bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major acid endopeptidases of the blood-feeding monogeneanEudiplozoon nipponicum(Heteronchoinea: Diplozoidae)
Authors: JEDLIČKOVÁ LUCIE , DVOŘÁKOVÁ HANA , KAŠNÝ MARTIN , ILGOVÁ JANA , POTĚŠIL DAVID , ZDRÁHAL ZBYNĚK , MIKEŠ LIBOR
Published: February 2016

In parasitic flatworms, acid endopeptidases are involved in crucial processes, including digestion, invasion, interactions with the host immune system, etc. In haematophagous monogeneans, however, no solid information has been available about the occurrence of these enzymes. Here we aimed to identify major cysteine and aspartic endopeptidase activities inEudiplozoon nipponicum, an invasive haematophagous parasite of common carp. Employing biochemical, proteomic and molecular tools, we found that cysteine peptidase activities prevailed in soluble protein extracts and excretory/secretory products (ESP) ofE. nipponicum; the major part was cathepsin L-like in nature supplemented with cathepsin B-like activity. Significant activity of the aspartic cathepsin D also occurred in soluble protein extracts. The degradation of haemoglobin in the presence of ESP and worm protein extracts was completely inhibited by a combination of cysteine and aspartic peptidase inhibitors, and diminished by particular cathepsin L, B and D inhibitors. Mass spectrometry revealed several tryptic peptides in ESP matching to two translated sequences of cathepsin L genes, which were amplified from cDNA ofE. nipponicumand bioinformatically annotated. The dominance of cysteine peptidases of cathepsin L type inE. nipponicumresembles the situation in, e.g. fasciolid trematodes.
Missioners on the Margins? The Territorial Headquarters of the Welsh Jesuit College of St Francis Xavier at The Cwm, c.1600–1679
Authors: Thomas Hannah
Published: February 2016

This paper will discuss the history of the College of St Francis Xavier, the Welsh territorial district of the English Province of the Society of Jesus, and the history of Jesuit association with its headquarters, the Cwm farms at Llanrothal, near Hereford. One of 12 territorial divisions created by the Society of Jesus upon the creation of the English Province by 1623, the College of St Francis Xavier and its extensive surviving library, now housed at Hereford Cathedral, is being analysed as part of a three-year project funded by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council [AHRC]. The article argues for a re-evaluation of the Welsh District and its importance to the successes of the English Jesuit Province, concluding that, far from being a small, local missionary outpost of the English Province of the Society of Jesus, the College of St Francis Xavier, or the Welsh District, was in fact a diverse, vibrant and crucially important lynchpin in the successes of the Jesuits in England and Wales.
XLII. Observations on the earliest Introduction of Clocks: By the Honourable Daines Barrington. In a Letter to the Honourable Mr. Justice Blackstone
Authors: Barrington Daines
Published: February 2016

As I know you are somewhat interested with regard to the period when those useful measurers of time called clocks were first made, I send you the result of my inquiries on that head, after having consulted most of those treatises which might be supposed to furnish material information.
Neuroscience in Nazi Europe Part I: Eugenics, Human Experimentation, and Mass Murder
Authors: Zeidman Lawrence A.
Published: February 2016

The Nazi regime in Germany from 1933 to 1945 waged a veritable war throughout Europe to eliminate neurologic disease from the gene pool. Fueled by eugenic policies on racial hygiene, the Nazis first undertook a sterilization campaign against “mental defectives,” which included neurologic patients with epilepsy and other disorders, as well as psychiatric patients. From 1939-41 the Nazis instead resorted to ”euthanasia” of many of the same patients. Some neuroscientists were collaborators in this program, using patients for research, or using extracted brains following their murder. Other reviews have focused on Hallervorden, Spatz, Schaltenbrand, Scherer, and Gross, but in this review the focus is on neuroscientists not well described in the neurology literature, including Scholz, Ostertag, Schneider, Nachtsheim, and von Weizsäcker. Only by understanding the actions of neuroscientists during this dark period can we learn from the slippery slope down which they traveled, and prevent history from repeating itself.
Net Returns from Feeding Cull Beef Cows: The Influence of Initial Body Condition Score
Authors: Amadou Zakou , Raper Kellie Curry , Biermacher Jon T. , Cook Billy , Ward Clement E.
Published: February 2016

