bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have differential effects on cystic fibrosis macrophage function
Authors: Zhang Shuzhong , Shrestha Chandra L. , Kopp Benjamin T. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDespite the addition of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators to the cystic fibrosis (CF) treatment regimen, patients with CF continue to suffer from chronic bacterial infections that lead to progressive respiratory morbidity. Host immunity, and macrophage dysfunction specifically, has an integral role in the inability of patients with CF to clear bacterial infections. We sought to characterize macrophage responses to CFTR modulator treatment as we hypothesized that there would be differential effects based on patient genotype. Human CF and non-CF peripheral blood monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were analyzed for CFTR expression, apoptosis, polarization, phagocytosis, bacterial killing, and cytokine production via microscopy, flow cytometry, and ELISA-based assays. Compared to non-CF MDMs, CF MDMs display decreased CFTR expression, increased apoptosis, and decreased phagocytosis. CFTR expression increased and apoptosis decreased in response to ivacaftor or lumacaftor/ivacaftor therapy, and phagocytosis improved with ivacaftor alone. Ivacaftor restored CF macrophage polarization responses to non-CF levels and reducedPseudomonas aeruginosabacterial burden, but did not reduce other bacterial loads. Macrophage inflammatory cytokine production decreased in response to ivacaftor alone. In summary, ivacaftor and lumacaftor/ivacaftor have differential impacts on macrophage function with minimal changes observed in CF patients treated with lumacaftor/ivacaftor. Overall improvements in macrophage function in ivacaftor-treated CF patients result in modestly improved macrophage-mediated bacterial killing.
Three-dimensional (3D) morphology of Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea revealed by underwater remotely operated vehicle
Authors: Li Tiegang , Feng Aiping , Liu Yanxiong , Li Zhenhong , Guo Kai , Jiang Wenzheng , Du Jun , