bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil moisture dynamics under two rainfall frequency treatments drive early spring CO2gas exchange of lichen-dominated biocrusts in central Spain
Authors: Baldauf Selina , Ladrón de Guevara Mónica , Maestre Fernando T. , Tietjen Britta 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundBiocrusts, communities dominated by mosses, lichens, cyanobacteria, and other microorganisms, largely affect the carbon cycle of drylands. As poikilohydric organisms, their activity time is often limited to short hydration events. The photosynthetic and respiratory response of biocrusts to hydration events is not only determined by the overall amount of available water, but also by the frequency and size of individual rainfall pulses.MethodsWe experimentally assessed the carbon exchange of a biocrust community dominated by the lichenDiploschistes diacapsisin central Spain. We compared the effect of two simulated precipitation patterns providing the same overall amount of water, but with different pulse sizes and frequency (high frequency: five mm/day vs. low frequency: 15 mm/3 days), on net/gross photosynthesis and dark respiration.ResultsRadiation and soil temperature, together with the watering treatment, affected the rates of net and gross photosynthesis, as well as dark respiration. On average, the low frequency treatment showed a 46% ± 3% (mean ± 1 SE) lower rate of net photosynthesis, a 13% ± 7% lower rate of dark respiration, and a 24% ± 8% lower rate of gross photosynthesis. However, on the days when samples of both treatments were watered, no differences between their carbon fluxes were observed. The carbon flux response ofD. diacapsiswas modulated by the environmental conditions and was particularly dependent on the antecedent soil moisture.DiscussionIn line with other studies, we found a synergetic effect of individual pulse size, frequency, environmental conditions, and antecedent moisture on the carbon exchange fluxes of biocrusts. However, most studies on this subject were conducted in summer and they obtained results different from ours, so we conclude that there is a need for long-term experiments of manipulated precipitation impacts on the carbon exchange of biocrusts. This will enable a more complete assessment of the impacts of climate change-induced alterations in precipitation patterns on biocrust communities.
SIRT5‐mediated deacetylation of LDHB promotes autophagy and tumorigenesis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Shi Liang , Yan Hui , An Shuxian , Shen Mengqin , Jia Wenzhi , Zhang Ruixue , Zhao Li , Huang Gang , Liu Jianjun 
Published: November 2018

Lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyses the conversion of lactate and NAD+ to pyruvate, NADH and H+. Protons (H+) generated by LDHB promote lysosomal acidification and autophagy in cancer, but how this role is regulated has not been defined. In this study, we identified an important post‐translational mechanism by which LDHB is regulated during autophagy in cancer cells. Mass spectrometry revealed that protein sirtuin 5 (SIRT5) is a binding partner of LDHB that deacetylated LDHB at lysine‐329, thereby promoting its enzymatic activity. Deacetylated LDHB increased autophagy and accelerated the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Notably, SIRT5 knockout or inhibition by GW5074 increased LDHB acetylation at K329 and inhibited LDHB activity, which downregulated autophagy and CRC cell growth in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, the LDHB‐Ac‐K329 staining score in CRC tissues was lower than that in corresponding peritumour tissues. Low LDHB‐Ac‐K329 status was associated with malignant progression of human CRC and served as a potential prognostic indicator for patients with CRC. Altogether, we conclude that SIRT5‐induced deacetylation of LDHB triggers hyperactivation of autophagy, a key event in tumorigenesis. Thus, the SIRT5/LDHB pathway may represent a novel target for treating CRC.
Albinism: Genetics
Authors: Oetting William S , Adams David 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Albinism is a reduction of pigment production in the skin, hair and eyes, plus a variable but characteristic change in eye development. Pigmentation research has shown that albinism is a complex genetic disorder, involving many genes with an array of functions, producing a wide phenotypic spectrum amongst affected individuals. There are currently 24 genetic disorders that have albinism included with the phenotype, including as many as 7 nonsyndromic forms of oculocutaneous albinism (reduced pigment affects skin, hair and eyes), 1 nonsyndromic form of ocular albinism (reduced pigment affects eyes only) and 16 syndromic disorders. The gene functions of the nonsyndromic forms are thought to be involved in melanin biosynthesis and many of the genes associated with the syndromic forms are involved in protein trafficking and vesicular function. Common genetic variants within some of these genes are also associated with normal variation in eye, hair and skin colouration.

