bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of a new insulin-like peptide in the pearl oyster Pinctada fucata martensii
Authors: Zhang Hua , He Maoxian 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPinctada fucata martensii, is an economically important marine bivalve species cultured for seawater pearls. At present, we know little about the molecular mechanisms of the insulin signalling pathway in this oyster. Herein, we cloned and analysed an insulin-like peptide (PfILP) and its signalling pathway-related genes. We detected their expression levels in different tissues and developmental stages. Recombinant PfILP protein was produced and found to significantly increase primary mantle cell activity and induce the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) gene. PfILP could also regulate the 293T cell cycle by stimulating the S phase and inhibiting the G1 and G2 phases. Recombinant PfILP protein induced the expression of its signalling pathway-related genes in mantle cells. In vitro co-immunoprecipitation analysis showed that PfILP interacts with PfIRR. PfILP activated expression of the pfIRR protein, and also activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways by stimulating phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT. Further analysis showed that PfILP up-regulated glycogen synthesis-related genes glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β), protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and glucokinase (GK) at the mRNA level, as well as the expression of the PP1 protein, and phosphorylation of GSK-3β. These results confirmed the presence of a conserved insulin-like signalling pathway in pearl oyster that is involved in cell activity, glycogen metabolism, and other physiological processes.
Synthesis and Characterization of Selenium Nanoparticles-Lysozyme Nanohybrid System with Synergistic Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Vahdati Mahsa , Tohidi Moghadam Tahereh 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn the light of promising potency of selenium nanoparticles in biomedical applications, this is the first study to report the synergistic antibacterial activity of these nanoparticles and lysozyme. The nanohybrid system was prepared with various concentrations of each component. Resistance of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was compared in the presence of individual Nano and Bio counterparts as well as the nanohybrid system. Upon interaction of SeNPs with Lysozyme, the nanohybrid system efficiently enhanced the antibacterial activity compared to the protein. Therefore, SeNPs play an important role in inhibition of bacterial growth at very low concentrations of protein; whereas very high amount of the protein is required to inhibit bacterial growth individually. On the other hand, lysozyme has also played a vital role in antibacterial property of SeNPs, inducing 100% inhibition at very low concentration of each component. Hence, presence of both nano and bio counterparts induced vital interplay in the Nanohybrid system. The aged samples also presented good stability of SeNPs both as the intact and complex form. Results of this effort highlight design of nanohybrid systems with synergistic antibacterial properties to overcome the emerging antibiotic resistance as well as to define fruitful applications in biomedicine and food safety.
Higher Ramie mosaic virus transmission efficiency by females than by males of Bemisia tabaci MED
Authors: Peng Jing , Xie Gang , Zhang Songbai , Zheng Limin , Gao Yang , Zhang Zhuo , Luo Luyun , Su Pin , Wang Dongwei , Liu Yong , Dai Liangying , Zhang Deyong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBegomoviruses can modify their transmission vector, Bemisia tabaci, to benefit their spread, although this may not always be the case. Here, the new begomovirus Ramie mosaic virus (RaMoV) and its vector B. tabaci MED, which is dominant in China and many regions of the world, were used as a model to examine direct and indirect interaction and virus transmission by B. tabaci MED of different sexes. No significant direct or indirect effects of RaMoV were observed in B. tabaci MED females, although RaMoV could shorten the life span of B. tabaci MED females by up to 4 days. A test of RaMoV transmission by different sexes of B. tabaci MED showed that there was higher virus transmission efficiency by females than males. Overall, RaMoV is transmitted by B. tabaci MED in a sex-dependent manner, and further research is needed to uncover the mechanism of the difference in RaMoV transmission by different sexes of B. tabaci.
