bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prolonged-acting, Multi-targeting Gallium Nanoparticles Potently Inhibit Growth of Both HIV and Mycobacteria in Co-Infected Human Macrophages
Authors: Narayanasamy Prabagaran , Switzer Barbara L. , Britigan Bradley E. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) are responsible for two of the major global human infectious diseases that result in significant morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic impact. Furthermore, severity and disease prevention of both infections is enhanced by co-infection. Parallel limitations also exist in access to effective drug therapy and the emergence of resistance. Furthermore, drug-drug interactions have proven problematic during treatment of co-incident HIV and TB infections. Thus, improvements in drug access and simplified treatment regimens are needed immediately. One of the key host cells infected by both HIV and TB is the mononuclear phagocyte (MP; monocyte, macrophage and dendritic cell). Therefore, we hypothesized that one way this can be achieved is through drug-targeting by a nanoformulated drug that ideally would be active against both HIV and TB. Accordingly, we validated macrophage targeted long acting (sustained drug release) gallium (Ga) nanoformulation against HIV-mycobacterium co-infection. The multi-targeted Ga nanoparticle agent inhibited growth of both HIV and TB in the macrophage. The Ga nanoparticles reduced the growth of mycobacterium and HIV for up to 15 days following single drug loading. These results provide a potential new approach to treat HIV-TB co-infection that could eventually lead to improved clinical outcomes.
Renal progenitors derived from human iPSCs engraft and restore function in a mouse model of acute kidney injury
Authors: Imberti Barbara , Tomasoni Susanna , Ciampi Osele , Pezzotta Anna , Derosas Manuela , Xinaris Christodoulos , Rizzo Paola , Papadimou Evangelia , Novelli Rubina , Benigni Ariela , Remuzzi Giuseppe , Morigi Marina 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most relevant health issues, leading to millions of deaths. The magnitude of the phenomenon remarks the urgent need for innovative and effective therapeutic approaches. Cell-based therapy with renal progenitor cells (RPCs) has been proposed as a possible strategy. Studies have shown the feasibility of directing embryonic stem cells or induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) towards nephrogenic intermediate mesoderm and metanephric mesenchyme (MM). However, the functional activity of iPSC-derived RPCs has not been tested in animal models of kidney disease. Here, through an efficient inductive protocol, we directed human iPSCs towards RPCs that robustly engrafted into damaged tubuli and restored renal function and structure in cisplatin-mice with AKI. These results demonstrate that iPSCs are a valuable source of engraftable cells with regenerative activity for kidney disease and create the basis for future applications in stem cell-based therapy.
Whole exome sequencing reveals recurrent mutations in BRCA2 and FAT genes in acinar cell carcinomas of the pancreas
Authors: Furukawa Toru , Sakamoto Hitomi , Takeuchi Shoko , Ameri Mitra , Kuboki Yuko , Yamamoto Toshiyuki , Hatori Takashi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Sugiyama Masanori , Ohike Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Hiroshi , Shimizu Michio , Shibata Noriyuki , Shimizu Kyoko , Shiratori Keiko 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAcinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas is a rare tumor with a poor prognosis. Compared to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, its molecular features are poorly known. We studied a total of 11 acinar cell carcinomas, including 3 by exome and 4 by target sequencing. Exome sequencing revealed 65 nonsynonymous mutations and 22 indels with a mutation rate of 3.4 mutations/Mb per tumor, on average. By accounting for not only somatic but also germline mutations with loss of the wild-type allele, we identified recurrent mutations of BRCA2 and FAT genes. BRCA2 showed somatic or germline premature termination mutations, with loss of the wild-type allele in 3 of 7 tumors. FAT1, FAT3 and FAT4 showed somatic or germline missense mutations in 4 of 7 tumors. The germline FAT mutations were with loss of the wild-type allele. Loss of BRCA2 expression was observed in 5 of 11 tumors. One patient with a BRCA2-mutated tumor experienced complete remission of liver metastasis following cisplatinum chemotherapy. In conclusion, acinar cell carcinomas show a distinct mutation pattern and often harbor somatic or germline mutations of BRCA2 and FAT genes. This result may warrant assessment of BRCA2 abrogation in patients with the carcinoma to determine their sensitivity to chemotherapy.
