bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gs-coupled GPCR signalling in AgRP neurons triggers sustained increase in food intake
Authors: Nakajima Ken-ichiro , Cui Zhenzhong , Li Chia , Meister Jaroslawna , Cui Yinghong , Fu Ou , Smith Adam S. , Jain Shalini , Lowell Bradford B. , Krashes Michael J. , Wess Jürgen
Published: January 2016

Agouti-related peptide (AgRP) neurons of the hypothalamus play a key role in regulating food intake and body weight, by releasing three different orexigenic molecules: AgRP; GABA; and neuropeptide Y. AgRP neurons express various G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) with different coupling properties, including Gs-linked GPCRs. At present, the potential role of Gs-coupled GPCRs in regulating the activity of AgRP neurons remains unknown. Here we show that the activation of Gs-coupled receptors expressed by AgRP neurons leads to a robust and sustained increase in food intake. We also provide detailed mechanistic data linking the stimulation of this class of receptors to the observed feeding phenotype. Moreover, we show that this pathway is clearly distinct from other GPCR signalling cascades that are operative in AgRP neurons. Our data suggest that drugs able to inhibit this signalling pathway may become useful for the treatment of obesity.
Light Higgs channel of the resonant decay of magnon condensate in superfluid 3He-B
Authors: Zavjalov V. V. , Autti S. , Eltsov V. B. , Heikkinen P. J. , Volovik G. E.
Published: January 2016

In superfluids the order parameter, which describes spontaneous symmetry breaking, is an analogue of the Higgs field in the Standard Model of particle physics. Oscillations of the field amplitude are massive Higgs bosons, while oscillations of the orientation are massless Nambu-Goldstone bosons. The 125 GeV Higgs boson, discovered at Large Hadron Collider, is light compared with electroweak energy scale. Here, we show that such light Higgs exists in superfluid 3He-B, where one of three Nambu-Goldstone spin-wave modes acquires small mass due to the spin–orbit interaction. Other modes become optical and acoustic magnons. We observe parametric decay of Bose-Einstein condensate of optical magnons to light Higgs modes and decay of optical to acoustic magnons. Formation of a light Higgs from a Nambu-Goldstone mode observed in 3He-B opens a possibility that such scenario can be realized in other systems, where violation of some hidden symmetry is possible, including the Standard Model.
Pre-vaccination inflammation and B-cell signalling predict age-related hyporesponse to hepatitis B vaccination
Authors: Fourati Slim , Cristescu Razvan , Loboda Andrey , Talla Aarthi , Filali Ali , Railkar Radha , Schaeffer Andrea K. , Favre David , Gagnon Dominic , Peretz Yoav , Wang I-Ming , Beals Chan R. , Casimiro Danilo R. , Carayannopoulos Leonidas N. , Sékaly Rafick-Pierre
Published: January 2016

Aging is associated with hyporesponse to vaccination, whose mechanisms remain unclear. In this study hepatitis B virus (HBV)-naive older adults received three vaccines, including one against HBV. Here we show, using transcriptional and cytometric profiling of whole blood collected before vaccination, that heightened expression of genes that augment B-cell responses and higher memory B-cell frequencies correlate with stronger responses to HBV vaccine. In contrast, higher levels of inflammatory response transcripts and increased frequencies of pro-inflammatory innate cells correlate with weaker responses to this vaccine. Increased numbers of erythrocytes and the haem-induced response also correlate with poor response to the HBV vaccine. A transcriptomics-based pre-vaccination predictor of response to HBV vaccine is built and validated in distinct sets of older adults. This moderately accurate (area under the curve≈65%) but robust signature is supported by flow cytometry and cytokine profiling. This study is the first that identifies baseline predictors and mechanisms of response to the HBV vaccine.
Skill complementarity enhances heterophily in collaboration networks
Authors: Xie Wen-Jie , Li Ming-Xia , Jiang Zhi-Qiang , Tan Qun-Zhao , Podobnik Boris , Zhou Wei-Xing , Stanley H. Eugene
Published: January 2016

Much empirical evidence shows that individuals usually exhibit significant homophily in social networks. We demonstrate, however, skill complementarity enhances heterophily in the formation of collaboration networks, where people prefer to forge social ties with people who have professions different from their own. We construct a model to quantify the heterophily by assuming that individuals choose collaborators to maximize utility. Using a huge database of online societies, we find evidence of heterophily in collaboration networks. The results of model calibration confirm the presence of heterophily. Both empirical analysis and model calibration show that the heterophilous feature is persistent along the evolution of online societies. Furthermore, the degree of skill complementarity is positively correlated with their production output. Our work sheds new light on the scientific research utility of virtual worlds for studying human behaviors in complex socioeconomic systems.
Sensillar expression and responses of olfactory receptors reveal different peripheral coding in two Helicoverpa species using the same pheromone components
Authors: Chang Hetan , Guo Mengbo , Wang Bing , Liu Yang , Dong Shuanglin , Wang Guirong
Published: January 2016

