bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urologische Erkrankungen des Mannes und deren Prävention
Authors: Cantieni Christoph , Gasser Thomas
Published: January 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der Altershypogonadismus ist definiert durch altersbedingte Reduktion der Serum-Testosteronwerte mit gleichzeitig das Sexualleben betreffenden Symptomen. Eine Testosteronsubstitution ist lediglich auf Wunsch des Patienten indiziert. Die erektile Dysfunktion ist oft vaskulär bedingt. Vor einer Therapie, die klassisch mit Phosphodiesterasehemmern beginnt, muss deshalb eine Abklärung der kardiovaskulären Risikofaktoren erfolgen und bei Risikopatienten vor Therapie eine kardiologische Beurteilung erfolgen. Das benigne Prostatasyndrom, das streng genommen als eine durch Prostatavergrösserung ausgelöste Blasenspeicher- oder Entleerungsstörung ohne andere erkennbare Ursache definiert wird, wird bei Entleerungssymptomen mit Alpha-Blockern bzw. Alpha-Reduktasehemmern oder bei vorwiegend Speichersymptomen mit Antimuskarinika behandelt.
Holly Gilbert Receives 2015 Athelstan Spilhaus Award
Authors:   AGU
Published: January 2016

Holly Gilbert received the Athelstan Spilhaus Award at the 2015 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting Honors Ceremony, held on 16 December 2015 in San Francisco, Calif. The award honors an individual "for their enhancement of the public engagement with Earth and space sciences."
Sequence variants in the PTCH1 gene associate with spine bone mineral density and osteoporotic fractures
Authors: Styrkarsdottir Unnur , Thorleifsson Gudmar , Gudjonsson Sigurjon A. , Sigurdsson Asgeir , Center Jacqueline R. , Lee Seung Hun , Nguyen Tuan V. , Kwok Timothy C.Y. , Lee Jenny S.W. , Ho Suzanne C. , Woo Jean , Leung Ping-C. , Kim Beom-Jun , Rafnar Thorunn , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Ingvarsson Thorvaldur , Koh Jung-Min , Tang Nelson L.S. , Eisman John A. , Christiansen Claus , Sigurdsson Gunnar , Thorsteinsdottir Unnur , Stefansson Kari
Published: January 2016

Bone mineral density (BMD) is a measure of osteoporosis and is useful in evaluating the risk of fracture. In a genome-wide association study of BMD among 20,100 Icelanders, with follow-up in 10,091 subjects of European and East-Asian descent, we found a new BMD locus that harbours the PTCH1 gene, represented by rs28377268 (freq. 11.4–22.6%) that associates with reduced spine BMD (P=1.0 × 10−11, β=−0.09). We also identified a new spine BMD signal in RSPO3, rs577721086 (freq. 6.8%), that associates with increased spine BMD (P=6.6 × 10−10, β=0.14). Importantly, both variants associate with osteoporotic fractures and affect expression of the PTCH1 and RSPO3 genes that is in line with their influence on BMD and known biological function of these genes. Additional new BMD signals were also found at the AXIN1 and SOST loci and a new lead SNP at the EN1 locus.
Direct observation of mineral–organic composite formation reveals occlusion mechanism
Authors: Rae Cho Kang , Kim Yi-Yeoun , Yang Pengcheng , Cai Wei , Pan Haihua , Kulak Alexander N. , Lau Jolene L. , Kulshreshtha Prashant , Armes Steven P. , Meldrum Fiona C. , De Yoreo James J.
Published: January 2016

Manipulation of inorganic materials with organic macromolecules enables organisms to create biominerals such as bones and seashells, where occlusion of biomacromolecules within individual crystals generates superior mechanical properties. Current understanding of this process largely comes from studying the entrapment of micron-size particles in cooling melts. Here, by investigating micelle incorporation in calcite with atomic force microscopy and micromechanical simulations, we show that different mechanisms govern nanoscale occlusion. By simultaneously visualizing the micelles and propagating step edges, we demonstrate that the micelles experience significant compression during occlusion, which is accompanied by cavity formation. This generates local lattice strain, leading to enhanced mechanical properties. These results give new insight into the formation of occlusions in natural and synthetic crystals, and will facilitate the synthesis of multifunctional nanocomposite crystals.
Altered expression of mRNA profiles in blood of early-onset schizophrenia
Authors: Xu Yong , Yao Shugart Yin , Wang Guoqiang , Cheng Zaohuo , Jin Chunhui , Zhang Kai , Wang Jun , Yu Hao , Yue Weihua , Zhang Fuquan , Zhang Dai
Published: January 2016

To identify gene expression abnormalities in schizophrenia (SZ), we generated whole-genome gene expression profiles using microarrays on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 18 early-onset SZ cases and 12 controls. We detected 84 transcripts differentially expressed by diagnostic status, with 82 genes being upregulated and 2 downregulated. We identified two SZ associated gene coexpression modules (green and red), including 446 genes . The green module is positively correlated with SZ, encompassing predominantly up-regulated genes in SZ; while the red module was negatively correlated with disease status, involving mostly nominally down-regulated genes in SZ. The olfactory transduction pathway was the most enriched pathways for the genes within the two modules. The expression levels of several hub genes, including AKT1, BRCA1, CCDC134, UBD and ZIC2 were validated using real-time quantitative PCR. Our findings indicate that mRNA coexpression abnormalities may serve as a promising mechanism underlying the development of SZ.
Correction: Corrigendum: 3D Structural Fluctuation of IgG1 Antibody Revealed by Individual Particle Electron Tomography
Authors: Zhang Xing , Zhang Lei , Tong Huimin , Peng Bo , Rames Matthew J. , Zhang Shengli , Ren Gang
Published: January 2016

Commonly used methods for determining protein structure, including X-ray crystallography and single-particle reconstruction, often provide a single and unique three-dimensional (3D) structure. However, in these methods, the protein dynamics and flexibility/fluctuation remain mostly unknown. Here, we utilized advances in electron tomography (ET) to study the antibody flexibility and fluctuation through structural determination of individual antibody particles rather than averaging multiple antibody particles together. Through individual-particle electron tomography (IPET) 3D reconstruction from negatively-stained ET images, we obtained 120 ab-initio 3D density maps at an intermediate resolution (~1–3 nm) from 120 individual IgG1 antibody particles. Using these maps as a constraint, we derived 120 conformations of the antibody via structural flexible docking of the crystal structure to these maps by targeted molecular dynamics simulations. Statistical analysis of the various conformations disclosed the antibody 3D conformational flexibility through the distribution of its domain distances and orientations. This blueprint approach, if extended to other flexible proteins, may serve as a useful methodology towards understanding protein dynamics and functions.
Correction: Corrigendum: Identification of novel alleles of the rice blast resistance gene Pi54
Authors: Vasudevan Kumar , Gruissem Wilhelm , Bhullar Navreet K.
Published: January 2016

Rice blast is one of the most devastating rice diseases and continuous resistance breeding is required to control the disease. The rice blast resistance gene Pi54 initially identified in an Indian cultivar confers broad-spectrum resistance in India. We explored the allelic diversity of the Pi54 gene among 885 Indian rice genotypes that were found resistant in our screening against field mixture of naturally existing M. oryzae strains as well as against five unique strains. These genotypes are also annotated as rice blast resistant in the International Rice Genebank database. Sequence-based allele mining was used to amplify and clone the Pi54 allelic variants. Nine new alleles of Pi54 were identified based on the nucleotide sequence comparison to the Pi54 reference sequence as well as to already known Pi54 alleles. DNA sequence analysis of the newly identified Pi54 alleles revealed several single polymorphic sites, three double deletions and an eight base pair deletion. A SNP-rich region was found between a tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site and the nucleotide binding site (NBS) domain. Together, the newly identified Pi54 alleles expand the allelic series and are candidates for rice blast resistance breeding programs.
Presence of unique glyoxalase III proteins in plants indicates the existence of shorter route for methylglyoxal detoxification
Authors: Ghosh Ajit , Kushwaha Hemant R , Hasan Mohammad R , Pareek Ashwani , Sopory Sudhir K , Singla-Pareek Sneh L
Published: January 2016

Glyoxalase pathway, comprising glyoxalase I (GLY I) and glyoxalase II (GLY II) enzymes, is the major pathway for detoxification of methylglyoxal (MG) into D-lactate involving reduced glutathione (GSH). However, in bacteria, glyoxalase III (GLY III) with DJ-1/PfpI domain(s) can do the same conversion in a single step without GSH. Our investigations for the presence of DJ-1/PfpI domain containing proteins in plants have indicated the existence of GLY III-like proteins in monocots, dicots, lycopods, gymnosperm and bryophytes. A deeperin silicoanalysis of rice genome identified twelve DJ-1 proteins encoded by six genes. Detailed analysis has been carried out including their chromosomal distribution, genomic architecture and localization. Transcript profiling under multiple stress conditions indicated strong induction ofOsDJ-1in response to exogenous MG. A member of OsDJ-1 family,OsDJ-1C, showed high constitutive expression at all developmental stages and tissues of rice. MG depletion study complemented by simultaneous formation of D-lactate proved OsDJ-1C to be a GLY III enzyme that converts MG directly into D-lactate in a GSH-independent manner. Site directed mutagenesis of Cys-119 to Alanine significantly reduces its GLY III activity indicating towards the existence of functional GLY III enzyme in rice—a shorter route for MG detoxification.
Quantum dissipative effects on non-equilibrium transport through a single-molecular transistor: The Anderson-Holstein-Caldeira-Leggett model
Authors: Raju Ch. Narasimha , Chatterjee Ashok
Published: January 2016

The Anderson-Holstein model with Caldeira-Leggett coupling with environment is considered to describe the damping effect in a single molecular transistor (SMT) which comprises a molecular quantum dot (with electron-phonon interaction) mounted on a substrate (environment) and coupled to metallic electrodes. The electron-phonon interaction is first eliminated using the Lang-Firsov transformation and the spectral density function, charge current and differential conductance are then calculated using the non-equilibrium Keldysh Green function technique. The effects of damping rate and electron-electron and electron-phonon interactions on the transport properties of SMT are studied at zero temperature.
Association of pain and CNS structural changes after spinal cord injury
Authors: Jutzeler Catherine R. , Huber Eveline , Callaghan Martina F. , Luechinger Roger , Curt Armin , Kramer John L. K. , Freund Patrick
Published: January 2016

Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) has been shown to trigger structural atrophic changes within the spinal cord and brain. However, the relationship between structural changes and magnitude of neuropathic pain (NP) remains incompletely understood. Voxel-wise analysis of anatomical magnetic resonance imaging data provided information on cross-sectional cervical cord area and volumetric brain changes in 30 individuals with chronic traumatic SCI and 31 healthy controls. Participants were clinically assessed including neurological examination and pain questionnaire. Compared to controls, individuals with SCI exhibited decreased cord area, reduced grey matter (GM) volumes in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left insula, left secondary somatosensory cortex, bilateral thalamus and decreased white matter volumes in pyramids and left internal capsule. The presence of NP was related with smaller cord area, increased GM in left ACC and right M1 and decreased GM in right primary somatosensory cortex and thalamus. Greater GM volume in M1 was associated with amount of NP. Below-level NP-associated structural changes in the spinal cord and brain can be discerned from trauma-induced consequences of SCI. The directionality of these relationships reveals specific changes across the neuroaxis (i.e., atrophic changes versus increases in volume) and may provide substrates of underlying neural mechanisms in the development of NP.
VIP treatment prevents embryo resorption by modulating efferocytosis and activation profile of maternal macrophages in the CBAxDBA resorption prone model
Authors: Gallino Lucila , Calo Guillermina , Hauk Vanesa , Fraccaroli Laura , Grasso Esteban , Vermeulen Mónica , Leirós Claudia Pérez , Ramhorst Rosanna
Published: January 2016

Successful embryo implantation occurs followed by a local pro-inflammatory response subsequently shifted toward a tolerogenic one. VIP (vasoactive intestinal peptide) has embryotrofic, anti-inflammatory and tolerogenic effects. In this sense, we investigated whether the in vivo treatment with VIP contributes to an immunosuppressant local microenvironment associated with an improved pregnancy outcome in the CBA/J × DBA/2 resorption prone model. Pregnancy induced the expression of VIP, VPAC1 and VPAC2 in the uterus from CBA/J × DBA/2 mating females on day 8.5 of gestation compared with non-pregnant mice. VIP treatment (2 nmol/mouse i.p.) on day 6.5 significantly increased the number of viable implantation sites and improved the asymmetric distribution of implanted embryos. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in RORγt and an increase in TGF-β and PPARγ expression at the implantation sites. Moreover, VIP modulated the maternal peritoneal macrophages efferocytosis ability, tested using latex beads-FITC or apoptotic thymocytes, displaying an increased frequency of IL-10-producer F4/80 cells while did not modulate TNF-α and IL-12 secretion. The present data suggest that VIP treatment increases the number of viable embryos associated with an increase in the efferocytic ability of maternal macrophages which is related to an immunosuppressant microenvironment.
RPS23RG1 reduces Aβ oligomer-induced synaptic and cognitive deficits
Authors: Yan Li , Chen Yaomin , Li Wubo , Huang Xiumei , Badie Hedieh , Jian Fan , Huang Timothy , Zhao Yingjun , Cohen Stanley N. , Li Limin , Zhang Yun-wu , Luo Huanmin , Tu Shichun , Xu Huaxi
Published: January 2016

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in the elderly. It is generally believed that β-amyloidogenesis, tau-hyperphosphorylation and synaptic loss underlie cognitive decline in AD. Rps23rg1, a functional retroposed mouse gene, has been shown to reduce Alzheimer’s β-amyloid (Aβ) production and tau phosphorylation. In this study, we have identified its human homolog and demonstrated that RPS23RG1 regulates synaptic plasticity, thus counteracting Aβ oligomer (oAβ)-induced cognitive deficits in mice. The level of RPS23RG1 mRNA is significantly lower in the brains of AD compared to non-AD patients, suggesting its potential role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Similar to its mouse counterpart, human RPS23RG1 interacts with adenylate cyclase, activating PKA/CREB and inhibiting GSK-3. Furthermore, we show that human RPS23RG1 promotes synaptic plasticity and offsets oAβ-induced synaptic loss in a PKA-dependent manner in cultured primary neurons. Overexpression of Rps23rg1 in transgenic mice consistently prevented oAβ-induced PKA inactivation, synaptic deficits, suppression of long-term potentiation and cognitive impairment as compared to wild type littermates. Our study demonstrates that RPS23RG1 may reduce the occurrence of key elements of AD pathology and enhance synaptic functions to counteract oAβ-induced synaptic and cognitive deficits in AD.
Osmotic stress induces the phosphorylation of WNK4 Ser575 via the p38MAPK-MK pathway
Authors: Maruyama Junichi , Kobayashi Yumie , Umeda Tsuyoshi , Vandewalle Alain , Takeda Kohsuke , Ichijo Hidenori , Naguro Isao
Published: January 2016

The With No lysine [K] (WNK)-Ste20-related proline/alanine-rich kinase (SPAK)/oxidative stress-responsive kinase 1 (OSR1) pathway has been reported to be a crucial signaling pathway for triggering pseudohypoaldosteronism type II (PHAII), an autosomal dominant hereditary disease that is characterized by hypertension. However, the molecular mechanism(s) by which the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 pathway is regulated remain unclear. In this report, we identified WNK4 as an interacting partner of a recently identified MAP3K, apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 3 (ASK3). We found that WNK4 is phosphorylated in an ASK3 kinase activity-dependent manner. By exploring the ASK3-dependent phosphorylation sites, we identified Ser575 as a novel phosphorylation site in WNK4 by LC-MS/MS analysis. ASK3-dependent WNK4 Ser575 phosphorylation was mediated by the p38MAPK-MAPK-activated protein kinase (MK) pathway. Osmotic stress, as well as hypotonic low-chloride stimulation, increased WNK4 Ser575 phosphorylation via the p38MAPK-MK pathway. ASK3 was required for the p38MAPK activation induced by hypotonic stimulation but was not required for that induced by hypertonic stimulation or hypotonic low-chloride stimulation. Our results suggest that the p38MAPK-MK pathway might regulate WNK4 in an osmotic stress-dependent manner but its upstream regulators might be divergent depending on the types of osmotic stimuli.
Magnetization switching by combining electric field and spin-transfer torque effects in a perpendicular magnetic tunnel junction
Authors: Zhang Xiangli , Wang Chengjie , Liu Yaowen , Zhang Zongzhi , Jin Q. Y. , Duan Chun-Gang
Published: January 2016

Effective manipulation of magnetization orientation driven by electric field in a perpendicularly magnetized tunnel junction introduces technologically relevant possibility for developing low power magnetic memories. However, the bipolar orientation characteristic of toggle-like magnetization switching possesses intrinsic difficulties for practical applications. By including both the in-plane (T//) and field-like (T⊥) spin-transfer torque terms in the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert simulation, reliable and deterministic magnetization reversal can be achieved at a significantly reduced current density of 5×109 A/m2 under the co-action of electric field and spin-polarized current, provided that the electric-field pulse duration exceeds a certain critical value τc. The required critical τc decreases with the increase of T⊥ strength because stronger T⊥ can make the finally stabilized out-of-plane component of magnetization stay in a larger negative value. The power consumption for such kind of deterministic magnetization switching is found to be two orders of magnitude lower than that of the switching driven by current only.
Intravital imaging of Ca2+ signals in lymphocytes of Ca2+ biosensor transgenic mice: indication of autoimmune diseases before the pathological onset
Authors: Yoshikawa Soichiro , Usami Takako , Kikuta Junichi , Ishii Masaru , Sasano Tetsuo , Sugiyama Koji , Furukawa Tetsushi , Nakasho Eiji , Takayanagi Hiroshi , Tedder Thomas F. , Karasuyama Hajime , Miyawaki Atsushi , Adachi Takahiro
Published: January 2016

Calcium ion (Ca2+) signaling is a typical phenomenon mediated through immune receptors, such as the B-cell antigen receptor (BCR) and it is important for their biological activities. To analyze the signaling of immune receptors together with their in vivo dynamics, we generated stable transgenic mice with the Föster/fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based Ca2+ indicator yellow cameleon 3.60 (YC3.60), based on the Cre/loxP system (YC3.60flox). We successfully obtained mice with specific YC3.60 expression in immune or nerve cells as well as mice with ubiquitous expression of this indicator. We established five-dimensional (5D) (x, y, z, time and Ca2+) intravital imaging of lymphoid tissues, including the bone marrow. Furthermore, in autoimmune-prone models, the CD22−/− and C57BL/6- lymphoproliferation (lpr)/lpr mouse, Ca2+ fluxes were augmented, although they did not induce autoimmune disease. Intravital imaging of Ca2+ signals in lymphocytes may improve assessment of the risk of autoimmune diseases in model animals.
NuSAP modulates the dynamics of kinetochore microtubules by attenuating MCAK depolymerisation activity
Authors: Li Chenyu , Zhang Yajun , Yang Qiaoyun , Ye Fan , Sun Stella Ying , Chen Ee Sin , Liou Yih-Cherng
Published: January 2016

Nucleolar and spindle-associated protein (NuSAP) is a microtubule-associated protein that functions as a microtubule stabiliser. Depletion of NuSAP leads to severe mitotic defects, however the mechanism by which NuSAP regulates mitosis remains elusive. In this study, we identify the microtubule depolymeriser, mitotic centromere-associated kinesin (MCAK), as a novel binding partner of NuSAP. We show that NuSAP regulates the dynamics and depolymerisation activity of MCAK. Phosphorylation of MCAK by Aurora B kinase, a component of the chromosomal passenger complex, significantly enhances the interaction of NuSAP with MCAK and modulates the effects of NuSAP on the depolymerisation activity of MCAK. Our results reveal an underlying mechanism by which NuSAP controls kinetochore microtubule dynamics spatially and temporally by modulating the depolymerisation function of MCAK in an Aurora B kinase-dependent manner. Hence, this study provides new insights into the function of NuSAP in spindle formation during mitosis.
Factors controlling soil organic carbon stability along a temperate forest altitudinal gradient
Authors: Tian Qiuxiang , He Hongbo , Cheng Weixin , Bai Zhen , Wang Yang , Zhang Xudong
Published: January 2016

Changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stability may alter carbon release from the soil and, consequently, atmospheric CO2 concentration. The mean annual temperature (MAT) can change the soil physico-chemical characteristics and alter the quality and quantity of litter input into the soil that regulate SOC stability. However, the relationship between climate and SOC stability remains unclear. A 500-day incubation experiment was carried out on soils from an 11 °C-gradient mountainous system on Changbai Mountain in northeast China. Soil respiration during the incubation fitted well to a three-pool (labile, intermediate and stable) SOC decomposition model. A correlation analysis revealed that the MAT only influenced the labile carbon pool size and not the SOC stability. The intermediate carbon pool contributed dominantly to cumulative carbon release. The size of the intermediate pool was strongly related to the percentage of sand particle. The decomposition rate of the intermediate pool was negatively related to soil nitrogen availability. Because both soil texture and nitrogen availability are temperature independent, the stability of SOC was not associated with the MAT, but was heavily influenced by the intrinsic processes of SOC formation and the nutrient status.
Enhancement of Contralesional Motor Control Promotes Locomotor Recovery after Unilateral Brain Lesion
Authors: Hua Xu-Yun , Qiu Yan-Qun , Wang Meng , Zheng Mou-Xiong , Li Tie , Shen Yun-Dong , Jiang Su , Xu Jian-Guang , Gu Yu-Dong , Tsien JoeZ. , Xu Wen-Dong
Published: January 2016