Parameterization of temperature sensitivity of spring phenology and its application in explaining diverse phenological responses to temperature change
Authors: Wang Huanjiong , Ge Quansheng , Rutishauser This , Dai Yuxiao , Dai Junhu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractExisting evidence of plant phenological change to temperature increase demonstrates that the phenological responsiveness is greater at warmer locations and in early-season plant species. Explanations of these findings are scarce and not settled. Some studies suggest considering phenology as one functional trait within a plant's life history strategy. In this study, we adapt an existing phenological model to derive a generalized sensitivity in space (SpaceSens) model for calculating temperature sensitivity of spring plant phenophases across species and locations. The SpaceSens model have three parameters, including the temperature at the onset date of phenophases (Tp), base temperature threshold (Tb) and the length of period (L) used to calculate the mean temperature when performing regression analysis between phenology and temperature. A case study on first leaf date of 20 plant species from eastern China shows that the change of Tp and Tb among different species accounts for interspecific difference in temperature sensitivity. Moreover, lower Tp at lower latitude is the main reason why spring phenological responsiveness is greater there. These results suggest that spring phenophases of more responsive, early-season plants (especially in low latitude) will probably continue to diverge from the other late-season plants with temperatures warming in the future.
Real-time Measurement of Biomagnetic Vector Fields in Functional Syncytium Using Amorphous Metal
Authors: Nakayama Shinsuke , Uchiyama Tusyoshi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMagnetic field detection of biological electric activities would provide a non-invasive and aseptic estimate of the functional state of cellular organization, namely a syncytium constructed with cell-to-cell electric coupling. In this study, we investigated the properties of biomagnetic waves which occur spontaneously in gut musculature as a typical functional syncytium, by applying an amorphous metal-based gradio-magneto sensor operated at ambient temperature without a magnetic shield. The performance of differentiation was improved by using a single amorphous wire with a pair of transducer coils. Biomagnetic waves of up to several nT were recorded ~1 mm below the sample in a real-time manner. Tetraethyl ammonium (TEA) facilitated magnetic waves reflected electric activity in smooth muscle. The direction of magnetic waves altered depending on the relative angle of the muscle layer and magneto sensor, indicating the existence of propagating intercellular currents. The magnitude of magnetic waves rapidly decreased to ~30% by the initial and subsequent 1 mm separations between sample and sensor. The large distance effect was attributed to the feature of bioelectric circuits constructed by two reverse currents separated by a small distance. This study provides a method for detecting characteristic features of biomagnetic fields arising from a syncytial current.
Three-dimensional Aerographite-GaN hybrid networks: Single step fabrication of porous and mechanically flexible materials for multifunctional applications
Authors: Schuchardt Arnim , Braniste Tudor , Mishra Yogendra K. , Deng Mao , Mecklenburg Matthias , Stevens-Kalceff Marion A. , Raevschi Simion , Schulte Karl , Kienle Lorenz , Adelung Rainer , Tiginyanu Ion 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThree dimensional (3D) elastic hybrid networks built from interconnected nano- and microstructure building units, in the form of semiconducting-carbonaceous materials, are potential candidates for advanced technological applications. However, fabrication of these 3D hybrid networks by simple and versatile methods is a challenging task due to the involvement of complex and multiple synthesis processes. In this paper, we demonstrate the growth of Aerographite-GaN 3D hybrid networks using ultralight and extremely porous carbon based Aerographite material as templates by a single step hydride vapor phase epitaxy process. The GaN nano- and microstructures grow on the surface of Aerographite tubes and follow the network architecture of the Aerographite template without agglomeration. The synthesized 3D networks are integrated with the properties from both, i.e., nanoscale GaN structures and Aerographite in the form of flexible and semiconducting composites which could be exploited as next generation materials for electronic, photonic and sensors applications.