Male moths efficiently recognize conspecific sex pheromones thanks to their highly accurate and specific olfactory system. The Heliothis/Helicoverpa species are regarded as good models for studying the perception of sex pheromones. In this study, we performed a series of experiments to investigate the peripheral mechanisms of pheromone coding in two-closely related species, Helicoverpa armigera and H. assulta. The morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla trichoidea are similar between the two species when observed at the scanning electron microscope, but their performances are different. In H. armigera, three functional types of sensilla trichoidea (A, B and C) were found to respond to different pheromone components, while in H. assulta only two types of such sensilla (A and C) could be detected. The response profiles of all types of sensilla trichoidea in the two species well matched the specificities of the pheromone receptors (PRs) expressed in the same sensilla, as measured in voltage-clamp experiments. The expressions of PRs in neighboring olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) within the same trichoid sensillum were further confirmed by in situ hybridization. Our results show how the same pheromone components can code for different messages at the periphery of two Helicoverpa species.
Increased nuclear stiffness via FAK-ERK1/2 signaling is necessary for synthetic mechano-growth factor E peptide-induced tenocyte migration
Authors: Zhang Bingyu , Luo Qing , Chen Zhen , Shi Yisong , Ju Yang , Yang Li , Song Guanbin
Published: January 2016

We have previously reported that a synthetic mechano-growth factor (MGF) C-terminal E-domain with 25 amino acids (MGF-C25E) promotes rat tenocyte migration through the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. However, the role of the nucleus in MGF-C25E-promoted tenocyte migration and the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that MGF-C25E increases the Young’s modulus of tenocytes through the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This increase is not accompanied by an obvious change in the expression of Lamin A/C but is accompanied by significant chromatin condensation, indicating that MGF-C25E-induced chromatin condensation may contribute to the increased nuclear stiffness. Moreover, DNA methylation is observed in MGF-C25E-treated tenocytes. Inhibition of DNA methylation suppresses the elevation in chromatin condensation, in nuclear stiffness and in tenocyte migration induced by MGF-C25E. The inhibition of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signals represses MGF-C25E-promoted DNA methylation. It also abolishes chromatin condensation, nuclear stiffness and cell migration. Taken together, our results suggest that MGF-C25E promotes tenocyte migration by increasing nuclear stiffness via the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This provides strong evidence for the role of nuclear mechanics in tenocyte migration and new insight into the molecular mechanisms of MGF-promoted tenocyte migration.
Directional Movement of Droplets in Grooves: Suspended or Immersed?
Authors: Xu Wei , Lan Zhong , Peng Benli , Wen Rongfu , Chen Yansong , Ma Xuehu
Published: January 2016

The behavior of droplets trapped in geometric structures is essential to droplet manipulation applications such as for droplet transport. Here we show that directional droplet movement can be realized by a V-shaped groove with the movement direction controlled by adjusting the surface wettability of the groove inner wall and the cross sectional angle of the groove. Experiments and analyses show that a droplet in a superhydrophobic groove translates from the immersed state to the suspended state as the cross sectional angle of the groove decreases and the suspended droplet departs from the groove bottom as the droplet volume increases. We also demonstrate that this simple grooved structure can be used to separate a water-oil mixture and generate droplets with the desired sizes. The structural effect actuated droplet movements provide a controllable droplet transport method which can be used in a wide range of droplet manipulation applications.
Enhancing immunogenicity and transmission-blocking activity of malaria vaccines by fusing Pfs25 to IMX313 multimerization technology
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Leneghan Darren B. , Miura Kazutoyo , Nikolaeva Daria , Brian Iona J. , Dicks Matthew D. J. , Fyfe Alex J. , Zakutansky Sarah E. , de Cassan Simone , Long Carole A. , Draper Simon J. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Hill Fergal , Biswas Sumi
Published: January 2016

Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) target the sexual-stages of the malaria parasite in the mosquito midgut and are widely considered to be an essential tool for malaria elimination. High-titer functional antibodies are required against target antigens to achieve effective transmission-blocking activity. We have fused Pfs25, the leading malaria TBV candidate antigen to IMX313, a molecular adjuvant and expressed it both in ChAd63 and MVA viral vectors and as a secreted protein-nanoparticle. Pfs25-IMX313 expressed from viral vectors or as a protein-nanoparticle is significantly more immunogenic and gives significantly better transmission-reducing activity than monomeric Pfs25. In addition, we demonstrate that the Pfs25-IMX313 protein-nanoparticle leads to a qualitatively improved antibody response in comparison to soluble Pfs25, as well as to significantly higher germinal centre (GC) responses. These results demonstrate that antigen multimerization using IMX313 is a very promising strategy to enhance antibody responses against Pfs25 and that Pfs25-IMX313 is a highly promising TBV candidate vaccine.
Revealing Potential Biomarkers of Functional Dyspepsia by Combining 1H NMR Metabonomics Techniques and an Integrative Multi-objective Optimization Method
Authors: Wu Qiaofeng , Zou Meng , Yang Mingxiao , Zhou Siyuan , Yan Xianzhong , Sun Bo , Wang Yong , Chang Shyang , Tang Yong , Liang Fanrong , Yu Shuguang
Published: January 2016

Metabonomics methods have gradually become important auxiliary tools for screening disease biomarkers. However, recognition of metabolites or potential biomarkers closely related to either particular clinical symptoms or prognosis has been difficult. The current study aims to identify potential biomarkers of functional dyspepsia (FD) by a new strategy that combined hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabonomics techniques and an integrative multi-objective optimization (LPIMO) method. First, clinical symptoms of FD were evaluated using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) and plasma metabolic profiles were measured by 1H NMR. Correlations between the key metabolites and the NDI scores were calculated. Then, LPIMO was developed to identify a multi-biomarker panel by maximizing diagnostic ability and correlation with the NDI score. Finally, a KEGG database search elicited the metabolic pathways in which the potential biomarkers are involved. The results showed that glutamine, alanine, proline, HDL, β-glucose, α-glucose and LDL/VLDL levels were significantly altered in FD patients. Among them, phosphatidycholine (PtdCho) and leucine/isoleucine (Leu/Ile) were positively and negatively correlated with the NDI Symptom Index (NDSI) respectively. Our procedure not only significantly improved the credibility of the biomarkers, but also demonstrated the potential of further explorations and applications to diagnosis and treatment of complex disease.
On the shedding of impaled droplets: The role of transient intervening layers
Authors: Stamatopoulos Christos , Schutzius Thomas M. , Köppl Christian J. , Hayek Nicolas El , Maitra Tanmoy , Hemrle Jaroslav , Poulikakos Dimos
Published: January 2016