There have been controversies on the contribution of contralesional hemispheric compensation to functional recovery of the upper extremity after a unilateral brain lesion. Some studies have demonstrated that contralesional hemispheric compensation may be an important recovery mechanism. However, in many cases where the hemispheric lesion is large, this form of compensation is relatively limited, potentially due to insufficient connections from the contralesional hemisphere to the paralyzed side. Here, we used a new procedure to increase the effect of contralesional hemispheric compensation by surgically crossing a peripheral nerve at the neck in rats, which may provide a substantial increase in connections between the contralesional hemisphere and the paralyzed limb. This surgical procedure, named cross-neck C7-C7 nerve transfer, involves cutting the C7 nerve on the healthy side and transferring it to the C7 nerve on the paretic side. Intracortical microstimulation, Micro-PET and histological analysis were employed to explore the cortical changes in contralesional hemisphere and to reveal its correlation with behavioral recovery. These results showed that the contralesional hemispheric compensation was markedly strengthened and significantly related to behavioral improvements. The findings also revealed a feasible and effective way to maximize the potential of one hemisphere in controlling both limbs.
Geometric reduction of dynamical nonlocality in nanoscale quantum circuits
Authors: Strambini E. , Makarenko K. S. , Abulizi G. , de Jong M. P. , van der Wiel W. G.
Published: January 2016

Nonlocality is a key feature discriminating quantum and classical physics. Quantum-interference phenomena, such as Young’s double slit experiment, are one of the clearest manifestations of nonlocality, recently addressed as dynamical to specify its origin in the quantum equations of motion. It is well known that loss of dynamical nonlocality can occur due to (partial) collapse of the wavefunction due to a measurement, such as which-path detection. However, alternative mechanisms affecting dynamical nonlocality have hardly been considered, although of crucial importance in many schemes for quantum information processing. Here, we present a fundamentally different pathway of losing dynamical nonlocality, demonstrating that the detailed geometry of the detection scheme is crucial to preserve nonlocality. By means of a solid-state quantum-interference experiment we quantify this effect in a diffusive system. We show that interference is not only affected by decoherence, but also by a loss of dynamical nonlocality based on a local reduction of the number of quantum conduction channels of the interferometer. With our measurements and theoretical model we demonstrate that this mechanism is an intrinsic property of quantum dynamics. Understanding the geometrical constraints protecting nonlocality is crucial when designing quantum networks for quantum information processing.
Lack of netrin-4 modulates pathologic neovascularization in the eye
Authors: Kociok Norbert , Crespo-Garcia Sergio , Liang Yong , Klein Sabrina V. , Nürnberg Christina , Reichhart Nadine , Skosyrski Sergej , Moritz Eva , Maier Anna-Karina , Brunken William J. , Strauß Olaf , Koch Manuel , Joussen Antonia M.
Published: January 2016

Netrins are a family of matrix-binding proteins that function as guidance signals. Netrin-4 displays pathologic roles in tumorigenesis and neovascularization. To answer the question whether netrin-4 acts either pro- or anti-angiogenic, angiogenesis in the retina was assessed in Ntn-4−/− mice with oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR) and laser-induced choroidal neovascularization (CNV), mimicking hypoxia-mediated neovascularization and inflammatory mediated angiogenesis. The basement membrane protein netrin-4 was found to be localised to mature retinal blood vessels. Netrin-4, but not netrin-1 mRNA expression, increased in response to relative hypoxia and recovered to normal levels at the end of blood vessel formation. No changes in the retina were found in normoxic Ntn-4−/− mice. In OIR, Ntn-4−/− mice initially displayed larger avascular areas which recovered faster to revascularization. Ganzfeld electroretinography showed faster recovery of retinal function in Ntn-4−/− mice. Expression of netrin receptors, Unc5H2 (Unc-5 homolog B, C. elegans) and DCC (deleted in colorectal carcinoma), was found in Müller cells and astrocytes. Laser-induced neovascularization in Nnt-4−/− mice did not differ to that in the controls. Our results indicate a role for netrin-4 as an angiogenesis modulating factor in O2-dependent vascular homeostasis while being less important during normal retinal developmental angiogenesis or during inflammatory neovascularization.
Qualitation and Quantitation on Microplasma Jet for Bacteria Inactivation
Authors: Du ChangMing , Liu Ya , Huang YaNi , Li ZiMing , Men Rui , Men Yue , Tang Jun
Published: January 2016

