bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear plasmon-exciton coupling enhances sum-frequency generation from a hybrid metal/semiconductor nanostructure
Authors: Zhong Jin-Hui , Vogelsang Jan , Yi Jue-Min , Wang Dong , Wittenbecher Lukas , Mikaelsson Sara , Korte Anke , Chimeh Abbas , Arnold Cord L. , Schaaf Peter , Runge Erich , Huillier Anne L’ , Mikkelsen Anders , Lienau Christoph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe integration of metallic plasmonic nanoantennas with quantum emitters can dramatically enhance coherent harmonic generation, often resulting from the coupling of fundamental plasmonic fields to higher-energy, electronic or excitonic transitions of quantum emitters. The ultrafast optical dynamics of such hybrid plasmon–emitter systems have rarely been explored. Here, we study those dynamics by interferometrically probing nonlinear optical emission from individual porous gold nanosponges infiltrated with zinc oxide (ZnO) emitters. Few-femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron emission microscopy reveals multiple long-lived localized plasmonic hot spot modes, at the surface of the randomly disordered nanosponges, that are resonant in a broad spectral range. The locally enhanced plasmonic near-field couples to the ZnO excitons, enhancing sum-frequency generation from individual hot spots and boosting resonant excitonic emission. The quantum pathways of the coupling are uncovered from a two-dimensional spectrum correlating fundamental plasmonic excitations to nonlinearly driven excitonic emissions. Our results offer new opportunities for enhancing and coherently controlling optical nonlinearities by exploiting nonlinear plasmon-quantum emitter coupling.
Output from VIP cells of the mammalian central clock regulates daily physiological rhythms
Authors: Paul Sarika , Hanna Lydia , Harding Court , Hayter Edward A. , Walmsley Lauren , Bechtold David A. , Brown Timothy M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) circadian clock is critical for optimising daily cycles in mammalian physiology and behaviour. The roles of the various SCN cell types in communicating timing information to downstream physiological systems remain incompletely understood, however. In particular, while vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) signalling is essential for SCN function and whole animal circadian rhythmicity, the specific contributions of VIP cell output to physiological control remains uncertain. Here we reveal a key role for SCN VIP cells in central clock output. Using multielectrode recording and optogenetic manipulations, we show that VIP neurons provide coordinated daily waves of GABAergic input to target cells across the paraventricular hypothalamus and ventral thalamus, supressing their activity during the mid to late day. Using chemogenetic manipulation, we further demonstrate specific roles for this circuitry in the daily control of heart rate and corticosterone secretion, collectively establishing SCN VIP cells as influential regulators of physiological timing.
FAM13A affects body fat distribution and adipocyte function
Authors: Fathzadeh Mohsen , Li Jiehan , Rao Abhiram , Cook Naomi , Chennamsetty Indumathi , Seldin Marcus , Zhou Xiang , Sangwung Panjamaporn , Gloudemans Michael J. , Keller Mark , Attie Allan , Yang Jing , Wabitsch Martin , Carcamo-Orive Ivan , Tada Yuko , Lusis Aldons J. , Shin Myung Kyun , Molony Cliona M. , McLaughlin Tracey , Reaven Gerald , Montgomery Stephen B. , Reilly Dermot , Quertermous Thomas , Ingelsson Erik , Knowles Joshua W. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGenetic variation in the FAM13A (Family with Sequence Similarity 13 Member A) locus has been associated with several glycemic and metabolic traits in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Here, we demonstrate that in humans, FAM13A alleles are associated with increased FAM13A expression in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and an insulin resistance-related phenotype (e.g. higher waist-to-hip ratio and fasting insulin levels, but lower body fat). In human adipocyte models, knockdown of FAM13A in preadipocytes accelerates adipocyte differentiation. In mice, Fam13a knockout (KO) have a lower visceral to subcutaneous fat (VAT/SAT) ratio after high-fat diet challenge, in comparison to their wild-type counterparts. Subcutaneous adipocytes in KO mice show a size distribution shift toward an increased number of smaller adipocytes, along with an improved adipogenic potential. Our results indicate that GWAS-associated variants within the FAM13A locus alter adipose FAM13A expression, which in turn, regulates adipocyte differentiation and contribute to changes in body fat distribution.