The impact of initial body condition scores on net returns from retaining beef cull cows for delayed marketing was investigated in a three-year experiment. Cows were retained either on native grass pasture or in a low-input dry lot setting. Net returns are examined across five alternative marketing periods, including culling. Sensitivity of net returns to changes in retention cost is also examined. Although a native grass pasture system was generally more profitable than a low-input dry lot system, thin and medium cows were typically more profitable than cows with higher initial body condition score regardless of the feeding system.
Imaging the “At-Risk” Brain: Future Directions
Authors: Koyama Maki S. , Di Martino Adriana , Castellanos Francisco X. , Ho Erica J. , Marcelle Enitan , Leventhal Bennett , Milham Michael P.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:Clinical neuroscience is increasingly turning to imaging the human brain for answers to a range of questions and challenges. To date, the majority of studies have focused on the neural basis of current psychiatric symptoms, which can facilitate the identification of neurobiological markers for diagnosis. However, the increasing availability and feasibility of using imaging modalities, such as diffusion imaging and resting-state fMRI, enable longitudinal mapping of brain development. This shift in the field is opening the possibility of identifying predictive markers of risk or prognosis, and also represents a critical missing element for efforts to promote personalized or individualized medicine in psychiatry (i.e., stratified psychiatry).Methods:The present work provides a selective review of potentially high-yield populations for longitudinal examination with MRI, based upon our understanding of risk from epidemiologic studies and initial MRI findings.Results:Our discussion is organized into three topic areas: (1) practical considerations for establishing temporal precedence in psychiatric research; (2) readiness of the field for conducting longitudinal MRI, particularly for neurodevelopmental questions; and (3) illustrations of high-yield populations and time windows for examination that can be used to rapidly generate meaningful and useful data. Particular emphasis is placed on the implementation of time-appropriate, developmentally informed longitudinal designs, capable of facilitating the identification of biomarkers predictive of risk and prognosis.Conclusions:Strategic longitudinal examination of the brain at-risk has the potential to bring the concepts of early intervention and prevention to psychiatry. (JINS, 2016,22, 164–179)
Modern Methods for Interrogating the Human Connectome
Authors: Lowe Mark J. , Sakaie Ken E. , Beall Erik B. , Calhoun Vince D. , Bridwell David A. , Rubinov Mikail , Rao Stephen M.
Published: February 2016

Objectives:Connectionist theories of brain function took hold with the seminal contributions of Norman Geschwind a half century ago. Modern neuroimaging techniques have expanded the scientific interest in the study of brain connectivity to include the intact as well as disordered brain.Methods:In this review, we describe the most common techniques used to measure functional and structural connectivity, including resting state functional MRI, diffusion MRI, and electroencephalography and magnetoencephalography coherence. We also review the most common analytical approaches used for examining brain interconnectivity associated with these various imaging methods.Results:This review presents a critical analysis of the assumptions, as well as methodological limitations, of each imaging and analysis approach.Conclusions:The overall goal of this review is to provide the reader with an introduction to evaluating the scientific methods underlying investigations that probe the human connectome. (JINS, 2016,22, 105–119)
BMI, body fat and waist-to-height ratio of stunted v. non-stunted Indian children: a case–control study
Authors: Savanur Mitravinda S , Ghugre Padmini S
Published: February 2016

Objective

To compare the BMI, body fat and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of stunted and non-stunted children following different growth trajectories from low socio-economic strata in Mumbai, India.

Design

Cross-sectional, case–control study. Weight, height, skinfold thicknesses and waist circumference were measured. Information regarding the duration of breast-feeding, age at initiation of complementary feeding and income was obtained. Birth weight was obtained from records. BMI, body fat, WHtR and change in weight sd were calculated.

Setting

Children who were beneficiaries of anganwadis, Mumbai city, India.

Subjects

Three hundred and thirty children aged 2–4 years were selected in each of the stunted and non-stunted groups after matching for age and sex.

Results

After adjusting for birth weight, change in weight sd, duration of breast-feeding, age at complementary feeding initiation and income, stunted children had significantly higher body fat, WHtR and BMI than the non-stunted (P<0·01). The stunted and non-stunted children were classified based on their change in weight sd. Stunted children with no change in weight sd had higher mean body fat, BMI (P<0·01) and WHtR (P<0·05) than their non-stunted counterparts. In the catch-up growth group, stunted children had higher BMI and WHtR than the non-stunted (both P<0·001). In the catch-down growth group, stunted children had higher BMI than the non-stunted (P<0·001).

Conclusions

Stunting was seen to increase the tendency of conserving body fat in young children. Such a tendency, if continued during later childhood and adolescence, can increase the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases.
BOUNDS ON PRICES FOR ASIAN OPTIONS VIA FOURIER METHODS
Authors: ALEXANDER SCOTT , NOVIKOV ALEXANDER , KORDZAKHIA NINO
Published: February 2016

The problem of pricing arithmetic Asian options is nontrivial, and has attracted much interest over the last two decades. This paper provides a method for calculating bounds on option prices and approximations to option deltas in a market where the underlying asset follows a geometric Lévy process. The core idea is to find a highly correlated, yet more tractable proxy to the event that the option finishes in-the-money. The paper provides a means for calculating the joint characteristic function of the underlying asset and proxy processes, and relies on Fourier methods to compute prices and deltas. Numerical studies show that the lower bound provides accurate approximations to prices and deltas, while the upper bound provides good though less accurate results.
Low-profile U-shaped DRA for ultra-wideband applications
Authors: Messaoudene Idris , Denidni Tayeb A. , Benghalia Abdelmadjid
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a microstrip-fed U-shaped dielectric resonator antenna (DRA) is simulated, designed, and fabricated. This antenna, in its simple configuration, operates from 5.45 to 10.8 GHz. To enhance its impedance bandwidth, the ground plane is first modified, which leads to an extended bandwidth from 4 to 10.8 GHz. Then by inserting a rectangular metallic patch inside the U-shaped DRA, the bandwidth is increased more to achieve an operating band from 2.65 to 10.9 GHz. To validate these results, an experimental antenna prototype is fabricated and measured. The obtained measurement results show that the proposed antenna can provide an ultra-wide bandwidth and a symmetric bidirectional radiation patterns. With these features, the proposed antenna is suitable for ultra-wideband applications.
Strategies to deal with comorbid physical illness in psychosis
Authors: Docherty M. , Stubbs B. , Gaughran F.
Published: February 2016

Individuals with serious mental illnesses such as psychosis still experience higher mortality rates than the general population, decades after data have linked the gap to increased rates of physical illness, delayed diagnosis, low treatment rates and worse outcomes from treatment received. The nature of the relationship between psychosis and comorbid physical illness is complex. Multiple strategies directed at different levels of disease process, health care systems and stakeholder culture are likely required to make sustained progress in reducing the mortality gap. Evidence for strategies that effectively reduce the burden of physical co-morbidity and lead to improved health outcomes are still in their infancy but growing at a reassuringly fast rate. This editorial considers the existing evidence base and makes suggestions for the development and future direction of this urgent research agenda and how this knowledge can be implemented in clinical practice.
Ethics, Science and Mind Control: J. M. Rodríguez-Delgado’s Legacy
Authors: Vera Juan Antonio , Martínez-Sánchez Francisco
Published: February 2016

This work analyses the evolution of the scientific visibility of the neurophysiologist José Manuel Rodríguez Delgado. It examines the longitudinal evolution from 1955 to 2013 of an article (Delgado, Roberts, & Miller, 1954) studying the neurological basis of learning and motivation and compares it with a coetaneous article (Olds & Milner, 1954) with a similar subject and methodology. Both studies have been essential in Psychology. This work analyses the number of times each article has been cited between 1955–1984 and 1985–2013. The results show that the visibility of James Olds and Peter Milner’s article (expressed in number of citations between 1955–1984 and 1985–2013) has longitudinally increased (p < .001), whereas the number of citations received by José Manuel Rodríguez Delgado et al.’s article has significantly reduced (p < .001). The results are discussed and the low visibility of Delgado’s article is explained through historical and social factors, including the growing concern about compliance with bioethical and research guidelines and the controversial media projection of the Spanish scientist, not by the intrinsic value or the scientific repercussion of the compared articles.
How Sediment Transport Sways Wetland Stability
Authors: Strelich Lily
Published: February 2016

Scientists examine the role of variables like tides and suspended sediment concentration to improve methods of evaluating coastal wetlands and how they may respond to future sea level rise.
The Invest-and-Accrue Model of Conscientiousness
Authors: Hill Patrick L. , Jackson Joshua J.
Published: February 2016

The current review synthesizes and builds from the extant literature to help explain how and why conscientiousness predicts a vast array of positive life outcomes. Toward this end, we present the Invest-and-Accrue model of conscientiousness, which describes conscientiousness as a disposition toward “investing” in ways that allow for future success. The value of this model is made apparent in its applicability across different life domains, as well as its potential for describing how individuals can change on conscientiousness throughout the life span. Moreover, the model can help explain why conscientiousness is relatively unique from other Big Five traits in its ability to predict positive life outcomes seemingly in any domain. In sum, this model should prove valuable for researchers across psychological disciplines, by providing an organizing framework from which to make connections across findings in personality, social, developmental, organizational, and educational psychology.
Low nanomolar concentrations of Cucurbitacin-I induces G2/M phase arrest and apoptosis by perturbing redox homeostasis in gastric cancer cells in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Deng C , Zhang B , Zhang S , Duan C , Cao Y , Kang W , Yan H , Ding X , Zhou F , Wu L , Duan G , Shen S , Xu G , Zhang W , Chen M , Huang S , Zhang X , Lv Y , Ling T , Wang L , Zou X
Published: February 2016

Cucurbitacin-I (Cu-I, also known as Elatericin B or JSI-124) is developed to inhibit constitutive and abnormal activation of STAT3 in many cancers, demonstrating a potent anticancer activity by targeting disruption of STAT3 function. Here, we for the first time systematically studied the underlying molecular mechanisms of Cu-I-induced gastric cancer cell death both in vitro and in vivo. In our study, we show that Cu-I markedly inhibits gastric cancer cell growth by inducing G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis at low nanomolar concentrations via a STAT3-independent mechanism. Notably, Cu-I significantly decreases intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio by inhibiting NRF2 pathway to break cellular redox homeostasis, and subsequently induces the expression of GADD45α in a p53-independent manner, and activates JNK/p38 MAPK signaling. Interestingly, Cu-I-induced GADD45α and JNK/p38 MAPK signaling form a positive feedback loop and can be reciprocally regulated by each other. Therefore, the present study provides new insights into the mechanisms of antitumor effects of Cu-I, supporting Cu-I as an attractive therapeutic drug in gastric cancer by modulating the redox balance.
Caspase-2 promotes obesity, the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Machado M V , Michelotti G A , Jewell M L , Pereira T A , Xie G , Premont R T , Diehl A M
Published: February 2016

Obesity and its resulting metabolic disturbances are major health threats. In response to energy surplus, overtaxed adipocytes release fatty acids and pro-inflammatory factors into the circulation, promoting organ fat accumulation (including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease), insulin resistance and the metabolic syndrome. Recently, caspase-2 was linked to lipoapoptosis, so we hypothesized that caspase-2 might be a critical determinant of metabolic syndrome pathogenesis. Caspase-2-deficient and wild-type mice were fed a Western diet (high-fat diet, enriched with saturated fatty acids and 0.2% cholesterol, supplemented with fructose and glucose in the drinking water) for 16 weeks. Metabolic and hepatic outcomes were evaluated. In vitro studies assessed the role of caspase-2 in adipose tissue proliferative properties and susceptibility for lipoapoptosis. Caspase-2-deficient mice fed a Western diet were protected from abdominal fat deposition, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and hepatic steatosis. Adipose tissue in caspase-2-deficient mice was more proliferative, upregulated mitochondrial uncoupling proteins consistent with browning, and was resistant to cell hypertrophy and cell death. The liver was protected from steatohepatitis through a decrease in circulating fatty acids and more efficient hepatic fat metabolism, and from fibrosis as a consequence of reduced fibrogenic stimuli from fewer lipotoxic hepatocytes. Caspase-2 deficiency protected mice from diet-induced obesity, metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Further studies are necessary to assess caspase-2 as a therapeutic target for those conditions.
Differential Rac1 signalling by guanine nucleotide exchange factors implicates FLII in regulating Rac1-driven cell migration
Authors: Marei Hadir , Carpy Alejandro , Woroniuk Anna , Vennin Claire , White Gavin , Timpson Paul , Macek Boris , Malliri Angeliki
Published: February 2016

The small GTPase Rac1 has been implicated in the formation and dissemination of tumours. Upon activation by guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs), Rac1 associates with a variety of proteins in the cell thereby regulating various functions, including cell migration. However, activation of Rac1 can lead to opposing migratory phenotypes raising the possibility of exacerbating tumour progression when targeting Rac1 in a clinical setting. This calls for the identification of factors that influence Rac1-driven cell motility. Here we show that Tiam1 and P-Rex1, two Rac GEFs, promote Rac1 anti- and pro-migratory signalling cascades, respectively, through regulating the Rac1 interactome. In particular, we demonstrate that P-Rex1 stimulates migration through enhancing the interaction between Rac1 and the actin-remodelling protein flightless-1 homologue, to modulate cell contraction in a RhoA-ROCK-independent manner.
Functional dissociation in sweet taste receptor neurons between and within taste organs of Drosophila
Authors: Thoma Vladimiros , Knapek Stephan , Arai Shogo , Hartl Marion , Kohsaka Hiroshi , Sirigrivatanawong Pudith , Abe Ayako , Hashimoto Koichi , Tanimoto Hiromu
Published: February 2016

Finding food sources is essential for survival. Insects detect nutrients with external taste receptor neurons. Drosophila possesses multiple taste organs that are distributed throughout its body. However, the role of different taste organs in feeding remains poorly understood. By blocking subsets of sweet taste receptor neurons, we show that receptor neurons in the legs are required for immediate sugar choice. Furthermore, we identify two anatomically distinct classes of sweet taste receptor neurons in the leg. The axonal projections of one class terminate in the thoracic ganglia, whereas the other projects directly to the brain. These two classes are functionally distinct: the brain-projecting neurons are involved in feeding initiation, whereas the thoracic ganglia-projecting neurons play a role in sugar-dependent suppression of locomotion. Distinct receptor neurons for the same taste quality may coordinate early appetitive responses, taking advantage of the legs as the first appendages to contact food.
Three-dimensional porous hollow fibre copper electrodes for efficient and high-rate electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction
Authors: Kas Recep , Hummadi Khalid Khazzal , Kortlever Ruud , de Wit Patrick , Milbrat Alexander , Luiten-Olieman Mieke W. J. , Benes Nieck E. , Koper Marc T. M. , Mul Guido
Published: February 2016

Aqueous-phase electrochemical reduction of carbon dioxide requires an active, earth-abundant electrocatalyst, as well as highly efficient mass transport. Here we report the design of a porous hollow fibre copper electrode with a compact three-dimensional geometry, which provides a large area, three-phase boundary for gas–liquid reactions. The performance of the copper electrode is significantly enhanced; at overpotentials between 200 and 400 mV, faradaic efficiencies for carbon dioxide reduction up to 85% are obtained. Moreover, the carbon monoxide formation rate is at least one order of magnitude larger when compared with state-of-the-art nanocrystalline copper electrodes. Copper hollow fibre electrodes can be prepared via a facile method that is compatible with existing large-scale production processes. The results of this study may inspire the development of new types of microtubular electrodes for electrochemical processes in which at least one gas-phase reactant is involved, such as in fuel cell technology.
A highly active and stable hydrogen evolution catalyst based on pyrite-structured cobalt phosphosulfide
Authors: Liu Wen , Hu Enyuan , Jiang Hong , Xiang Yingjie , Weng Zhe , Li Min , Fan Qi , Yu Xiqian , Altman Eric I. , Wang Hailiang
Published: February 2016

Rational design and controlled synthesis of hybrid structures comprising multiple components with distinctive functionalities are an intriguing and challenging approach to materials development for important energy applications like electrocatalytic hydrogen production, where there is a great need for cost effective, active and durable catalyst materials to replace the precious platinum. Here we report a structure design and sequential synthesis of a highly active and stable hydrogen evolution electrocatalyst material based on pyrite-structured cobalt phosphosulfide nanoparticles grown on carbon nanotubes. The three synthetic steps in turn render electrical conductivity, catalytic activity and stability to the material. The hybrid material exhibits superior activity for hydrogen evolution, achieving current densities of 10 mA cm−2and 100 mA cm−2at overpotentials of 48 mV and 109 mV, respectively. Phosphorus substitution is crucial for the chemical stability and catalytic durability of the material, the molecular origins of which are uncovered by X-ray absorption spectroscopy and computational simulation.
Manipulating the interfacial structure of nanomaterials to achieve a unique combination of strength and ductility
Authors: Khalajhedayati Amirhossein , Pan Zhiliang , Rupert Timothy J.
Published: February 2016