Maintaining the non-wetting property of textured hydrophobic surfaces is directly related to the preservation of an intervening fluid layer (gaseous or immiscible liquid) between the droplet and substrate; once displaced, it cannot be recovered spontaneously as the fully penetrated Wenzel wetting state is energetically favorable. Here, we identify pathways for the “lifting” of droplets from the surface texture, enabling a complete Wenzel-to-Cassie-Baxter wetting state transition. This is accomplished by the hemiwicking of a transient (limited lifetime due to evaporation) low surface tension (LST) liquid, which is capable of self-assembling as an intervening underlayer, lifting the droplet from its impaled state and facilitating a skating-like behavior. In the skating phase, a critical substrate tilting angle is identified, up to which underlayer and droplet remain coupled exhibiting a pseudo-Cassie-Baxter state. For greater titling angles, the droplet, driven by inertia, detaches itself from the liquid intervening layer and transitions to a traditional Cassie-Baxter wetting state, thereby accelerating and leaving the underlayer behind. A model is also presented that elucidates the mechanism of mobility recovery. Ultimately, this work provides a better understanding of multiphase mass transfer of immiscible LST liquid-water mixtures with respect to establishing facile methods towards retaining intervening layers.
Pathway of FeEDTA transformation and its impact on performance of NOx removal in a chemical absorption-biological reduction integrated process
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Jingkai , Zhang Lei , Xia Yinfeng , Liu Nan , Li Sujing , Zhang Shihan
Published: January 2016

A novel chemical absorption-biological reduction (CABR) integrated process, employing ferrous ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Fe(II)EDTA) as a solvent, is deemed as a potential option for NOx removal from the flue gas. Previous work showed that the Fe(II)EDTA concentration was critical for the NOx removal in the CABR process. In this work, the pathway of FeEDTA (Fe(III)/Fe(II)-EDTA) transformation was investigated to assess its impact on the NOx removal in a biofilter. Experimental results revealed that the FeEDTA transformation involved iron precipitation and EDTA degradation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the iron was precipitated in the form of Fe(OH)3. The iron mass balance analysis showed 44.2% of the added iron was precipitated. The EDTA degradation facilitated the iron precipitation. Besides chemical oxidation, EDTA biodegradation occurred in the biofilter. The addition of extra EDTA helped recover the iron from the precipitation. The transformation of FeEDTA did not retard the NO removal. In addition, EDTA rather than the iron concentration determined the NO removal efficiency.
Inhibition of ethylene production by putrescine alleviates aluminium-induced root inhibition in wheat plants
Authors: Yu Yan , Jin Chongwei , Sun Chengliang , Wang Jinghong , Ye Yiquan , Zhou Weiwei , Lu Lingli , Lin Xianyong
Published: January 2016

Inhibition of root elongation is one of the most distinct symptoms of aluminium (Al) toxicity. Although putrescine (Put) has been identified as an important signaling molecule involved in Al tolerance, it is yet unknown how Put mitigates Al-induced root inhibition. Here, the possible mechanism was investigated by using two wheat genotypes differing in Al resistance: Al-tolerant Xi Aimai-1 and Al-sensitive Yangmai-5. Aluminium caused more root inhibition in Yangmai-5 and increased ethylene production at the root apices compared to Xi Aimai-1, whereas the effects were significantly reversed by ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors. The simultaneous exposure of wheat seedlings to Al and ethylene donor, ethephon, or ethylene biosynthesis precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), increased ethylene production and aggravated root inhibition, which was more pronounced in Xi Aimai-1. In contrast, Put treatment decreased ethylene production and alleviated Al-induced root inhibition in both genotypes and the effects were more conspicuous in Yangmai-5. Furthermore, our results indicated that Al-induced ethylene production was mediated by ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase and that Put decreased ethylene production by inhibiting ACS. Altogether, these findings indicate that ethylene is involved in Al-induced root inhibition and this process could be alleviated by Put through inhibiting ACS activity.
Sertoli cells have a functional NALP3 inflammasome that can modulate autophagy and cytokine production
Authors: Hayrabedyan Soren , Todorova Krassimira , Jabeen Asma , Metodieva Gergana , Toshkov Stavri , Metodiev Metodi V. , Mincheff Milcho , Fernández Nelson
Published: January 2016

Sertoli cells, can function as non-professional tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells and sustain the blood-testis barrier formed by their tight junctions. The NOD-like receptor family members and the NALP3 inflammasome play a key role in pro-inflammatory innate immunity signalling pathways. Limited data exist on NOD1 and NOD2 expression in human and mouse Sertoli cells. Currently, there is no data on inflammasome expression or function in Sertoli cells. We found that in primary pre-pubertal Sertoli cells and in adult Sertoli line, TLR4\NOD1 and NOD2 crosstalk converged in NFκB activation and elicited a NALP3 activation, leading tode novosynthesis and inflammasome priming. This led to caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion. We demonstrated this process was controlled by mechanisms linked to autophagy. NOD1 promoted pro-IL-1β restriction and autophagosome maturation arrest, while NOD2 promoted caspase-1 activation, IL-1β secretion and autophagy maturation. NALP3 modulated NOD1 and pro-IL-1β expression, while NOD2 inversely promoted IL-1β. This study is proof of concept that Sertoli cells, upon specific stimulation, could participate in male infertility pathogenesis via inflammatory cytokine induction.
The musk chemical composition and microbiota of Chinese forest musk deer males
Authors: Li Diyan , Chen Binlong , Zhang Long , Gaur Uma , Ma Tianyuan , Jie Hang , Zhao Guijun , Wu Nan , Xu Zhongxian , Xu Huailiang , Yao Yongfang , Lian Ting , Fan Xiaolan , Yang Deying , Yang Mingyao , Zhu Qing , Satkoski Trask Jessica
Published: January 2016

Male musk deer secrete musk from the musk gland located between their naval and genitals. Unmated male forest musk deer generate a greater amount of musk than mated males, potentially allowing them to attract a greater number of females. In this study, we used gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to explore musk chemical composition of the musk pods of captive mated and unmated sexually mature Chinese forest musk deer and used next-generation sequencing to intensively survey the bacterial communities within them. Analysis of the chemical composition of the musk showed that unmated males have more muscone and cholesterol. Features of the musk16S rRNA gene showed that mated Chinese forest musk deer have both a greater Shannon diversity (p < 0.01) and a greater number of estimated operational taxonomic units than unmated ones; many bacterial genera were overrepresented in unmated Chinese forest musk deer males. Members of these genera might be involved in musk odor fermentation. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis were enriched in the musk of unmated Chinese forest musk deer males.
Fingerprinting Electronic Molecular Complexes in Liquid
Authors: Nirmalraj Peter , La Rosa Andrea , Thompson Damien , Sousa Marilyne , Martin Nazario , Gotsmann Bernd , Riel Heike
Published: January 2016

Predicting the electronic framework of an organic molecule under practical conditions is essential if the molecules are to be wired in a realistic circuit. This demands a clear description of the molecular energy levels and dynamics as it adapts to the feedback from its evolving chemical environment and the surface topology. Here, we address this issue by monitoring in real-time the structural stability and intrinsic molecular resonance states of fullerene (C60)-based hybrid molecules in the presence of the solvent. Energetic levels of C60 hybrids are resolved by in situ scanning tunnelling spectroscopy with an energy resolution in the order of 0.1 eV at room-temperature. An ultra-thin organic spacer layer serves to limit contact metal-molecule energy overlap. The measured molecular conductance gap spread is statistically benchmarked against first principles electronic structure calculations and used to quantify the diversity in electronic species within a standard population of molecules. These findings provide important progress towards understanding conduction mechanisms at a single-molecular level and in serving as useful guidelines for rational design of robust nanoscale devices based on functional organic molecules.
Built-in Electric Field Induced Mechanical Property Change at the Lanthanum Nickelate/Nb-doped Strontium Titanate Interfaces
Authors: Chien TeYu , Liu Jian , Yost Andrew J. , Chakhalian Jak , Freeland John W. , Guisinger Nathan P.
Published: January 2016

The interactions between electric field and the mechanical properties of materials are important for the applications of microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems, but relatively unexplored for nanoscale materials. Here, we observe an apparent correlation between the change of the fractured topography of Nb-doped SrTiO3 (Nb:STO) within the presence of a built-in electric field resulting from the Schottky contact at the interface of a metallic LaNiO3 thin film utilizing cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The change of the inter-atomic bond length mechanism is argued to be the most plausible origin. This picture is supported by the strong-electric-field-dependent permittivity in STO and the existence of the dielectric dead layer at the interfaces of STO with metallic films. These results provided direct evidence and a possible mechanism for the interplay between the electric field and the mechanical properties on the nanoscale for perovskite materials.
Regulatory role of FZP in the determination of panicle branching and spikelet formation in rice
Authors: Bai Xufeng , Huang Yong , Mao Donghai , Wen Mi , Zhang Li , Xing Yongzhong
Published: January 2016

FRIZZLE PANICLE (FZP) and RFL/ABERRANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION 2 (APO2) play important roles in regulating the ABCDE floral organ identity genes. However, the relationships among FZP and these floral identity genes in the regulation of panicle formation remain unclear. Here, we used the novel mutant fzp-11, wild-type and FZP-overexpressing plants to compare the expression of these genes during panicle development by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. The results indicate that FZP is a major negative regulator of RFL/APO2 and determines the transition from panicle branching to spikelet formation. Moreover, overexpression of FZP severely represses axillary meristem formation in both the vegetative and reproductive phases and the outgrowth of secondary branches in panicle. FZP overexpression positively regulates the expression of a subset of the class B genes, AGL6 genes (OsMADS6 and OsMADS17) as well as class E genes (OsMADS1, OsMADS7 and OsMADS8) in floral meristem (FM). Thus, it suggested that FZP could specify floral organ identity by regulating the related OsMADS-box genes.
Western diet induces a shift in microbiota composition enhancing susceptibility to Adherent-Invasive E. coli infection and intestinal inflammation.
Authors: Agus Allison , Denizot Jérémy , Thévenot Jonathan , Martinez-Medina Margarita , Massier Sébastien , Sauvanet Pierre , Bernalier-Donadille Annick , Denis Sylvain , Hofman Paul , Bonnet Richard , Billard Elisabeth , Barnich Nicolas
Published: January 2016