Rac1 activates non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway to induce chemoresistance of breast cancer
Authors: Li Qingjian , Qin Tao , Bi Zhuofei , Hong Huangming , Ding Lin , Chen Jiewen , Wu Wei , Lin Xiaorong , Fu Wenkui , Zheng Fang , Yao Yandan , Luo Man-Li , Saw Phei Er , Wulf Gerburg M. , Xu Xiaoding , Song Erwei , Yao Herui , Hu Hai 
Published: March 2020

AbstractResistance development to one chemotherapeutic reagent leads frequently to acquired tolerance to other compounds, limiting the therapeutic options for cancer treatment. Herein, we find that overexpression of Rac1 is associated with multi-drug resistance to the neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). Mechanistically, Rac1 activates aldolase A and ERK signaling which up-regulates glycolysis and especially the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). This leads to increased nucleotides metabolism which protects breast cancer cells from chemotherapeutic-induced DNA damage. To translate this finding, we develop endosomal pH-responsive nanoparticles (NPs) which deliver Rac1-targeting siRNA together with cisplatin and effectively reverses NAC-chemoresistance in PDXs from NAC-resistant breast cancer patients. Altogether, our findings demonstrate that targeting Rac1 is a potential strategy to overcome acquired chemoresistance in breast cancer.
Using already-solved cases of a mass disaster event for prioritizing the search among remaining victims: a Bayesian approach
Authors: Caridi Inés , Alvarez Enrique E. , Somigliana Carlos , Puerto Mercedes Salado 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis work presents a new method for assisting in the identification process of missing persons in several contexts, such as enforced disappearances. We apply a Bayesian technique to incorporate non-genetic variables in the construction of prior information. In that way, we can learn from the already-solved cases of a particular mass event of death, and use that information to guide the search among remaining victims. This paper describes a particular application to the proposed method to the identification of human remains of the so-called disappeared during the last dictatorship in Argentina, which lasted from 1976 until 1983. Potential applications of the techniques presented hereby, however, are much wider. The central idea of our work is to take advantage of the already-solved cases within a certain event to use the gathered knowledge to assist in the investigation process, enabling the construction of prioritized rankings of victims that could correspond to each certain unidentified human remains.
Replication of FTO Gene associated with lean mass in a Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Ran Shu , Jiang Zi-Xuan , He Xiao , Liu Yu , Zhang Yu-Xue , Zhang Lei , Pei Yu-Fang , Zhang Meng , Hai Rong , Gu Gui-Shan , Liu Bao-Lin , Tian Qing , Zhang Yong-Hong , Wang Jing-Yu , Deng Hong-Wen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSarcopenia is characterized by low skeletal muscle, a complex trait with high heritability. With the dramatically increasing prevalence of obesity, obesity and sarcopenia occur simultaneously, a condition known as sarcopenic obesity. Fat mass and obesity-associated (FTO) gene is a candidate gene of obesity. To identify associations between lean mass and FTO gene, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of lean mass index (LMI) in 2207 unrelated Caucasian subjects and replicated major findings in two replication samples including 6,004 unrelated Caucasian and 38,292 unrelated Caucasian. We found 29 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in FTO significantly associated with sarcopenia (combined p-values ranging from 5.92 × 10−12 to 1.69 × 10−9). Potential biological functions of SNPs were analyzed by HaploReg v4.1, RegulomeDB, GTEx, IMPC and STRING. Our results provide suggestive evidence that FTO gene is associated with lean mass.
A semisynthetic borrelidin analogue BN-3b exerts potent antifungal activity against Candida albicans through ROS-mediated oxidative damage
Authors: Su Hao , Hu Caijuan , Cao Bixuan , Qu Xiaodan , Guan Peipei , Mu Yu , Han Li , Huang Xueshi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the process of investigating the antifungal structure-activity relationships (SAR) of borrelidin and discovering antifungal leads, a semisynthetic borrelidin analogue, BN-3b with antifungal activity against Candida albicans, was achieved. In this study, we found that oxidative damage induced by endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays an important role in the antifungal activity of BN-3b. Further investigation indicated that BN-3b stimulated ROS accumulation, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and decreased reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) ratio. Moreover, BN-3b decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and ATP generation. Ultrastructure analysis revealed that BN-3b severely damaged the cell membrane of C. albicans. Quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis revealed that virulence factors of C. albicans SAPs, PLB1, PLB2, HWP1, ALSs, and LIPs were all down-regulated after BN-3b exposure. We also found that BN-3b markedly inhibited the hyphal formation of C. albicans. In addition, in vivo studies revealed that BN-3b significantly prolonged survival and decreased fungal burden in mouse model of disseminated candidiasis.