The control of interfaces in engineered nanostructured materials has met limited success compared with that which has evolved in natural materials, where hierarchical structures with distinct interfacial states are often found. Such interface control could mitigate common limitations of engineering nanomaterials. For example, nanostructured metals exhibit extremely high strength, but this benefit comes at the expense of other important properties like ductility. Here, we report a technique for combining nanostructuring with recent advances capable of tuning interface structure, a complementary materials design strategy that allows for unprecedented property combinations. Copper-based alloys with both grain sizes in the nanometre range and distinct grain boundary structural features are created, using segregating dopants and a processing route that favours the formation of amorphous intergranular films. The mechanical behaviour of these alloys shows that the trade-off between strength and ductility typically observed for metallic materials is successfully avoided here.
Design principles for rapid folding of knotted DNA nanostructures
Authors: Kočar Vid , Schreck John S. , Čeru Slavko , Gradišar Helena , Bašić Nino , Pisanski Tomaž , Doye Jonathan P. K. , Jerala Roman
Published: February 2016

Knots are some of the most remarkable topological features in nature. Self-assembly of knotted polymers without breaking or forming covalent bonds is challenging, as the chain needs to be threaded through previously formed loops in an exactly defined order. Here we describe principles to guide the folding of highly knotted single-chain DNA nanostructures as demonstrated on a nano-sized square pyramid. Folding of knots is encoded by the arrangement of modules of different stability based on derived topological and kinetic rules. Among DNA designs composed of the same modules and encoding the same topology, only the one with the folding pathway designed according to the ‘free-end’ rule folds efficiently into the target structure. Besides high folding yield on slow annealing, this design also folds rapidly on temperature quenching and dilution from chemical denaturant. This strategy could be used to design folding of other knotted programmable polymers such as RNA or proteins.
ALDH1A1 provides a source of meiosis-inducing retinoic acid in mouse fetal ovaries
Authors: Bowles Josephine , Feng Chun-Wei , Miles Kim , Ineson Jessica , Spiller Cassy , Koopman Peter
Published: February 2016

Substantial evidence exists that during fetal ovarian development in mammals, retinoic acid (RA) induces germ cells to express the pre-meiotic marker Stra8 and enter meiosis, and that these effects are prevented in the fetal testis by the RA-degrading P450 enzyme CYP26B1. Nonetheless, the role of RA has been disputed principally because germ cells in embryos lacking two major RA-synthesizing enzymes, ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3, remain able to enter meiosis. Here we show that a third RA-synthesizing enzyme, ALDH1A1, is expressed in fetal ovaries, providing a likely source of RA in the absence of ALDH1A2 and ALDH1A3. In ovaries lacking ALDH1A1, the onset of germ cell meiosis is delayed. Our data resolve the conundrum posed by conflicting published data sets and reconfirm the model that meiosis is triggered by endogenous RA in the developing ovary.
cGMP Signalling Mediates Water Sensation (Hydrosensation) and Hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Wang Wei , Qin Li-Wei , Wu Tai-Hong , Ge Chang-Li , Wu Ya-Qian , Zhang Qiang , Song Yan-Xue , Chen Yuan-Hua , Ge Ming-Hai , Wu Jing-Jing , Liu Hui , Xu Yao , Su Chun-Ming , Li Lan-Lan , Tang Jing , Li Zhao-Yu , Wu Zheng-Xing
Published: February 2016

Animals have developed the ability to sense the water content in their habitats, including hygrosensation (sensing humidity in the air) and hydrosensation (sensing the water content in other microenvironments) and they display preferences for specific water contents that influence their mating, reproduction and geographic distribution. We developed and employed four quantitative behavioural test paradigms to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying sensing the water content in an agar substrate (hydrosensation) and hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans. By combining a reverse genetic screen with genetic manipulation, optogenetic neuronal manipulation and in vivo Ca2+ imaging, we demonstrate that adult worms avoid the wetter areas of agar plates and hypo-osmotic water droplets. We found that the cGMP signalling pathway in ciliated sensory neurons is involved in hydrosensation and hydrotaxis in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Characters related to higher starch accumulation in cassava storage roots
Authors: Li You-Zhi , Zhao Jian-Yu , Wu San-Min , Fan Xian-Wei , Luo Xing-Lu , Chen Bao-Shan
Published: February 2016

Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is valued mainly for high content starch in its roots. Our understanding of mechanisms promoting high starch accumulation in the roots is, however, still very limited. Two field-grown cassava cultivars, Huanan 124(H124) with low root starch and Fuxuan 01(F01) with high root starch, were characterised comparatively at four main growth stages. Changes in key sugars in the leaves, stems and roots seemed not to be strongly associated with the final amount of starch accumulated in the roots. However, when compared with H124, F01 exhibited a more compact arrangement of xylem vascular bundles in the leaf axils, much less callose around the phloem sieve plates in the stems, higher starch synthesis-related enzymatic activity but lower amylase activity in the roots, more significantly up-regulated expression of related genes and a much higher stem flow rate (SFR). In conclusion, higher starch accumulation in the roots results from the concurrent effects of powerful stem transport capacity highlighted by higher SFR, high starch synthesis but low starch degradation in the roots and high expression of sugar transporter genes in the stems. A model of high starch accumulation in cassava roots was therefore proposed and discussed.
Rapamycin attenuates acute lung injury induced by LPS through inhibition of Th17 cell proliferation in mice
Authors: Yan Zhao , Xiaoyu Zhang , Zhixin Song , Di Qi , Xinyu Deng , Jing Xia , Jing He , Wang Deng , Xi Zhong , Chunrong Zhang , Daoxin Wang
Published: February 2016

