bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted, noninvasive blockade of cortical neuronal activity
Authors: McDannold Nathan , Zhang Yongzhi , Power Chanikarn , Arvanitis Costas D. , Vykhodtseva Natalia , Livingstone Margaret 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHere we describe a novel method to noninvasively modulate targeted brain areas through the temporary disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) via focused ultrasound, enabling focal delivery of a neuroactive substance. Ultrasound was used to locally disrupt the BBB in rat somatosensory cortex and intravenous administration of GABA then produced a dose-dependent suppression of somatosensory-evoked potentials in response to electrical stimulation of the sciatic nerve. No suppression was observed 1–5 days afterwards or in control animals where the BBB was not disrupted. This method has several advantages over existing techniques: it is noninvasive; it is repeatable via additional GABA injections; multiple brain regions can be affected simultaneously; suppression magnitude can be titrated by GABA dose; and the method can be used with freely behaving subjects. We anticipate that the application of neuroactive substances in this way will be a useful tool for noninvasively mapping brain function and potentially for surgical planning or novel therapies.
Innovative Strategy on Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Utilizing Activated Liquid Water
Authors: Hwang Bing-Joe , Chen Hsiao-Chien , Mai Fu-Der , Tsai Hui-Yen , Yang Chih-Ping , Rick John , Liu Yu-Chuan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSplitting water for hydrogen production using light, or electrical energy, is the most developed ‘green technique’. For increasing efficiency in hydrogen production, currently, the most exciting and thriving strategies are focused on efficient and inexpensive catalysts. Here, we report an innovative idea for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) utilizing plasmon-activated liquid water with reduced hydrogen-bonded structure by hot electron transfer. This strategy is effective for all HERs in acidic, basic and neutral systems, photocatalytic system with a g-C3N4 (graphite carbon nitride) electrode, as well as in an inert system with an ITO (indium tin oxide) electrode. Compared to deionized water, the efficiency of HER increases by 48% based on activated water ex situ on a Pt electrode. Increase in energy efficiency from activated water is 18% at a specific current yield of −20 mA in situ on a nanoscale-granulated Au electrode. Moreover, the onset potential of −0.023 V vs RHE was very close to the thermodynamic potential of the HER (0 V). The measured current density at the corresponding overpotential for HER in an acidic system was higher than any data previously reported in the literature. This approach establishes a new vista in clean green energy production.
Heteroepitaxial Cu2O thin film solar cell on metallic substrates
Authors: Wee Sung Hun , Huang Po-Shun , Lee Jung-Kun , Goyal Amit 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHeteroepitaxial, single-crystal-like Cu2O films on inexpensive, flexible, metallic substrates can potentially be used as absorber layers for fabrication of low-cost, high-performance, non-toxic, earth-abundant solar cells. Here, we report epitaxial growth of Cu2O films on low cost, flexible, textured metallic substrates. Cu2O films were deposited on the metallic templates via pulsed laser deposition under various processing conditions to study the influence of processing parameters on the structural and electronic properties of the films. It is found that pure, epitaxial Cu2O phase without any trace of CuO phase is only formed in a limited deposition window of P(O2) - temperature. The (00l) single-oriented, highly textured, Cu2O films deposited under optimum P(O2) - temperature conditions exhibit excellent electronic properties with carrier mobility in the range of 40–60 cm2 V−1 s−1 and carrier concentration over 1016 cm−3. The power conversion efficiency of 1.65% is demonstrated from a proof-of-concept Cu2O solar cell based on epitaxial Cu2O film prepared on the textured metal substrate.