Measurement of real pulsatile blood flow using X-ray PIV technique with CO2 microbubbles
Authors: Park Hanwook , Yeom Eunseop , Seo Seung-Jun , Lim Jae-Hong , Lee Sang-Joon 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSynchrotron X-ray imaging technique has been used to investigate biofluid flows in a non-destructive manner. This study aims to investigate the feasibility of the X-ray PIV technique with CO2 microbubbles as flow tracer for measurement of pulsatile blood flows under in vivo conditions. The traceability of CO2 microbubbles in a pulsatile flow was demonstrated through in vitro experiment. A rat extracorporeal bypass loop was used by connecting a tube between the abdominal aorta and jugular vein of a rat to obtain hemodynamic information of actual pulsatile blood flows without changing the hemorheological properties. The decrease in image contrast of the surrounding tissue was also investigated for in vivo applications of the proposed technique. This technique could be used to accurately measure whole velocity field information of real pulsatile blood flows and has strong potential for hemodynamic diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases.
NKX2-5 Mutations in an Inbred Consanguineous Population: Genetic and Phenotypic Diversity
Authors: Abou Hassan Ossama K. , Fahed Akl C. , Batrawi Manal , Arabi Mariam , Refaat Marwan M. , DePalma Steven R. , Seidman J. G. , Seidman Christine E. , Bitar Fadi F. , Nemer Georges M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNKX2-5 mutations are associated with different forms of congenital heart disease. Despite the knowledge gained from molecular and animal studies, genotype-phenotype correlations in humans are limited by the lack of large cohorts and the incomplete assessment of family members. We hypothesized that studying the role of NKX2-5 in inbred populations with homogeneous genetic backgrounds and high consanguinity rates such as Lebanon could help closing this gap. We sequenced NKX2-5 in 188 index CHD cases (25 with ASD). Five variants (three segregated in families) were detected in eleven families including the previously documented p.R25C variant, which was found in seven patients from different families and in one healthy individual. In 3/5 familial dominant ASD cases, we identified an NKX2-5 mutation. In addition to the heterogeneity of NKX2-5 mutations, a diversity of phenotypes occurred within the families with predominant ASD and AV block. We did in fact identify a large prevalence of Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) in families with truncating mutations and two patients with coronary sinus disease. NKX2-5 is thus responsible for dominant familial ASD even in consanguineous populations and a wide genetic and phenotypic diversity is characteristic of NKX2-5 mutations in the Lebanese population.
Functional interaction of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and Na+/K+ ATPase from Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen)
Authors: Bao Haibo , Sun Huahua , Xiao Youxin , Zhang Yixi , Wang Xin , Xu Xiaoyong , Liu Zewen , Fang Jichao , Li Zhong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAssociated proteins are important for the correct functioning of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In the present study, a neonicotinoid-agarose affinity column was used to isolate related proteins from a solubilized membrane preparation from the nervous system of Locusta migratoria manilensis (Meyen). 1530 peptides were identified and most of them were involved in the membranous structure, molecular interaction and cellular communication. Among these peptides, Na+/K+ ATPase had the highest MASCOT score and were involved in the molecular interaction, which suggested that Na+/K+ ATPase and nAChRs might have strong and stable interactions in insect central nervous system. In the present study, functional interactions between nAChRs and Na+/K+ ATPase were examined by heterologous expression in Xenopus oocytes. The results showed that the activated nAChRs increased pump currents of Na+/K+ ATPase, which did not require current flow through open nAChRs. In turn, Na+/K+ ATPase significantly increased agonist sensitivities of nAChRs in a pump activity-independent manner and reduced the maximum current (Imax) of nAChRs. These findings provide novel insights concerning the functional interactions between insect nAChRs and Na+/K+ ATPase.