Recent advances have shown that the abnormal inflammatory response observed in CD involves an interplay among intestinal microbiota, host genetics and environmental factors. The escalating consumption of fat and sugar in Western countries parallels an increased incidence of CD during the latter 20th century. The impact of a HF/HS diet in mice was evaluated for the gut micro-inflammation, intestinal microbiota composition, function and selection of an E. coli population. The HF/HS diet created a specific inflammatory environment in the gut, correlated with intestinal mucosa dysbiosis characterized by an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory Proteobacteria such as E. coli, a decrease in protective bacteria and a significantly decreased of SCFA concentrations. The expression of GPR43, a SCFA receptor was reduced in mice treated with a HF/HS diet and reduced in CD patients compared with controls. Interestingly, mice treated with an agonist of GPR43 were protected against DSS-induced colitis. Finally, the transplantation of feces from HF/HS treated mice to GF mice increased susceptibility to AIEC infection. Together, our results demonstrate that a Western diet could aggravate the inflammatory process and that the activation of the GPR43 receptor pathway could be used as a new strategy to treat CD patients.
Characterization of Rv0888, a Novel Extracellular Nuclease from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Dang Guanghui , Cao Jun , Cui Yingying , Song Ningning , Chen Liping , Pang Hai , Liu Siguo
Published: January 2016

Bacterial extracellular nucleases play important roles in virulence, biofilm formation, utilization of extracellular DNA as a nutrient and degradation of neutrophil DNA extracellular traps. However, there is no current data available for extracellular nucleases derived from M. tuberculosis. Herein, we have identified and characterized Rv0888, an extracellular nuclease in M. tuberculosis. The protein was overexpressed in E. coli and the purified Rv0888 protein was found to require divalent cations for activity, with an optimal temperature and pH of 41 °C and 6.5, respectively. Further results demonstrated that Rv0888 nuclease activity could be inhibited by four Chinese medicine monomers. Based on sequence analysis, Rv0888 nuclease exhibited no homology with any known extracellular nucleases, indicating that Rv0888 is a novel nuclease. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that the H353, D387 and D438 residues play catalytic roles in Rv0888. In vivo infection studies confirmed that Rv0888 is required for infection and is related to pathogenicity, as the persistent ability of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (rMS) Rv0888NS/MS and Rv0888S/MS is significantly higher than pMV262/MS in the lung tissue and the Rv0888NS/MS and Rv0888S/MS could produce pathological changes in the mice lung. These results show that Rv0888 is relevant to pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis.
Unearthing the Antibacterial Mechanism of Medicinal Clay: A Geochemical Approach to Combating Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Morrison Keith D. , Misra Rajeev , Williams Lynda B.
Published: January 2016

Natural antibacterial clays, when hydrated and applied topically, kill human pathogens including antibiotic resistant strains proliferating worldwide. Only certain clays are bactericidal; those containing soluble reduced metals and expandable clay minerals that absorb cations, providing a capacity for extended metal release and production of toxic hydroxyl radicals. Here we show the critical antibacterial components are soluble Fe2+and Al3+that synergistically attack multiple cellular systems in pathogens normally growth-limited by Fe supply. This geochemical process is more effective than metal solutions alone and provides an alternative antibacterial strategy to traditional antibiotics. Advanced bioimaging methods and genetic show that Al3+misfolds cell membrane proteins, while Fe2+evokes membrane oxidation and enters the cytoplasm inflicting hydroxyl radical attack on intracellular proteins and DNA. The lethal reaction precipitates Fe3+-oxides as biomolecular damage proceeds. Discovery of this bactericidal mechanism demonstrated by natural clays should guide designs of new mineral-based antibacterial agents.
Ti nanorod arrays with a medium density significantly promote osteogenesis and osteointegration
Authors: Ning Chengyun , Wang Shuangying , Zhu Ye , Zhong Meiling , Lin Xi , Zhang Yu , Tan Guoxin , Li Mei , Yin Zhaoyi , Yu Peng , Wang Xiaolan , Li Ying , He Tianrui , Chen Wei , Wang Yingjun , Mao Chuanbin
Published: January 2016

Ti implants are good candidates in bone repair. However, how to promote bone formation on their surface and their consequent perfect integration with the surrounding tissue is still a challenge. To overcome such challenge, we propose to form Ti nanorods on their surface to promote the new bone formation around the implants. Here Ti nanorod arrays (TNrs) with different densities were produced on pure Ti surfaces using an anodizing method. The influence of TNr density on the protein adsorption as well as on the adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 pre-osteoblastic cells were assessed. The TNrs were also implanted into the bone defects in rabbits to test their application in promoting bone formation and osteointegration at the implant-bone interface. TNrs with the medium density were found to show the best capability in promoting the protein adsorption from surrounding medium, which in turn efficiently enhanced osteogenic differentiation in vitro and osteointegration in vivo. Our work suggests that growing TNrs with a medium density on the surface of traditional Ti implants is an efficient and facile method for promoting bone formation and osteointegration in bone repair.
The ATM- and ATR-related SCD domain is over-represented in proteins involved in nervous system development
Authors: Cara Lukas , Baitemirova Medina , Follis Jack , Larios-Sanz Maia , Ribes-Zamora Albert
Published: January 2016