Investigating the role of BCAR4 in ovarian physiology and female fertility by genome editing in rabbit
Authors: Peyny Maud , Jarrier-Gaillard Peggy , Boulanger Laurent , Daniel Nathalie , Lavillatte Sébastien , Cadoret Véronique , Papillier Pascal , Monniaux Danielle , Peynot Nathalie , Duranthon Véronique , Jolivet Geneviève , Dalbies-Tran Rozenn 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBreast Cancer Anti-estrogen Resistance 4 (BCAR4) was previously characterised in bovine species as a gene preferentially expressed in oocytes, whose inhibition is detrimental to in vitro embryo development. But its role in oogenesis, folliculogenesis and globally fertility in vivo remains unknown. Because the gene is not conserved in mice, rabbits were chosen for investigation of BCAR4 expression and function in vivo. BCAR4 displayed preferential expression in the ovary compared to somatic organs, and within the ovarian follicle in the oocyte compared to somatic cells. The transcript was detected in follicles as early as the preantral stage. Abundance decreased throughout embryo development until the blastocyst stage. A lineage of genome-edited rabbits was produced; BCAR4 expression was abolished in follicles from homozygous animals. Females of wild-type, heterozygous and homozygous genotypes were examined for ovarian physiology and reproductive parameters. Follicle growth and the number of ovulations in response to hormonal stimulation were not significantly different between genotypes. Following insemination, homozygous females displayed a significantly lower delivery rate than their heterozygous counterparts (22 ± 7% vs 71 ± 11% (mean ± SEM)), while prolificacy was 1.8 ± 0.7 vs 6.0 ± 1.4 kittens per insemination. In conclusion, BCAR4 is not essential for follicular growth and ovulation but it contributes to optimal fertility in rabbits.
Silicon reduces the iron uptake in rice and induces iron homeostasis related genes
Authors: Becker Martin , Ngo Ngoc Sang , Schenk Manfred Karl Adolf 
Published: March 2020

AbstractGramineous plants take up silicon (Si) that enhances the formation of exodermal Casparian bands (CBs) in the roots of rice (Oryza sativaL.). Furthermore, it is known that Si supply reduces the concentration of Fe in rice shoots. We hypothesized that the Si-enhanced CB formation in the exodermis reduces in the flux of Fe in the apoplast and the uptake of Fe loaded deoxymugineic acid. Thus, the effect of silicic acid supply at varied Fe concentrations and Fe forms was investigated in nutrient solution. The Fe concentrations in the shoot and apoplastic Fe concentrations in the root were determined and an Affymetrix GeneChip experiment was carried out together with qRT-PCR measurements for observation of transcriptomic reactions. Additionally, the Fe uptake of an overexpression mutant of OsABCG25with an enhanced exodermal CB formation was investigated. The application of silicic acid reduced the Fe concentrations in shoot DM independently of the supplied Fe concentration and Fe form. As a reaction to the Fe shortage, the full cascade of Fe-homeostasis-related genes in the roots was upregulated. Silicic acid supply also decreased the apoplastic Fe concentrations in roots. In addition, an overexpression mutant of OsABCG25with an enhanced CB formation showed a reduced uptake of Fe in excess Fe conditions. The results suggest that the Si-induced CB formation in the exodermis hampers the flux of Fe into the apoplast of the cortex and, thus, Fe uptake of rice grown in nutrient solution which is reflected in the upregulation of Fe homeostasis-related genes.