Proximal segmentation of the dorsal mesogastrium reveals new anatomical implications for laparoscopic surgery
Authors: Xie Daxing , Gao Chun , Lu An , Liu Liang , Yu Chaoran , Hu Junbo , Gong Jianping 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGenerally, the gold standard of radical surgery for gastrointestinal (GI) tumors is en bloc resection of primary lesions and their related tissues. For gastric cancer, the ideal surgical treatment should be D2 radical gastrectomy plus complete mesogastrium excision. Complete mesogastrium excision is rarely done or mentioned since little is known about the mesogastrium and its presence is still with controversy. Topographically, the “mesogastrium” refers to a peri-gastric structure composed of “fascia propria”, enveloping lymph nodes, blood vessels and adipose tissues, which by connecting to the stomach, suspends from the posterior abdominal wall. In this study, by employing video laparoscopy, a number of proximal segments of dorsal mesogastrium were found being extensively scattered around the pancreas. The structure of the mesogastrium was further identified intraoperatively and then confirmed both grossly and histologically after the operation. Our results demonstrated the existence of mesogastrium (gastric mesentery) and its architecture. We suggest for the first time a “Table model” to describe the relationship between the stomach and gastric mesenteries enveloped by fascia propria, which might provide an improvement in the surgical methods for excision of gastric cancer.
Dental pulp-derived stem cell conditioned medium reduces cardiac injury following ischemia-reperfusion
Authors: Yamaguchi Satoshi , Shibata Rei , Yamamoto Noriyuki , Nishikawa Masaya , Hibi Hideharu , Tanigawa Tohru , Ueda Minoru , Murohara Toyoaki , Yamamoto Akihito 
Published: November 2015

AbstractStem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHEDs) can regenerate various tissues. We investigated the impact of SHED-conditioned medium (SHED-CM) on myocardial injury in a mouse model of ischemia-reperfusion (I/R). Wild-type (WT) mice were subjected to myocardial ischemia followed by reperfusion. SHED-CM was intravenously injected at 5 min after reperfusion. Administration of SHED-CM reduced myocardial infarct size as well as decreased apoptosis and inflammatory cytokine levels, such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-β, in the myocardium following I/R. In cultured cardiac myocytes, SHED-CM significantly suppressed apoptosis under hypoxia/serum-deprivation and reduced LPS-induced expression of pro-inflammatory genes. Furthermore, anti-apoptotic action of SHED-CM was stronger than bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC)-CM or adipose-derived stem cell (ADSC)-CM in cardiac myocytes. SHED-CM contains a higher concentration of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) than BMSC-CM and ADSC-CM and neutralization of HGF attenuated the inhibitory actions of SHED-CM on apoptosis in cardiac myocytes. Finally, WT mice were intravenously treated with an HGF-depleted SHED-CM, followed by myocardial I/R. HGF depletion significantly attenuated the inhibitory actions of SHED-CM on myocardial infarct size and apoptosis after I/R. SHED-CM protects the heart from acute ischemic injury because it suppresses inflammation and apoptosis. SHED-CM could be a useful treatment option for acute myocardial infarction.
Interaction between SLC6A4 promoter variants and childhood trauma on the age at onset of bipolar disorders
Authors: Etain B. , Lajnef M. , Henrion A. , Dargél A.A. , Stertz L. , Kapczinski F. , Mathieu F. , Henry C. , Gard S. , Kahn J. P. , Leboyer M. , Jamain S. , Bellivier F. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAge at onset (AAO) of bipolar disorders (BD) could be influenced both by a repeat length polymorphism (5HTTLPR) in the promoter region of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and exposure to childhood trauma. We assessed 308 euthymic patients with BD for the AAO of their first mood episode and childhood trauma. Patients were genotyped for the 5HTTLPR (long/short variant) and the rs25531. Genotypes were classified on functional significance (LL, LS, SS). A sample of 126 Brazilian euthymic patients with BD was used for replication. In the French sample, the correlation between AAO and trauma score was observed only among ‘SS’ homozygotes (p = 0.002) but not among ‘L’ allele carriers. A history of at least one trauma decreased the AAO only in ‘SS’ homozygotes (p = 0.001). These results remained significant after correction using FDR. Regression models suggested an interaction between emotional neglect and ‘SS’ genotype on the AAO (p = 0.009) and no further interaction with other trauma subtypes. Partial replication was obtained in the Brazilian sample, showing an interaction between emotional abuse and ‘LS’ genotype on the AAO (p = 0.02). In conclusion, an effect of childhood trauma on AAO of BD was observed only in patients who carry a specific stress responsiveness-related SLC6A4 promoter genotype.