ATM and ATR are cellular kinases with a well-characterized role in the DNA-damage response. Although the complete set of ATM/ATR targets is unknown, they often contain clusters of S/TQ motifs that constitute an SCD domain. In this study, we identified putative ATM/ATR targets that have a conserved SCD domain across vertebrates. Using this approach, we have identified novel putative ATM/ATR targets in pathways known to be under direct control of these kinases. Our analysis has also unveiled significant enrichment of SCD-containing proteins in cellular pathways, such as vesicle trafficking and actin cytoskeleton, where a regulating role for ATM/ATR is either unknown or poorly understood, hinting at a much broader and overarching role for these kinases in the cell. Of particular note is the overrepresentation of conserved SCD-containing proteins involved in pathways related to neural development. This finding suggests that ATM/ATR could be directly involved in controlling this process, which may be linked to the adverse neurological effects observed in patients with mutations in ATM.
Runx2-Modified Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Promote Tendon Graft Integration in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Zhang Xin , Ma Yong , Fu Xin , Liu Qiang , Shao Zhenxing , Dai Linghui , Pi Yanbin , Hu Xiaoqing , Zhang Jiying , Duan Xiaoning , Chen Wenqing , Chen Ping , Zhou Chunyan , Ao Yingfang
Published: January 2016

Runx2 is a powerful osteo-inductive factor and adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) are multipotent. However, it is unknown whether Runx2-overexpressing ADSCs (Runx2-ADSCs) could promote anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We evaluated the effect of Runx2-ADSCs on ACL reconstruction in vitro and in vivo. mRNA expressions of osteocalcin (OCN), bone sialoprotein (BSP) and collagen I (COLI) increased over time in Runx2-ADSCs. Runx2 overexpression inhibited LPL and PPARγ mRNA expressions. Runx2 induced alkaline phosphatase activity markedly. In nude mice injected with Runx2-ADSCs, promoted bone formation was detected by X-rays 8 weeks after injection. The healing of tendon-to-bone in a rabbit model of ACL reconstruction treated with Runx2-ADSCs, fibrin glue only and an RNAi targeting Runx2, was evaluated with CT 3D reconstruction, histological analysis and biomechanical methods. CT showed a greater degree of new bone formation around the bone tunnel in the group treated with Runx2-ADSCs compared with the fibrin glue group and RNAi Runx2 group. Histology showed that treatment with Runx2-ADSCs led to a rapid and significant increase at the tendon-to-bone compared with the control groups. Biomechanical tests demonstrated higher tendon pullout strength in the Runx2-ADSCs group at early time points. The healing of the attachment in ACL reconstruction was enhanced by Runx2-ADSCs.
RYR2, PTDSS1 and AREG genes are implicated in a Lebanese population-based study of copy number variation in autism
Authors: Soueid Jihane , Kourtian Silva , Makhoul Nadine J. , Makoukji Joelle , Haddad Sariah , Ghanem Simona S. , Kobeissy Firas , Boustany Rose-Mary
Published: January 2016

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by ritualistic-repetitive behaviors and impaired verbal and non-verbal communication. Objectives were to determine the contribution of genetic variation to ASDs in the Lebanese. Affymetrix Cytogenetics Whole-Genome 2.7 M and CytoScan™HD Arrays were used to detect CNVs in 41 Lebanese autistic children and 35 non-autistic, developmentally delayed and intellectually disabled patients. 33 normal participants were used as controls. 16de novoCNVs and 57 inherited CNVs, including recognized pathogenic 16p11.2 duplications and 2p16.3 deletions were identified. A duplication at 1q43 classified as likely pathogenic encompassesRYR2as a potential ASD candidate gene. This previously identified CNV has been classified as both pathogenic, and, of uncertain significance. A duplication of unknown significance at 10q11.22, proposed as a modulator for phenotypic disease expression in Rett syndrome, was also identified. The novel potential autism susceptibility genesPTDSS1 and AREGwere uncovered and warrant further genetic and functional analyses. Previously described and novel genetic targets in ASD were identified in Lebanese families with autism. These findings may lead to improved diagnosis of ASDs and informed genetic counseling and may also lead to untapped therapeutic targets applicable to Lebanese and non-Lebanese patients.
Thermodynamics and kinetics of amphotericin B self-association in aqueous solution characterized in molecular detail
Authors: Zielińska Joanna , Wieczór Miłosz , Bączek Tomasz , Gruszecki Marcin , Czub Jacek
Published: January 2016

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a potent but toxic drug commonly used to treat systemic mycoses. Its efficiency as a therapeutic agent depends on its ability to discriminate between mammalian and fungal cell membranes. The association of AmB monomers in an aqueous environment plays an important role in drug selectivity, as oligomers formed prior to membrane insertion – presumably dimers – are believed to act differently on fungal (ergosterol-rich) and mammalian (cholesterol-rich) membranes. In this work, we investigate the initial steps of AmB self-association by studying the structural, thermodynamic and spectral properties of AmB dimers in aqueous medium using molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that in water, the hydrophobic aggregation of AmB monomers yields almost equiprobable populations of parallel and antiparallel dimers that rapidly interconvert into each other and the dipole-dipole interaction between zwitterionic head groups plays a minor role in determining the drug’s tendency for self-aggregation. A simulation of circular dichroism (CD) spectra indicates that in experimental measurements, the signature CD spectrum of AmB aggregates should be attributed to higher-order oligomers rather than dimers. Finally, we suggest that oligomerization can impair the selectivity of AmB molecules for fungal membranes by increasing their hydrophobic drive for non-specific membrane insertion.
Carbon: nitrogen stoichiometry following afforestation: a global synthesis
Authors: Xu Xia , Li Dejun , Cheng Xiaoli , Ruan Honghua , Luo Yiqi
Published: January 2016