Key Concepts

All animals make melanin as the chief form of colouration.

Melanin is made in specific cells called melanocytes.

Albinism is caused by a reduction or absence of melanin biosynthesis resulting in several clinical features.

There are many different types of albinism.

There are several genes associated with albinism.

The molecular pathology of albinism is complex and involves different pathways and different types of mutations.

Variation in skin pigmentation involves common polymorphisms in some albinism related genes.

Albinism can affect interactions between individuals and society.
The Rust Fungi
Authors: Kolmer James A , Ordoñez Maria E , Groth James V 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

The rust fungi are a monophyletic group of approximately 7000 species in the Basidiomycota and are highly specialised obligate parasites of plants. The life cycle of rusts can be complex. Some rusts have up to five spore stages that alternate between haploid and dikaryotic nuclear conditions and that can occur on two taxonomically unrelated host plants. The rusts have evolved specialised structures that allow them to penetrate and obtain nutrients from living host cells. Biologic forms of a single rust species may differ in ability to attack different genera of host plants. Furthermore, within a single rust species they can be highly variable in ability to attack different genotypes of one host species. At the species level, genes that condition avirulence/virulence in rusts interact in a specific relationship with rust resistance genes in plants. Many of the most important plant diseases in the world are caused by rust fungi.

Key Concepts

The rust fungi are a monophyletic group of approximately 7000 species within the Basidiomycota, the group of fungi that includes mushrooms and shelf fungi.

Rust fungi have complex life cycles with up to five spore stages that alternate between haploid and dikaryotic nuclear condition on two unrelated host plants.

The rust fungi are obligate parasites of plants and have evolved specialised structures to infect and obtain nutrients from plants.

Rusts have a highly specific host range. Genes in rust that express avirulence or virulence interact with rust resistance genes in host plants to condition a compatible or incompatible interaction. Some rust species are highly variable for biologic forms that vary in their ability to attack host genotypes with different rust resistance genes.

Many of the most important plant diseases worldwide are caused by rust fungi.
Interleukin‐4
Authors: Yang Wei‐Cheng , Hwang Yih‐Shiou , Shen Chia‐Rui 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

IL‐4 is a pleiotropic cytokine and has broad effects on a variety of cells, tissues, organs and their biological activities. It is also a well‐known ‘regulatory’ cytokine to the immune system produced mainly by activated Th2 cells and some other cells. Despite its influences on different organs and metabolic activities, IL‐4 possesses important roles in the immune system and immune responses. Understanding of these specific features of IL‐4 will help the design and development of potential therapeutic strategies against many diseases, including allergy, autoimmune and infectious diseases.

Key Concepts

Interleukin‐4 is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in a variety of bio‐physiological activities.

Interleukin‐4 is considered as a regulatory cytokine and contributes to the treatment of autoimmune diseases by shifting the Th1/Th2 paradigm as well as inducing other modulatory mechanisms.

The time and the amount, as well as the producers and responders of interleukine‐4, determine its effects on the immune reactions.

An excessive amount of interleukin‐4 deteriorates Treg‐mediated immune suppression through the enhancement of responder T‐cell survival.