A Place-based Assessment of Flash Flood Hazard and Vulnerability in the Contiguous United States
Authors: Khajehei Sepideh , Ahmadalipour Ali , Shao Wanyun , Moradkhani Hamid 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFlash flood is among the most catastrophic natural hazards which causes disruption in the environment and societies. Flash flood is mainly initiated by intense rainfall, and due to its rapid onset (within six hours of rainfall), taking action for effective response is challenging. Building resilience to flash floods require understanding of the socio-economic characteristics of the societies and their vulnerability to these extreme events. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of socio-economic vulnerability to flash floods and investigates the main characteristics of flash flood hazard, i.e. frequency, duration, severity, and magnitude. A socio-economic vulnerability index is developed at the county level across the Contiguous United States (CONUS). For this purpose, an ensemble of social and economic variables from the US Census and the Bureau of Economic Analysis were analyzed. Then, the coincidence of socio-economic vulnerability and flash flood hazard were investigated to identify the critical and non-critical regions. Results show that the southwest U.S. experienced severe flash flooding with high magnitude, whereas the Northern Great Plains experience lower severity and frequency. Critical counties (high-vulnerable-hotspot) are mostly located in the southern and southwestern parts of the U.S. The majority of counties in the Northern Great Plains indicate a non-critical status.
GATA4/6 regulate DHH transcription in rat adrenocortical autografts
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Takizawa Nae , Matsuda Tadashi , Yamada Hisao , Kitada Masaaki , Tanaka Susumu 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAdrenal cortex autotransplantation with ACTH stimulation may be an alternative therapy for patients with bilateral adrenalectomy to avoid adrenal crisis, but its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Previously, we detectedDhhupregulation in rat adrenocortical autografts after transplantation. Here, we investigated potential regulators such asGata4,Gata6,SryandSox9which affectDhhtranscription in adrenocortical autografts with or without ACTH stimulation. In ACTH-stimulated autografts,Gata4andGata6were downregulated compared to control autografts. This response was linked torDhhrepression. A reporter assay using the upstream region ofrDhhand a GATA binding motif revealed thatrDhhpromoters were significantly upregulated by co-transfection withGata4orGata6or both.SryandSox9expression in autografts with or without ACTH stimulation were verified by PCR and RNAscope analyses. The ovarian differentiation factorsFoxl2andRspo1were also upregulated in the autografts.Gata4andGata6were found to be significant factors in the regulation ofrDhhexpression and could be associated with adrenocortical autograft maintenance. Gonadal primordia with bipotential testicular and ovarian functions may also be present in these autografts.
Nano-indentation reveals a potential role for gradients of cell wall stiffness in directional movement of the resurrection plant Selaginella lepidophylla
Authors: Asgari Meisam , Brulé Véronique , Western Tamara L. , Pasini Damiano 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAs a physical response to water loss during drought, innerSelaginella lepidophyllastems curl into a spiral shape to prevent photoirradiation damage to their photosynthetic surfaces. Curling is reversible and involves hierarchical deformation, makingS.lepidophyllaan attractive model with which to study water-responsive actuation. Investigation at the organ and tissue level has led to the understanding that the direction and extent of stem curling can be partially attributed to stiffness gradients between adaxial and abaxial stem sides at the nanoscale. Here, we examine cell wall elasticity to understand how it contributes to the overall stem curling. We compare the measured elastic moduli along the stem length and between adaxial and abaxial stem sides using atomic force microscopy nano-indentation testing. We show that changes in cortex secondary cell wall development lead to cell wall stiffness gradients from stem tip to base, and also between adaxial and abaxial stem sides. Changes in cortical cell wall morphology and secondary cell wall composition are suggested to contribute to the observed stiffness gradients.
High neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio predicts short survival duration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Choi Seok-Jin , Hong Yoon-Ho , Kim Sung-Min , Shin Je-Young , Suh Young Ju , Sung Jung-Joon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe present study aimed to investigate the prognostic importance of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Among 322 patients diagnosed as having definite, probable, or possible ALS at a single tertiary hospital, 194 patients were included in the final analysis. Patients were divided into three groups (T1, T2, and T3) according to the tertile of their NLR. Survival rate was significantly lower in T3 compared to the other groups (log-rank test; T1 vs. T3, p = 0.009; T2 vs. T3, p = 0.008). Median survival duration was 37.0 (24.0–56.0), 32.5 (19.5–51.2), and 22.0 (17.0–38.0) months in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. In a multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis, the hazard ratio of age at onset, bulbar-onset, and NLR (T3/T1) was 1.04 (1.02–1.06, p < 0.001), 1.68 (1.10–2.57, p = 0.015), and 1.60 (1.01–2.51, p = 0.041), respectively. A high baseline NLR may serve as a useful indicator for short survival duration in patients with ALS.