Th17 cells have been confirmed to increase neutrophils through cytokine secretions. ALI/ARDS are characterized as neutrophil infiltration in inflammation cases; however, there is conflicting information concerning the role of Th17 cells in ALI/ARDS, as well as their potential treatment value. We measured Th17-linear cytokines in the plasma of patients with sepsis-related ARDS. The consistently high levels of IL-17 and IL-22 in the nonsurvivors suggested that overreaction of the Th17-mediated immune response may be a risk factor for poor outcomes. Th17 linear cytokines were also increased in an LPS-induced murine model of acute lung injury, along with neutrophil accumulation. The mice that completely lacked IL-17 failed to accumulate and activate neutrophils. Lung inflammation was obviously attenuated in the IL-17−/− mice. Meanwhile, the neutrophil count was markedly increased in the healthy WT mice challenged with recombinant IL-22 and IL-17. Rapamycin attenuated lung injury by inhibiting the differentiation of Th17 cells through RORγt and STAT3 dysfunction. Furthermore, we demonstrated that SOCS3 and Gfi1, which were responsible for the molecular suppression of RORγt and STAT3, were up-regulated by rapamycin. These results point toward a pivotal view to treatment of ALI through weakening the proliferation of Th17 cells with rapamycin.
Structure and biological function of ENPP6, a choline-specific glycerophosphodiester-phosphodiesterase
Authors: Morita Junko , Kano Kuniyuki , Kato Kazuki , Takita Hiroyuki , Sakagami Hideki , Yamamoto Yasuo , Mihara Emiko , Ueda Hirofumi , Sato Takanao , Tokuyama Hidetoshi , Arai Hiroyuki , Asou Hiroaki , Takagi Junichi , Ishitani Ryuichiro , Nishimasu Hiroshi , Nureki Osamu , Aoki Junken
Published: February 2016

Choline is an essential nutrient for all living cells and is produced extracellularly by sequential degradation of phosphatidylcholine (PC). However, little is known about how choline is produced extracellularly. Here, we report that ENPP6, a choline-specific phosphodiesterase, hydrolyzes glycerophosphocholine (GPC), a degradation product of PC, as a physiological substrate and participates in choline metabolism. ENPP6 is highly expressed in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and developing oligodendrocytes, which actively incorporate choline and synthesize PC. ENPP6-deficient mice exhibited fatty liver and hypomyelination, well known choline-deficient phenotypes. The choline moiety of GPC was incorporated into PC in an ENPP6-dependent manner both in vivo and in vitro. The crystal structure of ENPP6 in complex with phosphocholine revealed that the choline moiety of the phosphocholine is recognized by a choline-binding pocket formed by conserved aromatic and acidic residues. The present study provides the molecular basis for ENPP6-mediated choline metabolism at atomic, cellular and tissue levels.
Retinal Ganglion Cell Loss is Delayed Following Optic Nerve Crush in NLRP3 Knockout Mice
Authors: Puyang Zhen , Feng Liang , Chen Hui , Liang Peiji , Troy John B. , Liu Xiaorong
Published: February 2016

The NLRP3 inflammasome, a sensor for a variety of pathogen- and host-derived threats, consists of the adaptor ASC (Apoptosis-associated Speck-like protein containing a Caspase Activation and Recruitment Domain (CARD)), pro-caspase-1 and NLRP3 (NOD-Like Receptor family Pyrin domain containing 3). NLRP3-induced neuroinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of eye diseases, but it remains unclear whether activation of NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death. Here we examined NLRP3-induced neuroinflammation and RGC survival following partial optic nerve crush (pONC) injury. We showed that NLRP3 was up-regulated in retinal microglial cells following pONC, propagating from the injury site to the optic nerve head and finally the entire retina within one day. Activation of NLRP3-ASC inflammasome led to the up-regulation of caspase-1 and a proinflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In NLRP3 knockout mice, up-regulation of ASC, caspase-1 and IL-1β were all reduced, and, importantly, RGC and axon loss was substantially delayed following pONC injury. The average survival time of RGCs in NLRP3 knockout mice was about one week longer than for control animals. Taken together, our study demonstrated that ablating the NLRP3 gene significantly reduced neuroinflammation and delayed RGC loss after optic nerve crush injury.
Synthesis and transistor application of the extremely extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene
Authors: Shimo Yuma , Mikami Takahiro , Hamao Shino , Goto Hidenori , Okamoto Hideki , Eguchi Ritsuko , Gohda Shin , Hayashi Yasuhiko , Kubozono Yoshihiro
Published: February 2016

Many chemists have attempted syntheses of extended π-electron network molecules because of the widespread interest in the chemistry, physics and materials science of such molecules and their potential applications. In particular, extended phenacene molecules, consisting of coplanar fused benzene rings in a repeating W-shaped pattern have attracted much attention because field-effect transistors (FETs) using phenacene molecules show promisingly high performance. Until now, the most extended phenacene molecule available for transistors was [8]phenacene, with eight benzene rings, which showed very high FET performance. Here, we report the synthesis of a more extended phenacene molecule, [9]phenacene, with nine benzene rings. Our synthesis produced enough [9]phenacene to allow the characterization of its crystal and electronic structures, as well as the fabrication of FETs using thin-film and single-crystal [9]phenacene. The latter showed a field-effect mobility as high as 18 cm2 V−1 s−1, which is the highest mobility realized so far in organic single-crystal FETs.
Transmission comb of a distributed Bragg reflector with two surface dielectric gratings
Authors: Zhao Xiaobo , Zhang Yongyou , Zhang Qingyun , Zou Bingsuo , Schwingenschlogl Udo
Published: February 2016