Climatic and edaphic controls over tropical forest diversity and vegetation carbon storage
Authors: Hofhansl Florian , Chacón-Madrigal Eduardo , Fuchslueger Lucia , Jenking Daniel , Morera-Beita Albert , Plutzar Christoph , Silla Fernando , Andersen Kelly M. , Buchs David M. , Dullinger Stefan , Fiedler Konrad , Franklin Oskar , Hietz Peter , Huber Werner , Quesada Carlos A. , Rammig Anja , Schrodt Franziska , Vincent Andrea G. , Weissenhofer Anton , Wanek Wolfgang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTropical rainforests harbor exceptionally high biodiversity and store large amounts of carbon in vegetation biomass. However, regional variation in plant species richness and vegetation carbon stock can be substantial, and may be related to the heterogeneity of topoedaphic properties. Therefore, aboveground vegetation carbon storage typically differs between geographic forest regions in association with the locally dominant plant functional group. A better understanding of the underlying factors controlling tropical forest diversity and vegetation carbon storage could be critical for predicting tropical carbon sink strength in response to projected climate change. Based on regionally replicated 1-ha forest inventory plots established in a region of high geomorphological heterogeneity we investigated how climatic and edaphic factors affect tropical forest diversity and vegetation carbon storage. Plant species richness (of all living stems >10 cm in diameter) ranged from 69 to 127 ha−1 and vegetation carbon storage ranged from 114 to 200 t ha−1. While plant species richness was controlled by climate and soil water availability, vegetation carbon storage was strongly related to wood density and soil phosphorus availability. Results suggest that local heterogeneity in resource availability and plant functional composition should be considered to improve projections of tropical forest ecosystem functioning under future scenarios.
Migratory dendritic cells in skin-draining lymph nodes have nickel-binding capabilities
Authors: Kuroishi Toshinobu , Bando Kanan , Bakti Reiska Kumala , Ouchi Gaku , Tanaka Yukinori , Sugawara Shunji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNickel (Ni) is the most frequent metal allergen and induces Th1-dependent type-IV allergies. In local skin, epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs) and/or dermal dendritic cells (DCs) uptake antigens and migrate to draining lymph nodes (LNs). However, the subsets of antigen-presenting cells that contribute to Ni presentation have not yet been identified. In this study, we analyzed the Ni-binding capabilities of murine DCs using fluorescent metal indicator Newport Green. Elicitation of Ni allergy was assessed after intradermal (i.d.) injection of Ni-treated DCs into ear pinnae of Ni-sensitized mice. The Ni-binding capabilities of MHC class IIhi CD11cint migratory DCs were significantly stronger than those of MHC class IIint CD11chi resident DCs and CD11cint PDCA1+ MHC class IIint B220+ plasmacytoid DCs. Migratory DCs in skin-draining and mandibular LNs showed significantly stronger Ni-binding capabilities than those in mesenteric and medial iliac LNs. An i.d. injection of IL-1β induced the activation of LCs and dermal DCs with strong Ni-binding capabilities. Ni-binding LCs were detected in draining LNs after i.d. challenge with IL-1β and Ni. Moreover, an i.d. injection of Ni-treated DCs purified from skin-draining LNs elicited Ni-allergic inflammation. These results demonstrated that migratory DCs in skin-draining LNs have strong Ni-binding capabilities and elicit Ni allergy.
Development of a MALDI-TOF MS-based screening panel for accelerated differential detection of carbapenemases in Enterobacterales using the direct-on-target microdroplet growth assay
Authors: Correa-Martínez Carlos L. , Idelevich Evgeny A. , Sparbier Katrin , Kuczius Thorsten , Kostrzewa Markus , Becker Karsten 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCarbapenemase-producing bacteria are a growing issue worldwide. Most phenotypic detection methods are culture-based, requiring long incubation times. We present a phenotypic screening panel for detection of carbapenem non-susceptibility and differentiation of carbapenemase classes and AmpC, the MALDI-TOF MS-based direct-on-target microdroplet growth assay (DOT-MGA). It was validated on 7 reference strains and 20 challenge Enterobacterales isolates. Broth microdilution (BMD) and combination disk test (CDT) were also performed, as well as PCR as reference method. The panel based on the synergy between meropenem and carbapenemase inhibitors, determined by incubating these substances with bacterial suspension on a MALDI-TOF MS target and subsequently assessing bacterial growth on the target’s spots by MS. After 4 hours of incubation, DOT-MGA correctly identified KPC, MBL and OXA (100% agreement with PCR). Detection of AmpC coincided with BMD and CDT but agreement with PCR was low, not ruling out false negative PCR results. DOT-MGA delivered more accurate results than BMD and CDT in a significantly shorter time, allowing for detection of carbapenem non-susceptibility, MIC determination and carbapenemase differentiation in one step.