The presence of interleukin‐4 at a physiological relevant concentration is beneficial to the suppressive immune responses elicited by regulatory T‐cells.
Circadian Regulation of Plant Growth
Authors: Henriques Rossana , Papdi Csaba , Ahmad Zaki , Bögre László 
Published: November 2018

Abstract
Circadian clocks generate 24 h biological rhythms that provide an adaptive advantage to organisms from all kingdoms. A simplified clock model comprises three main components: an input (e.g. light and temperature) that resets the oscillation daily; a central oscillator where several loops are connected by the intertwining of chromatin remodelling, transcriptional, and post‐translational mechanisms; and outputs including oscillating transcripts and/or proteins able to translate waving patterns into specific biological processes. Therefore, the clock maintains an anticipation mechanism controlling different aspects of the plant life cycle. From hypocotyl elongation (when seedlings grow through the soil reaching for light) to photosynthesis, stress responses and metabolism, the clock promotes plant fitness and an increase in biomass. Major developmental transitions are also under circadian regulation. Here, we will assess the impact of the circadian clock on plant growth (considering both elongation/expansion and biomass‐driven growth). We will address the regulation of cell growth and proliferation, starch metabolism, and protein translation, focusing especially in plants but providing some insights in other organisms. We expect that these findings will allow a broader understanding of the relevance of circadian‐regulated processes in providing organisms with the ability to adjust their growth and development to specific environmental conditions.
Polyelectrolyte Dielectrics for Flexible Low‐Voltage Organic Thin‐Film Transistors in Highly Sensitive Pressure Sensing
Authors: Liu Ziyang , Yin Zhigang , Wang Jianbin , Zheng Qingdong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOrganic thin‐film transistors (OTFTs) can provide an effective platform to develop flexible pressure sensors in wearable electronics due to their good signal amplification function. However, it is particularly difficult to realize OTFT‐based pressure sensors with both low‐voltage operation and high sensitivity. Here, controllable polyelectrolyte composites based on poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and polyacrylic acid (PAA) are developed as a type of high‐capacitance dielectrics for flexible OTFTs and ultrasensitive pressure sensors with sub‐1 V operation. Flexible OTFTs using the PAA:PEG dielectrics show good universality and greatly enhanced electrical performance under a much smaller operating voltage of −0.7 V than those with a pristine PAA dielectric. The low‐voltage OTFTs also exhibit excellent flexibility and bending stability under various bending radii and long cycles. Flexible OTFT‐based pressure sensors with low‐voltage operation and superhigh sensitivity are demonstrated by using a suspended semiconductor/dielectric/gate structure in combination with the PAA:PEG dielectric. The sensors deliver a record high sensitivity of 452.7 kPa−1 under a low‐voltage of −0.7 V, and excellent operating stability over 5000 cycles. The OTFT sensors can be built into a wearable sensor array for spatial pressure mapping, which shows a bright potential in flexible electronics such as wearable devices and smart skins.
Hybrid Titanium Oxide/Polymer Amphiphilic Nanomaterials with Controlled Size for Drug Encapsulation and Delivery
Authors: Kushnirov Melnitzer Vladislav , Sosnik Alejandro 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThis work describes for the first time the synthesis of hybrid drug‐loaded TiO2/polymer amphiphilic nanoparticles of finely controlled size utilizing a simple and reproducible sol–gel process that comprises the formation of a titanium(IV)/acetone oxo‐organo complex followed by its blending with an amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide) block copolymer in acetone and its aqueous‐phase nanoprecipitation. The size of the hybrid nanoparticles is governed by the complex aging, e.g., hybrid nanoparticles display diameter between 228 and 53 nm for aging of 1 and 36 days, respectively (dynamic light scattering). In addition, they show excellent physical stability in water owing to the coating of the surface with poly(ethylene oxide) blocks of the copolymer. Conversely, polymer‐free TiO2 particles are large and precipitate fast. Incorporation of a model hydrophobic drug, nitazoxanide, to the precursor solution results in hybrid nanoparticles containing 12.9% w/w cargo that is released following a bimodal profile. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (Titan Cubed Themis G2 300) analysis reveals the porous amorphous nanostructure of these novel hybrids and colocalization of drug and copolymer in the nanoparticle bulk. Finally, upon ultrasonication, our hybrid nanoparticles produce reactive oxygen species in vitro which paves the way for their use in sonodynamic and drug release therapies.