The transmission behaviour of a distributed Bragg reector (DBR) with surface dielectric gratings on top and bottom is studied. The transmission shows a comb-like spectrum in the DBR band gap, which is explained in the Fano picture. The number density of the transmission peaks increases with increasing number of cells of the DBR, while the ratio of the average full width at half maximum to the corresponding average free spectral range, being only few percent for both transversal electric and magnetic waves, is almost invariant. The transmission peaks can be narrower than 0.1 nm and are fully separated from each other in certain wavebands. We further prove that the transmission combs are robust against randomness in the heights of the DBR layers. Therefore, the proposed structure is a candidate for an ultra-narrow-band multichannel filter or polarizer.
Acute ecotoxicology of natural oil and gas condensate to coral reef larvae
Authors: Negri Andrew P. , Brinkman Diane L. , Flores Florita , Botté Emmanuelle S. , Jones Ross J. , Webster Nicole S.
Published: February 2016

Risks posed by oil spills to coral reefs are difficult to evaluate, partially due to the absence of studies that adequately assess toxicity to relevant coral reef species. Here we experimentally tested the acute toxicity of condensate, representing a fraction of light crude oil, to coral (Acropora tenuis) and sponge (Rhopaloeides odorabile) larvae. The metamorphosis of coral larvae was inhibited at total petroleum aromatic hydrocarbon (TPAH) concentrations of water accommodated fractions (WAF) as low as 103 μg l−1, similar to concentrations detected in seawater following large spills. The sensitivity of coral larvae increased by 40% when co-exposed to UV light that they might encounter in shallow reefal systems. Condensate WAF was more toxic to coral larvae than predicted by summing the toxicity of its main components (benzene, toluene, p-xylene and napthalene). In contrast, the sensitivity of sponge larvae to condensate WAF (>10,000 μg l−1 TPAH) was far less than coral in the presence and absence of UV, but similar to that of other marine invertebrates. While these results highlight the relative sensitivity of coral larvae to oil, further research is needed to better understand and predict the impacts and risks posed by hydrocarbons to tropical reef systems.
TNFα induces co-trafficking of TRPV1/TRPA1 in VAMP1-containing vesicles to the plasmalemma via Munc18–1/syntaxin1/SNAP-25 mediated fusion
Authors: Meng Jianghui , Wang Jiafu , Steinhoff Martin , Dolly James Oliver
Published: February 2016

Transient receptor potential (TRP) A1 and V1 channels relay sensory signals, yet little is known about their transport to the plasmalemma during inflammation. Herein, TRPA1 and TRPV1 were found on vesicles containing calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), accumulated at sites of exo- and endo-cytosis and co-localised on fibres and cell bodies of cultured sensory neurons expressing both. A proinflammatory cytokine, TNFα, elevated their surface content and both resided in close proximity, indicating co-trafficking. Syntaxin 1–interacting protein, Munc18–1, proved necessary for the response to TNFα and for TRPV1-triggered CGRP release. TNFα-induced surface trafficking of TRPV1 and TRPA1 required a synaptic vesicle membrane protein VAMP1 (but not 2/3), which is essential for CGRP exocytosis from large dense-core vesicles. Inactivation of two proteins on the presynaptic plasma membrane, syntaxin-1 or SNAP-25, by botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)/C1 or /A inhibited the TNFα-elevated delivery. Accordingly, enhancement by TNFα of Ca2+ influx through the upregulated surface-expressed TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels was abolished by BoNT/A. Thus, in addition, the neurotoxins’ known inhibition of the release of pain transmitters, their therapeutic potential is augmented by lowering the exocytotic delivery of transducing channels and the resultant hyper-sensitisation in inflammation.
miR-182 Modulates Myocardial Hypertrophic Response Induced by Angiogenesis in Heart
Authors: Li Na , Hwangbo Cheol , Jaba Irina M. , Zhang Jiasheng , Papangeli Irinna , Han Jinah , Mikush Nicole , Larrivée Bruno , Eichmann Anne , Chun Hyung J. , Young Lawrence H. , Tirziu Daniela
Published: February 2016