Effect of weight change and lifestyle modifications on the development or remission of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: sex-specific analysis
Authors: Yoshioka Naoki , Ishigami Masatoshi , Watanabe Yasuko , Sumi Hajime , Doisaki Masao , Yamaguchi Takeo , Ito Takanori , Ishizu Yoji , Kuzuya Teiji , Honda Takashi , Ishikawa Tetsuya , Haruta Jun-ichi , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe effects of changes in various lifestyle habits on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have not been well elucidated. We aimed to clarify how weight change and lifestyle modifications were associated with the development or remission of NAFLD. In this longitudinal cohort study, we reviewed the periodic health checkup data of 1,421 subjects with no causes of liver disease besides NAFLD who had received at least two health checkups between 2009 and 2018. The prevalence of NAFLD at baseline was 34.1% (484/1,421). During follow-up period (4.6 ± 2.8 years), 104 subjects developed NAFLD and 127 subjects demonstrated NAFLD remission. The frequency of NAFLD development or that of NAFLD remission significantly increased as the larger weight gain or weight loss was, respectively (both, p < 0.001). Approximately 40% of the subjects who maintained ≥ 1%/year weight loss achieved NAFLD remission. By multivariate analysis, quitting smoking were independently associated with NAFLD development (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.86; 95% CI, 1.24–6.62). Subjects who quit smoking demonstrated large weight gain (≥1%/year) significantly more frequently than the other subjects (p < 0.001). In sex-specific analysis, starting to exercise was independently associated with NAFLD remission in men (AOR, 2.38; 95% CI, 1.25–4.53).
Epigenetic Ratchet: Spontaneous Adaptation via Stochastic Gene Expression
Authors: Himeoka Yusuke , Kaneko Kunihiko 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAdaptation to unforeseen environmental changes is one of the most prominent features that characterize the living system. Although signal transduction and gene regulation networks evolved to adapt specific environmental conditions that they frequently experience, it is also reported that bacteria can modify their gene expression patterns to survive a huge variety of environmental conditions even without such pre-designed networks to adapt specically to each environment. Here we propose a general mechanism of cells for such “spontaneous” adaptation, on the basis of stochastic gene expression and epigenetic modication. First, a variety of gene expression states that are marginally stable states are generated by epigenetic modication. Then by taking advantage of stochastic gene expression and dilution by cellular growth, it is shown that, a gene expression pattern that achieves greater cell growth is generically selected, as conrmed by simulations and analysis of several models. The mechanism does not require any design of gene regulation networks. General relevance of the mechanism to cell biology is also discussed.
Real-time in vivo imaging of regional lung function in a mouse model of cystic fibrosis on a laboratory X-ray source
Authors: Murrie Rhiannon P. , Werdiger Freda , Donnelley Martin , Lin Yu-wei , Carnibella Richard P. , Samarage Chaminda R. , Pinar Isaac , Preissner Melissa , Wang Jiping , Li Jian , Morgan Kaye S. , Parsons David W. , Dubsky Stephen , Fouras Andreas 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMost measures of lung health independently characterise either global lung function or regional lung structure. The ability to measure airflow and lung function regionally would provide a more specific and physiologically focused means by which to assess and track lung disease in both pre-clinical and clinical settings. One approach for achieving regional lung function measurement is via phase contrast X-ray imaging (PCXI), which has been shown to provide highly sensitive, high-resolution images of the lungs and airways in small animals. The detailed images provided by PCXI allow the application of four-dimensional X-ray velocimetry (4DxV) to track lung tissue motion and provide quantitative information on regional lung function. However, until recently synchrotron facilities were required to produce the highly coherent, high-flux X-rays that are required to achieve lung PCXI at a high enough frame rate to capture lung motion. This paper presents the first translation of 4DxV technology from a synchrotron facility into a laboratory setting by using a liquid-metal jet microfocus X-ray source. This source can provide the coherence required for PCXI and enough X-ray flux to image the dynamics of lung tissue motion during the respiratory cycle, which enables production of images compatible with 4DxV analysis. We demonstrate the measurements that can be captured in vivo in live mice using this technique, including regional airflow and tissue expansion. These measurements can inform physiological and biomedical research studies in small animals and assist in the development of new respiratory treatments.