Common marmosets show social plasticity and group-level similarity in personality
Authors: Koski Sonja E. , Burkart Judith M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe social environment influences animal personality on evolutionary and immediate time scales. However, studies of animal personality rarely assess the effects of the social environment, particularly in species that live in stable groups with individualized relationships. We assessed personality experimentally in 17 individuals of the common marmoset, living in four groups. We found their personality to be considerably modified by the social environment. Marmosets exhibited relatively high plasticity in their behaviour and showed ‘group-personality’, i.e. group-level similarity in the personality traits. In exploratory behaviour this was maintained only in the social environment but not when individuals were tested alone, suggesting that exploration tendency is subjected to social facilitation. Boldness, in contrast, showed higher consistency across the social and solitary conditions and the group-level similarity in trait scores was sustained also outside of the immediate social environment. The ‘group-personality’ was not due to genetic relatedness, supporting that it was produced by social effects. We hypothesize that ‘group-personality’ may be adaptive for highly cooperative animals through facilitating cooperation among individuals with similar behavioural tendency.
Majorana fermions in ferromagnetic chains on the surface of bulk spin-orbit coupled s-wave superconductors
Authors: Hui Hoi-Yin , Brydon P. M. R. , Sau Jay D. , Tewari S. , Sarma S. Das 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMajorana fermion (MF) excitations in solid state system have non-Abelian statistics which is essential for topological quantum computation. Previous proposals to realize MF, however, generally requires fine-tuning of parameters. Here we explore a platform which avoids the fine-tuning problem, namely a ferromagnetic chain deposited on the surface of a spin-orbit coupled s-wave superconductor. We show that it generically supports zero-energy topological MF excitations near the two ends of the chain with minimal fine-tuning. Depending on the strength of the ferromagnetic moment in the chain, the number of MFs at each end, n, can be either one or two and should be revealed by a robust zero-bias peak (ZBP) of height 2 ne2/h in scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) measurements which would show strong (weak) signals at the ends (middle) of the chain. The role of an approximate chiral symmetry which gives an integer topological invariant to the system is discussed.
Mitochondrial pyruvate transport: a historical perspective and future research directions
Authors: McCommis Kyle S. , Finck Brian N. 
Published: March 2015

Pyruvate is the end-product of glycolysis, a major substrate for oxidative metabolism, and a branching point for glucose, lactate, fatty acid and amino acid synthesis. The mitochondrial enzymes that metabolize pyruvate are physically separated from cytosolic pyruvate pools and rely on a membrane transport system to shuttle pyruvate across the impermeable inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). Despite long-standing acceptance that transport of pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix by a carrier-mediated process is required for the bulk of its metabolism, it has taken almost 40 years to determine the molecular identity of an IMM pyruvate carrier. Our current understanding is that two proteins, mitochondrial pyruvate carriers MPC1 and MPC2, form a hetero-oligomeric complex in the IMM to facilitate pyruvate transport. This step is required for mitochondrial pyruvate oxidation and carboxylation–critical reactions in intermediary metabolism that are dysregulated in several common diseases. The identification of these transporter constituents opens the door to the identification of novel compounds that modulate MPC activity, with potential utility for treating diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and other common causes of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the present review is to detail the historical, current and future research investigations concerning mitochondrial pyruvate transport, and discuss the possible consequences of altered pyruvate transport in various metabolic tissues.
Integrated‐optic OFDM signal multiplexer composed of optical IFFT circuit
Authors: Takiguchi K. , Miwa T. 
Published: March 2015

An integrated optical device that is able to multiplex modulated signals to an optical orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signal directly in the optical domain is demonstrated. The device operates based on optical inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT). It is composed of directional couplers, delay lines and a combiner, which was fabricated with silica waveguide technology. The operation was experimentally confirmed by generating 40 and 80 Gbit/s optical OFDM signals.
Preparation of hollow cone‐like ZnO/CoFe2O4 heterostructures and their photocatalytic properties
Authors: Ye Linjing , Yan Chao , Jiang Yunjie , Yang Qianyi , Lu Chenchen , Guan Weisheng 
Published: March 2015

Heterostructures of hollow cone‐like ZnO/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites (NPs) are successfully fabricated by a two‐step hydrothermal route with the assistance of Si substrate as the template. The material structure, composition, morphology as well as the magnetic property have been investigated via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, an X‐ray diffractometer and a vibrating sample magnetometer. Photocatalytic performance was also examined. The NPs have a bone‐structure of ZnO coated with CoFe2O4NPs, which have a cone‐like feature with a diameter of 200–300 nm and 200 nm in the hole with a large surface‐to‐volume ratio. It is the special heterostructures that bring about a novel high surface area leading to highly efficient photo‐degradation in visible light and recyclability because of ferromagnetism. The degradation of tetracycline of NPs reaches 81.03% in 120 min.
