larger clusters exhibiting reduced mobility and that interface sink efficiency depends on the kinetics of defects within the interface via the in-boundary annihilation rate of defects. Thus, sink efficiency is a strong function of defect mobility, which depends on boundary structure, a property that evolves with time. Further, defect mobility at boundaries can be slower than in the bulk, which has general implications for the properties of polycrystalline materials. Finally, we correlate defect energetics with the volumes of atomic sites at the boundary.
How insurance affects altruistic provision in threshold public goods games
Authors: Zhang Jianlei , Zhang Chunyan , Cao Ming 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe occurrence and maintenance of cooperative behaviors in public goods systems have attracted great research attention across multiple disciplines. A threshold public goods game requires a minimum amount of contributions to be collected from a group of individuals for provision to occur. Here we extend the common binary-strategy combination of cooperation and defection by adding a third strategy, called insured cooperation, which corresponds to buying an insurance covering the potential loss resulted from the unsuccessful public goods game. Particularly, only the contributing agents can opt to be insured, which is an effort decreasing the amount of the potential loss occurring. Theoretical computations suggest that when agents face the potential aggregate risk in threshold public goods games, more contributions occur with increasing compensation from insurance. Moreover, permitting the adoption of insurance significantly enhances individual contributions and facilitates provision, especially when the required threshold is high. This work also relates the strategy competition outcomes to different allocation rules once the resulted contributions exceed the threshold point in populations nested within a dilemma.
Transcatheter Embolization of Peripheral Renal Artery for Hemorrhagic Urological Emergencies using FuAiLe Medical Glue
Authors: An Tianzhi , Zhang Shasha , Xu Min , Zhou Shi , Wang Weiping 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOur objective was to review the technical success and clinical outcomes of transcatheter embolization of peripheral renal artery with FuAiLe medical glue (FAL). All patients who underwent FAL embolization for peripheral renal artery bleeding were retrospectively analyzed for underlying pathologies, technical success and outcome of embolization procedure. 14 consecutive patients underwent FAL embolization between November 2009 and February 2013. The causes of bleeding were post biopsy (n = 5), blunt trauma (n = 5), percutaneous lithotripsy of kidney stones (n = 3) and complication of cardiac catheterization (n = 1). Bleeding was effectively controlled with a single injection of FAL. Mean volume of FAL mixture (FAL:Lipiodol, 1:1) was 0.5 mL (range, 0.2–0.8 mL). No reflux of the embolic agent was noted. Average cost of FAL for each procedure was $74. Postembolization clinical follow-up showed no evidence of recurrent hematuria, progression of hematoma, hypertension, or elevation of serum creatinine. Doppler ultrasound examinations in 13 patients demonstrated no abscess, renal parenchyma infarction, or renal artery abnormalities. Superselective FAL embolization may be used for the treatment of active bleeding from peripheral renal arteries. It has a high success rate and is quicker and less expensive than embolization with other agents.
Graphene oxide electrocatalyst on MnO2 air cathode as an efficient electron pump for enhanced oxygen reduction in alkaline solution
Authors: Basirun Wan Jeffrey , Sookhakian Mehran , Baradaran Saeid , Endut Zulkarnain , Mahmoudian Mohammad Reza , Ebadi Mehdi , Yousefi Ramin , Ghadimi Hanieh , Ahmed Sohail 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGraphene oxide (GO) was deposited on the surface of a MnO2 air cathode by thermal evaporation at 50°C from a GO colloidal suspension. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy confirmed the presence of GO on the MnO2 air cathode (GO-MnO2). Voltammetry and chrono-amperometry showed increased currents for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in 6 M KOH solution for GO-MnO2 compared to the MnO2 cathode. The GO-MnO2 was used as an air cathode in an alkaline tin-air cell and produced a maximum power density of 13 mW cm−2, in contrast to MnO2, which produced a maximum power density of 9.2 mW cm−2. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results suggest that the chemical step for the ORR is the rate determining step, as proposed earlier by different researchers. It is suggested that the presence of GO and electrochemically reduced graphene oxide (ERGO) on the MnO2 surface are responsible for the increased rate of this step, whereby GO and ERGO accelerate the process of electron donation to the MnO2 and to adsorbed oxygen atoms.