Microbial immigration across the Mediterranean via airborne dust
Authors: Rosselli Riccardo , Fiamma Maura , Deligios Massimo , Pintus Gabriella , Pellizzaro Grazia , Canu Annalisa , Duce Pierpaolo , Squartini Andrea , Muresu Rosella , Cappuccinelli Pietro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDust particles lifting and discharge from Africa to Europe is a recurring phenomenon linked to air circulation conditions. The possibility that microorganisms are conveyed across distances entails important consequences in terms of biosafety and pathogens spread. Using culture independent DNA-based analyses via next generation sequencing of the 16 S genes from the airborne metagenome, the atmospheric microbial community was characterized and the hypothesis was tested that shifts in species diversity could be recorded in relation to dust discharge. As sampling ground the island of Sardinia was chosen, being an ideal cornerstone within the Mediterranean and a crossroad of wind circulation amidst Europe and Africa. Samples were collected in two opposite coastal sites and in two different weather conditions comparing dust-conveying winds from Africa with a control situation with winds from Europe. A major conserved core microbiome was evidenced but increases in species richness and presence of specific taxa were nevertheless observed in relation to each wind regime. Taxa which can feature strains with clinical implications were also detected. The approach is reported as a recommended model monitoring procedure for early warning alerts in frameworks of biosafety against natural spread of clinical microbiota across countries as well as to prevent bacteriological warfare.
Intriguing Electrostatic Potential of CO: Negative Bond-ends and Positive Bond-cylindrical-surface
Authors: Kim Hahn , Doan Van Dung , Cho Woo Jong , Valero Rosendo , Aliakbar Tehrani Zahra , Madridejos Jenica Marie L. , Kim Kwang S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe strong electronegativity of O dictates that the ground state of singlet CO has positively charged C and negatively charged O, in agreement with ab initio charge analysis, but in disagreement with the dipole direction. Though this unusual phenomenon has been fairly studied, the study of electrostatic potential (EP) for noncovalent interactions of CO is essential for better understanding. Here we illustrate that both C and O atom-ends show negative EP (where the C end gives more negative EP), favoring positively charged species, whereas the cylindrical surface of the CO bond shows positive EP, favoring negatively charged ones. This is demonstrated from the interactions of CO with Na+, Cl–, H2O, CO and benzene. It can be explained by the quadrupole driven electrostatic nature of CO (like N2) with very weak dipole moment. The EP is properly described by the tripole model taking into account the electrostatic multipole moments, which has a large negative charge at a certain distance protruded from C, a large positive charge on C and a small negative charge on O. We also discuss the EP of the first excited triplet CO.