In this work, a self-made microplasma jet system was used to conduct the qualitation and quantitation of inactivation with Escherichia coli as the target bacteria. The logarithmic concentration and the size of antimicrobial rings served as the evaluation parameters, respectively. The effect of various parameters on inactivation effect was studied. The results showed that the majority of bacteria had been inactivated in 30 s. The inactivation effect enhanced and then weakened with the increase of air flow rate and receded as the extension of treatment distance. The effect with different carrier gases showed as follows: oxygen > air > nitrogen > argon. Meanwhile, the effect of different components of microplasma was studied in the optimum conditions (The flow rate was 5 L/min; inactivation distance was 2 cm). The results showed that electrically neutral active species was the main factor of inactivation rather than heating effect, ultraviolet radiation and charged particles. Finally the experiments of thallus change proved that microplasma jet had etching effect on cell membrane. It also found that microplasma could degrade organic material like protein. Furthermore, the images of scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed the change of cell morphology step by step in the whole process of inactivation.
Automatic stage identification of Drosophila egg chamber based on DAPI images
Authors: Jia Dongyu , Xu Qiuping , Xie Qian , Mio Washington , Deng Wu-Min
Published: January 2016

TheDrosophilaegg chamber, whose development is divided into 14 stages, is a well-established model for developmental biology. However, visual stage determination can be a tedious, subjective and time-consuming task prone to errors. Our study presents an objective, reliable and repeatable automated method for quantifying cell features and classifying egg chamber stages based on DAPI images. The proposed approach is composed of two steps: 1) a feature extraction step and 2) a statistical modeling step. The egg chamber features used are egg chamber size, oocyte size, egg chamber ratio and distribution of follicle cells. Methods for determining the on-site of the polytene stage and centripetal migration are also discussed. The statistical model uses linear and ordinal regression to explore the stage-feature relationships and classify egg chamber stages. Combined with machine learning, our method has great potential to enable discovery of hidden developmental mechanisms.
Two kinds of common prenatal screening tests for Down’s syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yao Yuan , Liao Yang , Han Mei , Li Sheng-Lan , Luo Juan , Zhang Bo
Published: January 2016

As the chromosomal examination of foetal cells for the prenatal diagnosis of Down’s syndrome (DS) carries a risk of inducing miscarriage, serum screening tests are commonly used before invasive procedures. In this study, a total of 374 records from PubMed, EMBASE and the ISI Science Citation Index databases were reviewed. As a result of duplication, insufficient data and inappropriate article types, 18 independent articles containing 183,998 samples were used in the final systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic performance of the serum triple screening test (STS) and the integrated screening test (INS). Data extracted from the selected studies were statistically analysed and the presence of heterogeneity and publication bias was assessed using specific software. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, diagnostic odds ratio and the area under the curve for the STS were 0.77 (95% confidence interval = 0.73–0.81), 0.94 (0.94–0.94), 9.78 (6.87–13.93), 0.26 (0.22–0.31), 44.72 (30.77–65.01) and 0.9064, respectively. For the INS, these values were 0.93 (0.90–0.95), 0.93 (0.93–0.93), 22.38 (12.47–40.14), 0.08 (0.05–0.11), 289.81 (169.08–496.76) and 0.9781, respectively. These results indicate that the INS exhibits better diagnostic value for DS. However, further research is needed to identify other biomarkers to improve prenatal screening tests.
Dirac cone move and bandgap on/off switching of graphene superlattice
Authors: Jia Tian-Tian , Zheng Meng-Meng , Fan Xin-Yu , Su Yan , Li Shu-Juan , Liu Hai-Ying , Chen Gang , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: January 2016

Using the density functional theory with generalized gradient approximation, we have studied in detail the cooperative effects of degenerate perturbation and uniaxial strain on bandgap opening in graphene. The uniaxial strain could split π bands into πaand πzbands with an energy interval Esto move the Dirac cone. The inversion symmetry preserved antidot would then further split the πa(πz) bands into πa1(πz1) and πa2(πz2) bands with an energy interval Ed, which accounts for the bandgap opening in a kind of superlattices with Dirac cone being folded to Γ point. However, such antidot would not affect the semimetal nature of the other superlattices, showing a novel mechanism for bandstructure engineering as compared to the sublattice-equivalence breaking. For a superlattice with bandgap of ~Edopened at Γ point, the Escould be increased by strengthening strain to close the bandgap, suggesting a reversible switch between the high velocity properties of massless Fermions attributed to the linear dispersion relation around Dirac cone and the high on/off ratio properties associated with the sizable bandgap. Moreover, the gap width actually could be continuously tuned by controlling the strain, showing attractive application potentials.
Measuring the robustness of link prediction algorithms under noisy environment
Authors: Zhang Peng , Wang Xiang , Wang Futian , Zeng An , Xiao Jinghua
Published: January 2016

Link prediction in complex networks is to estimate the likelihood of two nodes to interact with each other in the future. As this problem has applications in a large number of real systems, many link prediction methods have been proposed. However, the validation of these methods is so far mainly conducted in the assumed noise-free networks. Therefore, we still miss a clear understanding of how the prediction results would be affected if the observed network data is no longer accurate. In this paper, we comprehensively study the robustness of the existing link prediction algorithms in the real networks where some links are missing, fake or swapped with other links. We find that missing links are more destructive than fake and swapped links for prediction accuracy. An index is proposed to quantify the robustness of the link prediction methods. Among the twenty-two studied link prediction methods, we find that though some methods have low prediction accuracy, they tend to perform reliably in the “noisy” environment.
Aliskiren Reduces Hepatic steatosis and Epididymal Fat Mass and Increases Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice
Authors: Lee Kuei-Chuan , Hsieh Yun-Cheng , Yang Ying-Ying , Chan Che-Chang , Huang Yi-Hsiang , Lin Han-Chieh
Published: January 2016