Though carbon (C): nitrogen (N) stoichiometry has been widely studied in terrestrial ecosystems, little is known about its variation following afforestation. By synthesizing the results of 53 studies, we examined temporal and spatial variation in C: N ratios and in N-C scaling relationships of both the organic and the mineral soil horizons. Results showed that C: N ratios remained constant in the mineral horizon but significantly decreased in the organic horizon over the age sequence following afforestation. Among different climate zones, C: N ratios of the organic and the mineral horizons increased and decreased, respectively, with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) (decreasing latitude). Pasture exhibited higher C: N ratios than cropland in the organic horizon while C: N of the mineral horizon did not change much among different land use types. For both the organic and the mineral horizons, hardwoods exhibited lower C: N ratios than pine and softwoods. Additionally, N and C in general scaled isometrically in both the organic and the mineral horizons over the age sequence and among different climate zones, land use types and plantation species following afforestation. Our results suggest that C and N may remain coupled following afforestation.
Discovering and validating between-subject variations in plasma lipids in healthy subjects
Authors: Begum Husna , Li Bowen , Shui Guanghou , Cazenave-Gassiot Amaury , Soong Richie , Ong Rick Twee-Hee , Little Peter , Teo Yik-Ying , Wenk Markus R.
Published: January 2016

Lipid levels are commonly used in clinical settings as disease biomarkers and the advent of mass spectrometry-based (MS) lipidomics heralds the possibility of identifying additional lipids that can inform disease predispositions. However, the degree of natural variation for many lipids remains poorly understood, thus confounding downstream investigations on whether a specific intervention is driving observed lipid fluctuations. Here, we performed targeted mass spectrometry with multiple reaction monitoring across a comprehensive spectrum of 192 plasma lipids on eight subjects across three time-points separated by six hours and two standardized meals. A validation study to confirm the initial discoveries was performed in a further set of nine subjects, subject to the identical study design. Technical variation of the MS was assessed using duplicate measurements in the validation study, while biological variation was measured for lipid species with coefficients of variation <20%. We observed that eight lipid species from the phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine lipid classes were discovered and validated to vary consistently across the three time-points, where the within-subject variance can be up to 1.3-fold higher than between-subject variance. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the range of biological variation in plasma lipids as a precursor to their use in clinical biochemistry.
Ncl Synchronously Regulates Na+, K+ and Cl− in Soybean and Greatly Increases the Grain Yield in Saline Field Conditions
Authors: Do Tuyen Duc , Chen Huatao , Hien Vu Thi Thu , Hamwieh Aladdin , Yamada Tetsuya , Sato Tadashi , Yan Yongliang , Cong Hua , Shono Mariko , Suenaga Kazuhiro , Xu Donghe
Published: January 2016

Salt stress inhibits soybean growth and reduces gain yield. Genetic improvement of salt tolerance is essential for sustainable soybean production in saline areas. In this study, we isolated a gene (Ncl) that could synchronously regulate the transport and accumulation of Na+, K+ and Cl− from a Brazilian soybean cultivar FT-Abyara using map-based cloning strategy. Higher expression of the salt tolerance gene Ncl in the root resulted in lower accumulations of Na+, K+ and Cl− in the shoot under salt stress. Transfer of Ncl with the Agrobacterium-mediated transformation method into a soybean cultivar Kariyutaka significantly enhanced its salt tolerance. Introgression of the tolerance allele into soybean cultivar Jackson, using DNA marker-assisted selection (MAS), produced an improved salt tolerance line. Ncl could increase soybean grain yield by 3.6–5.5 times in saline field conditions. Using Ncl in soybean breeding through gene transfer or MAS would contribute to sustainable soybean production in saline-prone areas.
Infrared and Raman screening of seized novel psychoactive substances: a large scale study of >200 samples
Authors: Jones L. E. , Stewart A. , Peters K. L. , McNaul M. , Speers S. J. , Fletcher N. C. , Bell S. E. J.
Published: January 2016

The potential of IR absorption and Raman spectroscopy for rapid identification of novel psychoactive substances (NPS) has been tested using a set of 221 unsorted seized samples suspected of containing NPS.
A new cataluminescence-based gas sensor for simultaneously discriminating benzene and ammonia
Authors: Fan Huizhen , Peng Zhaokuai , Yang Hongwei , Zhou Kaowen
Published: January 2016

An efficient method based on cross-cataluminescence (CTL) on nano-Bi4SnV2O13 was proposed for simultaneously discriminating benzene and ammonia in air.
Gold(i) operational in synergistic catalysis for the intermolecular α-addition reaction of aldehydes across allenamides
Authors: Ballesteros Alberto , Morán-Poladura Pablo , González Jose M.
Published: January 2016

A synergistic approach to the catalytic intermolecular α-addition of aldehydes across allenamides using gold(i) and proline derivatives.
The base-promoted synthesis of multisubstituted benzo[b][1,4]oxazepines
Authors: Shen Jinhai , Xue Lulu , Lin Xing , Cheng Guolin , Cui Xiuling
Published: January 2016