Design for Highly Piezoelectric and Visible/Near‐Infrared Photoresponsive Perovskite Oxides
Authors: Xiao Hongyuan , Dong Wen , Guo Yiping , Wang Yufeng , Zhong Haoyin , Li Qian , Yang Ming‐Min 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDefect‐engineered perovskite oxides that exhibit ferroelectric and photovoltaic properties are promising multifunctional materials. Though introducing gap states by transition metal doping on the perovskite B‐site can obtain low bandgap (i.e., 1.1–3.8 eV), the electrically leaky perovskite oxides generally lose piezoelectricity mainly due to oxygen vacancies. Therefore, the development of highly piezoelectric ferroelectric semiconductor remains challenging. Here, inspired by point‐defect‐mediated large piezoelectricity in ferroelectrics especially at the morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) region, an efficient strategy is proposed by judiciously introducing the gap states at the MPB where defect‐induced local polar heterogeneities are thermodynamically coupled with the host polarization to simultaneously achieve high piezoelectricity and low bandgap. A concrete example, Ni2+‐mediated (1–x)Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐xBa(Ti0.5Ni0.5)O3–δ (x = 0.02–0.08) composition is presented, which can show excellent piezoelectricity and unprecedented visible/near‐infrared light absorption with a lowest ever bandgap ≈0.9 eV at room temperature. In particular, the MPB composition x = 0.05 shows the best ferroelectricity/piezoelectricity (d33 = 151 pC N–1, Pr = 31.2 μC cm–2) and a largely enhanced photocurrent density approximately two orders of magnitude higher compared with classic ferroelectric (Pb,La)(Zr,Ti)O3. This research provides a new paradigm for designing highly piezoelectric and visible/near‐infrared photoresponsive perovskite oxides for solar energy conversion, near‐infrared detection, and other multifunctional applications.
Super Gas Barrier and Fire Resistance of Nanoplatelet/Nanofibril Multilayer Thin Films
Authors: Qin Shuang , Pour Maryam Ghanad , Lazar Simone , Köklükaya Oruç , Gerringer Joseph , Song Yixuan , Wågberg Lars , Grunlan Jaime C. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCellulose nanofibrils (CNF) are abundant in the fiber cell walls of many plants and are considered a nearly inexhaustible resource. With the goal of improving the flame resistance and gas barrier properties of cellulose‐based films, cationic CNF are assembled with anionic vermiculite (VMT) clay using the layer‐by‐layer deposition process. The highly aligned VMT nanoplatelets, together with cellulose nanofibrils, form a nanobrick wall structure that exhibits high optical transparency, flame resistance, super oxygen barrier, and high modulus. A 20 CNF/VMT bilayer (BL) nanocoating, with a thickness of only 136 nm, exhibits an oxygen transmission rate of 0.013 cc (m2 day atm)–1. With only 2 BL of CNF/VMT, the melting of flexible polyurethane foam exposed to a butane torch is prevented. These nanocoatings also exhibit a high elastic modulus (20 GPa) and hardness (1 GPa). This study demonstrates a unique, renewable, cellulose‐based nanocoating that could be used in a variety of packaging and protection applications.
Soft Thermoplastic Elastomer for Easy and Rapid Spin‐Coating Fabrication of Microfluidic Devices with High Hydrophilization and Bonding Performances