Aliskiren has been found to reduce chronic injury and steatosis in the liver of methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet-fed mice. This study investigated whether aliskiren has an anti-steatotic effect in HFD-fed mice, which are more relevant to human patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease than MCD mice. Mice fed with 4-week normal chow or HFD randomly received aliskiren (50 mg/kg/day) or vehicle via osmotic minipumps for further 4 weeks. Aliskiren reduced systemic insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, epididymal fat mass and increased gastrocnemius muscle glucose transporter type 4 levels with lower tissue angiotensin II levels in the HFD-fed mice. In addition, aliskiren lowered nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and its down-signaling molecules and increased cytochrome P450 4A14 and carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1a) in liver. In epididymal fat, aliskiren inhibited expressions of lipogenic genes, leading to decrease in fat mass, body weight and serum levels of leptin and free fatty acid. Notably, in the gastrocnemius muscle, aliskiren increased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 and Akt. Based on these beneficial effects on liver, peripheral fat and skeletal muscle, aliskiren is a promising therapeutic agent for patients with NAFLD.
miRNA Digger: a comprehensive pipeline for genome-wide novel miRNA mining
Authors: Yu Lan , Shao Chaogang , Ye Xinghuo , Meng Yijun , Zhou Yincong , Chen Ming
Published: January 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of gene expression. The recent advances in high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technique have greatly facilitated large-scale detection of the miRNAs. However, thoroughly discovery of novel miRNAs from the available HTS data sets remains a major challenge. In this study, we observed that Dicer-mediated cleavage sites for the processing of the miRNA precursors could be mapped by using degradome sequencing data in both animals and plants. In this regard, a novel tool, miRNA Digger, was developed for systematical discovery of miRNA candidates through genome-wide screening of cleavage signals based on degradome sequencing data. To test its sensitivity and reliability, miRNA Digger was applied to discover miRNAs from four organs of Arabidopsis. The results revealed that a majority of already known mature miRNAs along with their miRNA*s expressed in these four organs were successfully recovered. Notably, a total of 30 novel miRNA-miRNA* pairs that have not been registered in miRBase were discovered by miRNA Digger. After target prediction and degradome sequencing data-based validation, eleven miRNA–target interactions involving six of the novel miRNAs were identified. Taken together, miRNA Digger could be applied for sensitive detection of novel miRNAs and it could be freely downloaded from http://www.bioinfolab.cn/miRNA_Digger/index.html.
Terahertz beat oscillation of plasmonic electrons interacting with femtosecond light pulses
Authors: Zhang Xinping , He Jianfang , Wang Yimeng , Liu Feifei
Published: January 2016

Plasmon resonance in nanostructured metals is in essence collective oscillation of free electrons, which is driven by optical electric fields and oscillates at nearly the same frequency as the excitation photons. This is the basic physics for the currently extensively interested topics in optical metamaterials, optical switching and logic optical “circuits” with potential applications in optical communication and optical computation. We present here an interference effect between photons and plasmon electrons, which is observed as multi-cycle beat-oscillation. The beat frequency is in the range of 3~4 THz, which is equal to the difference between optical frequency of the photons and oscillation frequency of the plasmon electrons. Such beat oscillation evolves in a time scale of more than 1 ps, which is much longer than the optical pulse length, implying interaction between photons and pure damping plasmon-electrons. The discovered mechanisms might be important for exploring new approaches for THz generation.
A New Method to Jointly Estimate the Mortality Risk of Long-Term Exposure to Fine Particulate Matter and its Components
Authors: Crouse Dan L. , Philip Sajeev , van Donkelaar Aaron , Martin Randall V. , Jessiman Barry , Peters Paul A. , Weichenthal Scott , Brook Jeffrey R. , Hubbell Bryan , Burnett Richard T.
Published: January 2016

Most studies on the association between exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and mortality have considered only total concentration of PM2.5 or individual components of PM2.5 and not the combined effects of concentration and particulate composition. We sought to develop a method to estimate the risk of death from long-term exposure to PM2.5 and the distribution of its components, namely: sulphate, nitrate, ammonium, organic mass, black carbon and mineral dust. We decomposed PM2.5 exposure into the sum of total concentration and the proportion of each component. We estimated the risk of death due to exposure using a cohort of ~2.4 million Canadians who were followed for vital status over 16 years. Modelling the concentration of PM2.5 with the distribution of the proportions of components together was a superior predictor for mortality than either total PM2.5 concentration alone, or all component concentrations modelled together. Our new approach has the advantage of characterizing the toxicity of the atmosphere in its entirety. This is required to fully understand the health benefits associated with strategies to improve air quality that may result in complex changes not only in PM2.5 concentration, but also in the distribution of particle components.
Mitochondrial genome evolution and tRNA truncation in Acariformes mites: new evidence from eriophyoid mites
Authors: Xue Xiao-Feng , Guo Jing-Feng , Dong Yan , Hong Xiao-Yue , Shao Renfu
Published: January 2016