Genomic inbreeding trends, influential sire lines and selection in the global Thoroughbred horse population
Authors: McGivney Beatrice A. , Han Haige , Corduff Leanne R. , Katz Lisa M. , Tozaki Teruaki , MacHugh David E. , Hill Emmeline W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe Thoroughbred horse is a highly valued domestic animal population under strong selection for athletic phenotypes. Here we present a high resolution genomics-based analysis of inbreeding in the population that may form the basis for evidence-based discussion amid concerns in the breeding industry over the increasing use of small numbers of popular sire lines, which may accelerate a loss of genetic diversity. In the most comprehensive globally representative sample of Thoroughbreds to-date (n = 10,118), including prominent stallions (n = 305) from the major bloodstock regions of the world, we show using pan-genomic SNP genotypes that there has been a highly significant decline in global genetic diversity during the last five decades (FISR2 = 0.942,P = 2.19 × 10−13;FROHR2 = 0.88,P = 1.81 × 10−10) that has likely been influenced by the use of popular sire lines. Estimates of effective population size in the global and regional populations indicate that there is some level of regional variation that may be exploited to improve global genetic diversity. Inbreeding is often a consequence of selection, which in managed animal populations tends to be driven by preferences for cultural, aesthetic or economically advantageous phenotypes. Using a composite selection signals approach, we show that centuries of selection for favourable athletic traits among Thoroughbreds acts on genes with functions in behaviour, musculoskeletal conformation and metabolism. As well as classical selective sweeps at core loci, polygenic adaptation for functional modalities in cardiovascular signalling, organismal growth and development, cellular stress and injury, metabolic pathways and neurotransmitters and other nervous system signalling has shaped the Thoroughbred athletic phenotype. Our results demonstrate that genomics-based approaches to identify genetic outcrosses will add valuable objectivity to augment traditional methods of stallion selection and that genomics-based methods will be beneficial to actively monitor the population to address the marked inbreeding trend.
Quantitative analysis of Anaplasma marginale acquisition and transmission by Dermacentor andersoni fed in vitro
Authors: Vimonish Rubikah , Johnson Wendell C. , Mousel Michelle R. , Brayton Kelly A. , Scoles Glen A. , Noh Susan M. , Ueti Massaro W. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, we describe a newin vitrotick feeding system that facilitates the study of ticks and tick-borne pathogens. To optimize the system, we usedDermacentor andersoniandAnaplasma marginaleas a tick-pathogen interaction model. Ticks were fed on bovine blood containing 10-fold dilutions of the pathogen to determine the effect of dose on tick infection rate. After feeding on infected blood, ticks were transferred to uninfected blood to stimulate bacterial replication within the tick vector. During stimulation feeding, blood samples were collected daily to determine if infected ticks secreted viableA. marginale. The results demonstrated similar attachment rates between the first and second tick feeding. Tick midgut and salivary glands were infected withA. marginale. However, salivary gland infection rates decreased as the percentage of parasitized erythrocytes decreased during tick acquisition feeding. Bacteria recovered from thein vitrosystem were able to infect a naïve bovine host. Using the highly transmissibleA. marginaleSt. Maries strain, we demonstrated that the artificial tick feeding system is a suitable tool to study tick-pathogen interactions and thatA. marginaletick salivary gland infection is dose dependent. This work demonstrates the utility of an artificial tick feeding system to directly study the association between the number of acquired pathogens and transmissibility by ticks.