Milk yield, milk composition, and milk metabolomics of dairy goats intramammary-challenged with lipopolysaccharide under heat stress conditions
Authors: Salama Ahmed A. K. , Contreras-Jodar Alexandra , Love Samantha , Mehaba Nabil , Such Xavier , Caja Gerardo 
Published: March 2020

AbstractHeat stress and mastitis are major economic issues in dairy production. The objective was to test whether goat’s mammary gland immune response to E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could be conditioned by heat stress (HS). Changes in milk composition and milk metabolomics were evaluated after the administration of LPS in mammary glands of dairy goats under thermal-neutral (TN; n = 4; 15 to 20 °C; 40 to 45% humidity) or HS (n = 4; 35 °C day, 28 °C night; 40% humidity) conditions. Milk metabolomics were evaluated using 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and multivariate analyses were carried out. Heat stress reduced feed intake and milk yield by 28 and 21%, respectively. Mammary treatment with LPS resulted in febrile response that was detectable in TN goats, but was masked by elevated body temperature due to heat load in HS goats. Additionally, LPS increased milk protein and decreased milk lactose, with more marked changes in HS goats. The recruitment of somatic cells in milk after LPS treatment was delayed by HS. Milk metabolomics revealed that citrate increased by HS, whereas choline, phosphocholine, N-acetylcarbohydrates, lactate, and ß-hydroxybutyrate could be considered as putative markers of inflammation with different pattern according to the ambient temperature (i.e. TN vs. HS). In conclusion, changes in milk somatic cells and milk metabolomics indicated that heat stress affected the mammary immune response to simulated infection, which could make dairy animals more vulnerable to mastitis.
Novel B cell-dependent multiple sclerosis model using extracellular domains of myelin proteolipid protein
Authors: Boyden Alexander W. , Brate Ashley A. , Karandikar Nitin J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTherapeutic success of B cell-targeting approaches in multiple sclerosis (MS) has intensified research into the pathogenic and regulatory roles these cells play in demyelinating disease. Dissecting the function of B cells in the MS mouse model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is largely confined to induction with either the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein epitope MOG35–55or the full-length recombinant human MOG protein, the latter representing the most-used B cell-dependent EAE model. There is a clear need to investigate B cell function in additional myelin antigen contexts. Unlike MOG35–55, where lack of B cells yields more severe disease, we show here that the immunodominant myelin proteolipid protein epitope (PLP178–191) elicited identical EAE in WT and μMT mice, suggesting an absence of B cell engagement by this peptide. We hypothesized that a longer PLP antigen may better engage B cells and designed a peptide encompassing the extracellular domains (ECD) of PLP. We demonstrate here that PLPECD-immunized B cell-deficient mice failed to exhibit EAE. In contrast, PLPECDinduced EAE not only in WT mice, but in B cell-sufficient mice incapable of secreting antibodies, suggesting a predominant antigen presentation role. These results establish a novel, efficient B cell-dependent EAE model.
Recombinant expression, characterization, and quantification in human cancer cell lines of the Anaplastic Large-Cell Lymphoma-characteristic NPM-ALK fusion protein
Authors: Kourentzi Katerina , Crum Mary , Patil Ujwal , Prebisch Ana , Chavan Dimple , Vu Binh , Zeng Zihua , Litvinov Dmitri , Zu Youli , Willson Richard C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSystemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an aggressive T-cell lymphoma most commonly seen in children and young adults. The majority of pediatric ALCLs are associated with the t(2;5)(p23;q35) translocation which fuses the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) gene with the Nucleophosmin (NPM) gene. The NPM-ALK fusion protein is a constitutively-active tyrosine kinase, and plays a major role in tumor pathogenesis. In an effort to advance novel diagnostic approaches and the understanding of the function of this fusion protein in cancer cells, we expressed inE. coli,purified and characterized human NPM-ALK fusion protein to be used as a standard for estimating expression levels in cultured human ALCL cells, a key tool in ALCL pathobiology research. We estimated that NPM-ALK fusion protein is expressed at substantial levels in both Karpas 299 and SU-DHL-1 cells (ca. 4–6 million molecules or 0.5–0.7 pg protein per cell; based on ourin-housedeveloped NPM-ALK ELISA; LOD of 40 pM) as compared to the ubiquitous β-actin protein (ca. 64 million molecules or 4.5 pg per lymphocyte). We also compared NPM-ALK/ β-actin ratios determined by ELISA to those independently determined by two-dimensional electrophoresis and showed that the two methods are in good agreement.