Myocardial hypertrophy is an adaptive response to hemodynamic demands. Although angiogenesis is critical to support the increase in heart mass with matching blood supply, it may also promote a hypertrophic response. Previously, we showed that cardiac angiogenesis induced by placental growth factor (PlGF), promotes myocardial hypertrophy through the paracrine action of endothelium-derived NO, which triggers the degradation of regulator of G protein signaling 4 (RGS4) to activate the Akt/mTORC1 pathways in cardiomyocytes. Here, we investigated whether miRNAs contribute to the development of hypertrophic response associated with myocardial angiogenesis. We show that miR-182 is upregulated concurrently with the development of hypertrophy in PlGF mice, but not when hypertrophy was blocked by concomitant expression of PlGF and RGS4, or by PlGF expression in eNOS−/− mice. Anti-miR-182 treatment inhibits the hypertrophic response and prevents the Akt/mTORC1 activation in PlGF mice and NO-treated cardiomyocytes. miR-182 reduces the expression of Bcat2, Foxo3 and Adcy6 to regulate the hypertrophic response in PlGF mice. Particularly, depletion of Bcat2, identified as a new miR-182 target, promotes AktSer473/p70-S6KThr389 phosphorylation and cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. LV pressure overload did not upregulate miR-182. Thus, miR-182 is a novel target of endothelial-cardiomyocyte crosstalk and plays an important role in the angiogenesis induced-hypertrophic response.
Improving seedless kelp (Saccharina japonica) during its domestication by hybridizing gametophytes and seedling-raising from sporophytes
Authors: Li Xiaojie , Zhang Zhuangzhi , Qu Shancun , Liang Guangjin , Sun Juan , Zhao Nan , Cui Cuiju , Cao Zengmei , Li Yan , Pan Jinhua , Yu Shenhui , Wang Qingyan , Li Xia , Luo Shiju , Song Shaofeng , Guo Li , Yang Guanpin
Published: February 2016

Dongfang no.7 (Saccharina japonica) was bred and maintained by hybridizing gametophytes, self-crossing the best individuals, selecting the best self-crossing line and seedling-raising from yearly reconstructed sporophytes. It increased the air dry yield by 43.2% in average over 2 widely farmed controls. Dongfang no.7 was seedling-raised from bulked sporophytes reconstructed from its representative gametophyte clones. Such strategy ensured it against variety contamination due to possible cross fertilization and occasional mixing and inbred depletion due to self-crossing number-limited sporophytes year after year. It derived from an intraspecific hybrid through 4 rounds of self-crossing and selection and retained a certain degree of genetic heterozygosity, thus being immune to inbred depletion due to purification of unknown detrimental alleles. Most importantly, it can be farmed in currently available system as the seedlings for large scale culture can be raised from reconstructed Dongfang no.7 sporophytes. Breeding and maintaining Dongfang no.7 provided a model that other varieties of kelp (S. japonica) and brown algae may follow during their domestication.
Structural and electronic features of binary Li2S-P2S5 glasses
Authors: Ohara Koji , Mitsui Akio , Mori Masahiro , Onodera Yohei , Shiotani Shinya , Koyama Yukinori , Orikasa Yuki , Murakami Miwa , Shimoda Keiji , Mori Kazuhiro , Fukunaga Toshiharu , Arai Hajime , Uchimoto Yoshiharu , Ogumi Zempachi
Published: February 2016

The atomic and electronic structures of binary Li2S-P2S5 glasses used as solid electrolytes are modeled by a combination of density functional theory (DFT) and reverse Monte Carlo (RMC) simulation using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy data. The ratio of PSx polyhedral anions based on the Raman spectroscopic results is reflected in the glassy structures of the 67Li2S-33P2S5, 70Li2S-30P2S5 and 75Li2S-25P2S5 glasses and the plausible structures represent the lithium ion distributions around them. It is found that the edge sharing between PSx and LiSy polyhedra increases at a high Li2S content and the free volume around PSx polyhedra decreases. It is conjectured that Li+ ions around the face of PSx polyhedra are clearly affected by the polarization of anions. The electronic structure of the DFT/RMC model suggests that the electron transfer between the P ion and the bridging sulfur (BS) ion weakens the positive charge of the P ion in the P2S7 anions. The P2S7 anions of the weak electrostatic repulsion would causes it to more strongly attract Li+ ions than the PS4 and P2S6 anions and suppress the lithium ionic conduction. Thus, the control of the edge sharing between PSx and LiSy polyhedra without the electron transfer between the P ion and the BS ion is expected to facilitate lithium ionic conduction in the above solid electrolytes.
Autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa with homozygous rhodopsin mutation E150K and non-coding cis-regulatory variants in CRX-binding regions of SAMD7
Authors: Van Schil Kristof , Karlstetter Marcus , Aslanidis Alexander , Dannhausen Katharina , Azam Maleeha , Qamar Raheel , Leroy Bart P. , Depasse Fanny , Langmann Thomas , De Baere Elfride
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to unravel the molecular pathogenesis of an unusual retinitis pigmentosa (RP) phenotype observed in a Turkish consanguineous family. Homozygosity mapping revealed two candidate genes, SAMD7 and RHO. A homozygous RHO mutation c.448G > A, p.E150K was found in two affected siblings, while no coding SAMD7 mutations were identified. Interestingly, four non-coding homozygous variants were found in two SAMD7 genomic regions relevant for binding of the retinal transcription factor CRX (CRX-bound regions, CBRs) in these affected siblings. Three variants are located in a promoter CBR termed CBR1, while the fourth is located more downstream in CBR2. Transcriptional activity of these variants was assessed by luciferase assays and electroporation of mouse retinal explants with reporter constructs of wild-type and variant SAMD7 CBRs. The combined CBR2/CBR1 variant construct showed significantly decreased SAMD7 reporter activity compared to the wild-type sequence, suggesting a cis-regulatory effect on SAMD7 expression. As Samd7 is a recently identified Crx-regulated transcriptional repressor in retina, we hypothesize that these SAMD7 variants might contribute to the retinal phenotype observed here, characterized by unusual, recognizable pigment deposits, differing from the classic spicular intraretinal pigmentation observed in other individuals homozygous for p.E150K and typically associated with RP in general.