Design of nanoscaled heterojunctions in precursor-derived t-ZrO2/SiOC(N) nanocomposites: Transgressing the boundaries of catalytic activity from UV to visible light
Authors: Bhaskar Shakthipriya , Awin Eranezhuth Wasan , Kumar K. C. Hari , Lale Abhijeet , Bernard Samuel , Kumar Ravi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this work, nanocomposites made of nanosized zirconia crystallized in situ in an amorphous silicon oxycarbo(nitride) (SiOC(N)) matrix have been designed through a precursor route for visible light photocatalytic applications. The relative volume fraction of the starting precursors and the pyrolysis temperatures not only influences the phase fraction of zirconia crystallites but also stabilizes the tetragonal crystal structure of zirconia (t-ZrO2) at room temperature. The presence of carbon in interstitial sites of zirconia and oxygen vacancy defects led to drastic reduction in the band gap (2.2 eV) of the nanocomposite. Apart from being a perfect host avoiding sintering of the active phase and providing mechanical stability, the amorphous matrix also reduces the recombination rate by forming heterojunctions with t-ZrO2. The reduction in band gap as well as the formation of heterojunctions aids in harnessing the visible light for photocatalytic activity.
Fam151b, the mouse homologue of C.elegans menorin gene, is essential for retinal function
Authors: Findlay Amy S. , McKie Lisa , Keighren Margaret , Clementson-Mobbs Sharon , Sanchez-Pulido Luis , Wells Sara , Cross Sally H. , Jackson Ian J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFam151b is a mammalian homologue of the C. elegans menorin gene, which is involved in neuronal branching. The International Mouse Phenotyping Consortium (IMPC) aims to knock out every gene in the mouse and comprehensively phenotype the mutant animals. This project identified Fam151b homozygous knock-out mice as having retinal degeneration. We show they have no photoreceptor function from eye opening, as demonstrated by a lack of electroretinograph (ERG) response. Histological analysis shows that during development of the eye the correct number of cells are produced and that the layers of the retina differentiate normally. However, after eye opening at P14, Fam151b mutant eyes exhibit signs of retinal stress and rapidly lose photoreceptor cells. We have mutated the second mammalian menorin homologue, Fam151a, and homozygous mutant mice have no discernible phenotype. Sequence analysis indicates that the FAM151 proteins are members of the PLC-like phosphodiesterase superfamily. However, the substrates and function of the proteins remains unknown.
Response of ammonia-oxidizing Bacteria and Archaea to long-term saline water irrigation in alluvial grey desert soils
Authors: Guo Huijuan , Ma Lijuan , Liang Yongchao , Hou Zhenan , Min Wei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSoil nitrification via ammonia oxidation is a key ecosystem process in terrestrial environments, but little is known of how increasing irrigation of farmland soils with saline waters effects these processes. We investigated the effects of long-term irrigation with saline water on the abundances and community structures of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA). Irrigation with brackish or saline water increased soil salinity (EC1:5) and NH4-N compared to irrigation with freshwater, while NO3-N, potential nitrification rates (PNR) and amoA gene copy numbers of AOA and AOB decreased markedly under irrigation regimes with saline waters. Moreover, irrigation with brackish water lowered AOA/AOB ratios. PNR was positively correlated with AOA and AOB amoA gene copy numbers across treatments. Saline and brackish water irrigation significantly increased the diversity of AOA, as noted by Shannon index values, while saline water irrigation markedly reduced AOB diversity. In addition, irrigation with brackish or fresh waters resulted in higher proportions of unclassified taxa in the AOB communities. However, irrigation with saline water led to higher proportions of unclassified taxa in the AOA communities along with the Candidatus Nitrosocaldus genus, as compared to soils irrigated with freshwater. AOA community structures were closely associated with soil salinity, NO3−N, and pH, while AOB communities were only significantly associated with NO3−N and pH. These results suggest that salinity was the dominant factor affecting the growth of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms and community structure. These results can provide a scientific basis for further exploring the response mechanism of ammonia-oxidizing microorganisms and their roles in nitrogen transformation in alluvial grey desert soils of arid areas.