A variety of substituted benzo[b][1,4]oxazepines have been prepared via base-promoted intramolecular O-arylation from N-(2-haloaryl)enaminones under metal-free conditions.
Cascade Pd(ii)-catalyzed Wacker lactonization–Heck reaction: rapid assembly of spiranoid lactones
Authors: Albarghouti Ghassan , Kotikalapudi Ramesh , Lankri David , Valerio Viviana , Tsvelikhovsky Dmitry
Published: January 2016

An unprecedented Pd-catalyzed cascade Wacker–Heck lactonization-cyclization sequence is reported.
Intramolecular charge transfer in aminobenzonitriles and tetrafluoro counterparts: fluorescence explained by competition between low-lying excited states and radiationless deactivation. Part I: A mechanistic overview of the parent system ABN
Authors: Segado Mireia , Gómez Isabel , Reguero Mar
Published: January 2016

The simplicity of the fluorescence pattern of ABN is in fact the outcome of an intricate interplay between locally excited and charge transfer excited states.
Intramolecular charge transfer in aminobenzonitriles and tetrafluoro counterparts: fluorescence explained by competition between low lying excited states and radiationless deactivation. Part II: influence of substitution on luminescence patterns
Authors: Segado Mireia , Mercier Yannick , Gómez Isabel , Reguero Mar
Published: January 2016

Same fluorescence paterns, diferent topographies of excited states.
Ab initio modelling of magnetic anisotropy in Sr3NiPtO6
Authors: Pradipto A.-M. , Broer R. , Picozzi S.
Published: January 2016

A full description of the multiplet physics, using a multideterminantal approach, is shown to significantly improve the picture of magnetic anisotropy in Sr3NiPtO6, a highly insulating-oxide with low dimensionality.
Evaluation of the electronic properties of perfluorophenyl functionalized quinolines and their hybrids with carbon nanostructures
Authors: Sygellou Lambrini , Kakogianni Sofia , Andreopoulou Aikaterini K. , Theodosiou Krystallia , Leftheriotis George , Kallitsis Joannis K. , Siokou Angeliki
Published: January 2016

Energy level control of perfluorophenyl functionalized quinolines by hybridization with carbon nanostructures for solar cell devices.
Decay rate of real space delocalization measures: a comparison between analytical and test systems
Authors: Gallo-Bueno A. , Francisco E. , Martín Pendás A.
Published: January 2016

We examine in this contribution the possible relation between the spatial decay rate of real space delocalization measures and the insulating- or metallic-like character of molecular and extended systems.
Probing ultrafast excitation energy transfer of the chlorosome with exciton–phonon variational dynamics
Authors: Somoza Márquez Alejandro , Chen Lipeng , Sun Kewei , Zhao Yang
Published: January 2016

Excitation energy transfer of the chlorosome is investigated using exciton–phonon variational dynamics revealing ultrafast energy relaxation and exciton delocalization on a 100 fs scale.
Temperature dependent radiative and non-radiative recombination dynamics in CdSe–CdTe and CdTe–CdSe type II hetero nanoplatelets
Authors: Scott Riccardo , Kickhöfel Sebastian , Schoeps Oliver , Antanovich Artsiom , Prudnikau Anatol , Chuvilin Andrey , Woggon Ulrike , Artemyev Mikhail , Achtstein Alexander W.
Published: January 2016

We reveal for the first time the temperature dependence of the radiative and non-radiative lifetimes of type II excitons in hetero nanoplatelets.
Excitation wavelength-dependent EPR study on the influence of the conformation of multiporphyrin arrays on triplet state delocalization
Authors: Tait Claudia E. , Neuhaus Patrik , Peeks Martin D. , Anderson Harry L. , Timmel Christiane R.
Published: January 2016

Excitation wavelength-dependent EPR and ENDOR reveal localization of the triplet state in twisted conformations of porphyrin oligomers.
NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays grown on flexible nitrogen-doped carbon foams as three-dimensional binder-free integrated anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Li Songmei , Wang Bo , Liu Jianhua , Yu Mei
Published: January 2016

Hollow NiCo2S4 nanotube arrays are uniformly grown on flexible N-doped carbon foams and used as three-dimensional binder-free integrated anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.
Theoretical study of the catalytic oxidation mechanism of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-diformylfuran by PMo-containing Keggin heteropolyacid
Authors: Ren Li-Ke , Yang Hua-Qing , Hu Chang-Wei
Published: January 2016

The mechanism for the aerobic oxidation of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF) catalysed by PMo-containing Keggin heteropolyacid (H3PMo12O40) has been systematically investigated at the M06/6-31++G(d,p), Lanl2dz level in dimethylsulfoxide.
Effect of core/shell structured TiO2@C nanowire support on the Pt catalytic performance for methanol electrooxidation
Authors: Sui Xu-Lei , Wang Zhen-Bo , Li Cun-Zhi , Zhang Jing-Jia , Zhao Lei , Gu Da-Ming
Published: January 2016

Core/shell structured carbon-coated titania nanowires combine the advantages of structure and material, improving the electrocatalytic performance of Pt-based catalysts.
Versatile pyridine-2,6-bis-tetrazolate scaffolds for the formation of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes
Authors: Di Pietro Sebastiano , Gautier Nicholas , Imbert Daniel , Pécaut Jacques , Mazzanti Marinella
Published: January 2016

The substitution of the pyridine-bistetrazolate (pytz, L) chelating scaffold allows the optimization of the photophysical properties of LnIII complexes and the tuning of their solubility.