Authors: Lachaux Julie , Salmon Hugo , Loisel Fanny , Arouche Nassim , Ochoa Ignacio , Fernandez Luis L. , Uzan Georges , Mercier Olaf , Veres Teodor , Roy Emmanuel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSpin‐coating process of a commercially available soft thermoplastic elastomer (sTPE) is demonstrated for the realization of microfluidic prototypes. It is a reliable, wrinkling‐free, and high‐yield holding and transfer methodology for single and multilayered devices fabrication. Complex microfluidic systems including embedded microlenses array, dilutor‐like chip for stable capillary filling, and pneumatically drive valve confirms the performances and quality of the process. The dissolved sTPE, a soft styrenic‐block polymer‐based material, is flexible in its raw state as poly(dimethylsiloxane) and thermoformable as classical thermoplastics. Depending on the solvent evaporation rate, two stable morphologies of the block nanodomains are revealed: either a nanocylinder or hexagonal nanospheres pattern. Both are evenly distributed over the whole surface and account for a uniform and convenient surface at a “microfluidic scale device.” Plasma hydrophilization allows a stable and hydrophilic surface (≈20° after 7 d). The biocompatibility is assessed through the cell culture proliferation assay of progenitor endothelial cells. This sTPE solution displays fast and reliable fabrication and assembly performances, it can achieve strong and stable hydrophilicity within a low level of initial equipment investment.
Non‐Destructive Surface Energy Measurements on (1 0 0) Galfenol
Authors: Van Order Michael , Sinha Shayandev , Wang Hui , Wu Ruqian , Gaskell Karen , Flatau Alison 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDeveloping protocols for making thin sheet FeGa (Galfenol) with abnormally grown Goss or Cube grains, which provide maximum magnetostriction, is challenging because the mechanisms that regulate grain boundary mobility and texture development in these alloys are not yet understood. Grain boundary energy models do not account for forces caused by the control of surface energy from atmospheric annealing conditions. By characterizing the surface energy of specific Galfenol grains, we can develop a more accurate thermodynamic framework for modeling abnormal grain growth and texture development. To non‐destructively measure surface energy of specific crystal orientations and overcome passivation layer difficulties in previous studies, a two‐liquid‐phase contact angle method is utilized. A single‐crystal (1 0 0) Fe82Ga18 is used as a proof of concept for its isotropic surface crystal orientation. The resultant contact angle data shows a high dependence on the use of Ar‐plasma surface preparation to remove native oxides exposing a true interaction between a sessile drop and the Galfenol surface. Experimentally measured surface energy values are in agreement with density functional theory simulations. Surface texture and composition are confirmed using EBSD and XPS measurements. This non‐destructive technique paves the way towards studying surface energies of bare metal surfaces.
Codoping Er‐N to Suppress Self‐Compensation Donors for Stable p‐Type Zinc Oxide
Authors: Ouyang Yifang , Meng Zhisen , Mo Xiaoming , Chen Hongmei , Tao Xiaoma , Peng Qing , Du Yong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractStable p‐type doping of zinc oxide (ZnO) is an unsolved but critical issue for ultraviolet optoelectronic applications despite extensive investigations. Here, an Er‐N codoping strategy for defect engineering of ZnO to suppress the self‐compensation of the donor‐type intrinsic point defects (IPDs) over the acceptor‐type ones is proposed. Via first‐principles calculations, the influence of nitrogen and erbium concentration on the stability of ZnO is investigated. The complex (ErZn‐mNO) consisting of multiple substitutional N on O sites and one substitutional Er on Zn site is a crucial stabilizer. With an increase of the concentration of N, the absorption edges redshift to lower energy due to the impurity band broadening in the bandgap. The results suggest that codoping Er‐N into the ZnO matrix is a feasible way to manufacture stable p‐type ZnO.
Primary Cilia as Signaling Hubs in Health and Disease
Authors: Nishimura Yuhei , Kasahara Kousuke , Shiromizu Takashi , Watanabe Masatoshi , Inagaki Masaki 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPrimary cilia detect extracellular cues and transduce these signals into cells to regulate proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, the function of primary cilia as signaling hubs of growth factors and morphogens is in focus. First, the molecular mechanisms regulating the assembly and disassembly of primary cilia are described. Then, the role of primary cilia in mediating growth factor and morphogen signaling to maintain human health and the potential mechanisms by which defects in these pathways contribute to human diseases, such as ciliopathy, obesity, and cancer are described. Furthermore, a novel signaling pathway by which certain growth factors stimulate cell proliferation through suppression of ciliogenesis is also described, suggesting novel therapeutic targets in cancer.