The subclass Acari (mites and ticks) comprises two super-orders: Acariformes and Parasitiformes. Most species of the Parasitiformes known retained the ancestral pattern of mitochondrial (mt) gene arrangement of arthropods and their mt tRNAs have the typical cloverleaf structure. All of the species of the Acariformes known, however, have rearranged mt genomes and truncated mt tRNAs. We sequenced the mt genomes of two species of Eriophyoidea:Phyllocoptes taishanensisandEpitrimerus sabinae. The mt genomes ofP. taishanensisandE. sabinaeare 13,475 bp and 13,531 bp, respectively, are circular and contain the 37 genes typical of animals; most mt tRNAs are highly truncated in both mites. On the other hand, these two eriophyoid mites have the least rearranged mt genomes seen in the Acariformes. Comparison between eriophyoid mites and other Aacariformes mites showed that: 1) the most recent common ancestor of Acariformes mites retained the ancestral pattern of mt gene arrangement of arthropods with slight modifications; 2) truncation of tRNAs for cysteine, phenylalanine and histidine occurred once in the most recent common ancestor of Acariformes mites whereas truncation of other tRNAs occurred multiple times; and 3) the placement of eriophyoid mites in the order Trombidiformes needs to be reviewed.
Unplanned pregnancy after ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation of uterine fibroids: A follow-up study
Authors: Bing-song Zhang , Jing Zhang , Zhi-yu Han , Chang-tao Xu , Rui-fang Xu , Xiu-mei Li , Hui Liu
Published: January 2016

A follow-up study was performed with 169 women of childbearing age who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation (UPMWA) therapy for symptomatic uterine fibroids in the Chinese PLA General Hospital from June 2007 to December 2014. This study aimed to observe the incidence of unplanned pregnancies in these women after UPMWA treatment in order to evaluate its effect on natural conception. Ten unplanned pregnancies in nine women were occurred. Of the nine patients, six did not want the pregnancy and chose for induced abortion to end the pregnancy at an early stage. Three chose to continue with the pregnancy and gave birth to a healthy term infant delivered by cesarean section (of these three patients, two had been previously diagnosed as infertility). None of the patients had any serious obstetric complications. After UPMWA treatment for uterine fibroids, patients may conceive naturally, the impact of the procedure on fertility and pregnancy outcomes is worthy of further prospective study in larger sample.
Evolutionary mechanism of the defects in the fluoride-containing phosphate based glasses induced by gamma radiation
Authors: Wang Pengfei , He Quanlong , Lu Min , Li Weinan , Peng Bo
Published: January 2016

In the laser driven inertial confinement fusion (ICF) experimental target chamber, like the 3ω (351 nm) laser irradiation, the irradiation of gamma ray and X-rays, will also cause the formation and increase of various defects in the investigated series of fluoride-containing phosphate based glasses that have potential use in novel high performance color separation optics. The induced defects contribute to the increase of absorption in the UV region, which will make the UV performance of these laser glasses deteriorated. Some of the induced defects can be bleached to some extent through the subsequent thermal treatment process, resulting from the release and capture of the electrons in conduction band. Through the gamma radiation and post-heat treatment experiments, a general model of the evolutionary mechanism of the defects in these fluoride-containing phosphate based glasses was proposed.
Effects of calcitriol on random skin flap survival in rats
Authors: Zhou Kai-liang , Zhang Yi-hui , Lin Ding-sheng , Tao Xian-yao , Xu Hua-zi
Published: January 2016

Calcitriol, a metabolite of vitamin D, is often used in osteoporosis clinics. However, the material has other bioactivities; for example, it accelerates angiogenesis, has anti-inflammatory properties and inhibits oxidative stress. We investigated the effects of calcitriol in a random skin flap rat model. “McFarlane flap” models were established in 84 male Sprague Dawley rats, divided into two groups. One group received intraperitoneal injections of calcitriol (2 μg/kg/day) whereas control rats received intraperitoneal injections of saline. The percentage flap survival area and tissue water content were measured 7 days later, which showed that calcitriol improved flap survival area and reduced tissue edema. It also increased the mean vessel density and upregulated levels of VEGF mRNA/protein, both of which promote flap angiogenesis. Moreover, it decreased leukocyte and macrophage infiltration, reduced the inflammatory proteins IL1β and IL6, increased SOD activity, decreased MDA content and upregulated the level of autophagy. Overall, our results suggest that calcitriol promotes skin flap survival by accelerating angiogenesis, having anti-inflammatory effects, reducing oxidative stress and promoting autophagy.
Genome-wide identification of calcium-dependent protein kinases in soybean and analyses of their transcriptional responses to insect herbivory and drought stress
Authors: Hettenhausen Christian , Sun Guiling , He Yanbiao , Zhuang Huifu , Sun Ting , Qi Jinfeng , Wu Jianqiang
Published: January 2016

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are plant-specific calcium sensors that play important roles in various aspects of plant physiology. Here, we investigated phylogenic relationships, chromosomal locations, gene structures and tissue-specific, herbivory- and drought-induced expression profiles of soybean (Glycine max) GmCDPKs. Fifty GmCDPK genes were identified, which phylogenetically grouped into 4 distinct clusters and distributed across 13 sub-clusters. Individual classes of GmCDPKs harbor highly conserved mRNA splicing sites and their exon numbers and lengths were consistent with the phylogenetic relationships, suggesting that at least 13 ancestral CDPK genes had emerged before the split of monocots and eudicots. Gene expression analysis indicated that several GmCDPKs were tissue-specific expressed. GmCDPKs’ transcript levels changed after wounding, exhibited specific expression patterns after simulated Spodoptera exigua feeding or soybean aphid (Aphis glycines) herbivory and were largely independent of the phytohormones jasmonic acid and salicylic acid. The most pronounced transcriptional responses were detected after drought and abscisic acid treatments with more than half of all GmCDPKs being upregulated, suggesting their important roles during abiotic stress responses in soybean. Our data provide an important foundation for further functional dissection of GmCDPKs, especially in the context of soybean-insect interactions and drought stress adaptation.