Models for the study of whole-body insulin kinetics: a mathematical synthesis.
Authors: McKnight L. L. , Lopez S. , Shoveller A. K. , France J. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Insulin is an anabolic hormone that plays a central role in glucose homeostasis. Synthesis, secretion and appearance of insulin in portal and peripheral circulation are complex and tightly regulated. As many of the tissues involved are not directly accessible, mathematical models have been developed to describe insulin kinetics. This paper presents a mathematical synthesis of models for the study of insulin kinetics and is meant as a supplemental to our recent review of glucose kinetics models, some of which encompass insulin sub-models. Models are described in steady and non-steady state and are grouped into compartmental and non-compartmental schemes.
Generation of specific monoclonal antibodies against the extracellular loops of human claudin-3 by immunizing mice with target-expressing cells
Authors: Ando Hiroshi , Suzuki Masayo , Kato-Nakano Mariko , Kawamoto Shinobu , Misaka Hirofumi , Kimoto Naoya , Furuya Akiko , Nakamura Kazuyasu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Human claudin-3 (CLDN3) is a tetraspanin transmembrane protein of tight junction structures and is known to be over-expressed in some malignant tumors. Although a specific monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the extracellular domains of CLDN3 would be a valuable tool, generation of such MAbs has been regarded as difficult using traditional hybridoma techniques, because of the conserved sequence homology of CLDN3s among various species. In addition, high sequence similarity is shared among claudin family members, and potential cross-reactivity of MAb should be evaluated carefully. To overcome these difficulties, we generated CLDN3-expressing Chinese hamster ovary and Sf9 cells to use an immunogens and performed cell-based screening to eliminate cross-reactive antibodies. As a result, we generated MAbs that recognized the extracellular loops of CLDN3 but not those of CLDN4, 5, 6, or 9. Further in vitro studies suggested that the isolated MAbs possessed the desired binding properties for the detection or targeting of CLDN3.
Salivary testosterone and cortisol responses to four different rugby training exercise protocols
Authors: Gaviglio Christopher M. , Osborne Mark , Kelly Vincent G. , Kilduff Liam P. , Cook Christian J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study assessed the acute response of salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations to four exercise protocols in 27 elite male rugby players. Each athlete completed four protocols in random order on separate in‐season weeks. Two protocols were resistance training based consisting of four exercises (high pull, bench press, squat and chin‐ups/prone row): Protocol 1 consisted of 5 sets of 15 repetitions at 55% of 1 repetition maximum (1 RM) with 1‐minute rest (5 × 15–55%). Protocol 2 consisted of three sets of five repetitions at 85% 1 RM with 2‐minute rest (3 × 5–85%). Protocol 3 was a strongman (STRNG) session consisting of three stations within a circuit of exercises that included exercises such as battling ropes, prowler push, farmer's walk and tyre flips. Protocol 4 was based on boxing and wrestling inspired exercises (combative – COMB). Salivary testosterone and cortisol concentrations were measured before (PRE) and immediately after exercise (POST). Testosterone did not significantly change as a result of any intervention, whereas cortisol declined and the testosterone to cortisol (T/C) ratio increased significantly in both the 5 × 15–55% and 3 × 5–85% protocol. When results were retrospectively grouped and analysed according to the protocol that demonstrated the greatest absolute testosterone response, significant (P < 0.01) increases for the 5 × 15–55%, STRNG and COMB protocols were observed. The individualised hormone response to exercise observed in this study highlights the importance of recognising a protocol‐dependent approach to training athletes. Furthermore this study also highlights a potential usefulness of employing STRNG and COMB training protocols as an alternative stimulus to resistance training.