X–ray absorption, phase and dark–field tomography through a beam tracking approach
Authors: Vittoria Fabio A. , Endrizzi Marco , Diemoz Paul C. , Zamir Anna , Wagner Ulrich H. , Rau Christoph , Robinson Ian K. , Olivo Alessandro 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe present a development of the beam–tracking approach that allows its implementation in computed tomography. One absorbing mask placed before the sample and a high resolution detector are used to track variations in the beam intensity distribution caused by the sample. Absorption, refraction and dark–field are retrieved through a multi–Gaussian interpolation of the beam. Standard filtered back projection is used to reconstruct three dimensional maps of the real and imaginary part of the refractive index and of the dark–field signal. While the method is here demonstrated using synchrotron radiation, its low coherence requirements suggest a possible implementation with laboratory sources.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Inhibits RAB7 Recruitment to Selectively Modulate Autophagy Flux in Macrophages
Authors: Chandra Pallavi , Ghanwat Swapnil , Matta Sumit Kumar , Yadav Swati Seth , Mehta Mansi , Siddiqui Zaved , Singh Amit , Kumar Dhiraj 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHere we report a novel regulatory mechanism for autophagy-mediated degradation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and specific strategy exploited by the virulent Mtb to evade it. We show while both avirulent (H37Ra) and virulent (H37Rv) mycobacteria could readily localize to autophagosomes, their maturation into autolysosomes (flux) was significantly inhibited by the latter strain. The inhibition of autophagy flux by the virulent strain was highly selective, as it did not perturb the basal autophagy flux in the macrophages. Selective inhibition of flux of Mtb-containing autophagosomes required virulence regulators PhoP and ESAT-6. We show that the maturation of Mtb-containing autophagosomes into autolysosomes required recruitment of the late endosome marker RAB7, forming the intermediate compartment amphisomes. Virulent Mtb selectively evaded their targeting to the amphisomes. Thus we report a crosstalk between autophagy and phagosome maturation pathway and highlight the adaptability of Mtb, manifested by selective regulation of autophagy flux.
Rapid and robust generation of long-term self-renewing human neural stem cells with the ability to generate mature astroglia
Authors: Palm Thomas , Bolognin Silvia , Meiser Johannes , Nickels Sarah , Träger Claudia , Meilenbrock Ralf-Leslie , Brockhaus Johannes , Schreitmüller Miriam , Missler Markus , Schwamborn Jens Christian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractInduced pluripotent stem cell bear the potential to differentiate into any desired cell type and hold large promise for disease-in-a-dish cell-modeling approaches. With the latest advances in the field of reprogramming technology, the generation of patient-specific cells has become a standard technology. However, directed and homogenous differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into desired specific cell types remains an experimental challenge. Here, we report the development of a novel hiPSCs-based protocol enabling the generation of expandable homogenous human neural stem cells (hNSCs) that can be maintained under self-renewing conditions over high passage numbers. Our newly generated hNSCs retained differentiation potential as evidenced by the reliable generation of mature astrocytes that display typical properties as glutamate up-take and expression of aquaporin-4. The hNSC-derived astrocytes showed high activity of pyruvate carboxylase as assessed by stable isotope assisted metabolic profiling. Moreover, using a cell transplantation approach, we showed that grafted hNSCs were not only able to survive but also to differentiate into astroglial in vivo. Engraftments of pluripotent stem cells derived from somatic cells carry an inherent tumor formation potential. Our results demonstrate that hNSCs with self-renewing and differentiation potential may provide a safer alternative strategy, with promising applications especially for neurodegenerative disorders.
Rapid identification of haloarchaea and methanoarchaea using the matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Shih Chao-Jen , Chen Sheng-Chung , Weng Chieh-Yin , Lai Mei-Chin , Yang Yu-Liang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to classify certain environmental haloarchaea and methanoarchaea using matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and to expand the archaeal mass spectral database. A total of 69 archaea were collected including type strains and samples isolated locally from different environments. For extraction of the haloarchaeal total cell peptides/proteins, a simple method of acetonitrile extraction was developed. Cluster analysis conducted with the MALDI-TOF MS data overcame the high divergence in intragenomic 16S rRNA sequences in haloarchaea and clearly distinguished Methanohalophilus mahii from M. portucalensis. Putative biomarkers that can distinguish several particular archaeal genera were also assigned. In conclusion, this study expands the mass spectral database of peptide/protein fingerprints from bacteria and fungi to the archaea domain and provides a rapid identification platform for environmental archaeal samples.
(Z)3,4,5,4′-trans-tetramethoxystilbene, a new analogue of resveratrol, inhibits gefitinb-resistant non-small cell lung cancer via selectively elevating intracellular calcium level
Authors: Fan Xing-Xing , Yao Xiao-Jun , Xu Su Wei , Wong Vincent Kam-Wai , He Jian-Xing , Ding Jian , Xue Wei-Wei , Mujtaba Tahira , Michelangeli Francesco , Huang Min , Huang Jun , Xiao Da-Kai , Jiang Ze-Bo , Zhou Yan-Ling , Kam Richard Kin-Ting , Liu Liang , Leung Elaine Lai-Han 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCalcium is a second messenger which is required for regulation of many cellular processes. However, excessive elevation or prolonged activation of calcium signaling would lead to cell death. As such, selectively regulating calcium signaling could be an alternative approach for anti-cancer therapy. Recently, we have identified an effective analogue of resveratrol, (Z)3,4,5,4′-trans-tetramethoxystilbene (TMS) which selectively elevated the intracellular calcium level in gefitinib-resistant (G-R) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. TMS exhibited significant inhibitory effect on G-R NSCLC cells, but not other NSCLC cells and normal lung epithelial cells. The phosphorylation and activation of EGFR were inhibited by TMS in G-R cells. TMS induced caspase-independent apoptosis and autophagy by directly binding to SERCA and causing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and AMPK activation. Proteomics analysis also further confirmed that mTOR pathway, which is the downstream of AMPK, was significantly suppressed by TMS. JNK, the cross-linker of ER stress and mTOR pathway was significantly activated by TMS. In addition, the inhibition of JNK activation can partially block the effect of TMS. Taken together, TMS showed promising anti-cancer activity by mediating calcium signaling pathway and inducing apoptosis as well as autophagy in G-R NSCLC cells, providing strategy in designing multi-targeting drug for treating G-R patients.
Effect of Regular Exercise on Inflammation Induced by Drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus 3089 in ICR mice
Authors: Lee Jong-Kook , Luchian Tudor , Park Yoonkyung 
Published: November 2015

AbstractObesity is often associated with irregular dietary habits and reduced physical activity. Regular exercise induces a metabolic response that includes increased expression of various cytokines, signaling proteins and hormones and reduced adipocyte size. In this study, mice performed a swimming exercise for 10 min/day, 5 days/week for 3 weeks. We then investigated the effect of this exercise regimen on inflammation induced by infection with drug-resistantStaphylococcus aureusstrain 3089 (DRSA). In humans, DRSA causes dermatitis and pneumonitis. Similarly, DRSA induced inflammatory pneumonitis in both no-exercise (No-EX) and swim-trained (SW-EX) ICR mice. Regular exercise increased levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-1β and nitric oxide in both serum and whole lung tissue in SW-EX, as compared to No-EX control mice. Moreover, levels of the antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin were significantly increased in visceral adipose tissue and whole lung tissue in the SW-EX group and this was accompanied by a reduction in the size of visceral adipocytes. In addition, levels of the inflammation marker peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 (PGC-1) were not increased in the lung tissue of SW-EX mice. These findings suggest that in these model mice, regular exercise strengthens immune system responses, potentially preventing or mitigating infectious disease.
Two-State or Non-Two-State? An Excess Spectroscopy-based Approach to Differentiate the Existing Forms of Molecules in Liquids Mixtures
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zheng Yan-Zhen , Sun Hai-Yuan , Deng Geng , Yu Zhi-Wu 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCharacterization/identification of the clusters/associates in liquids has long been a challenging topic. In this paper, we report a method to identify molecules with two different existing forms in a binary liquid solution. In this so-called two-state situation, the excess infrared spectra of a vibration mode of the respective molecule will show identical band shape if the other component is transparent in the region. More conveniently, the positions of the positive peak, negative peak and zero-value will be seen to be fixed with varying compositions of the binary system. In the case of non-two-state mixtures, for example the mere solvation of solute by solvent, those positions will be variable. The conclusions are supported/demonstrated by computational simulation and experiments on two binary systems, D2O−H2O and C6F5I−cyclo-C6H12.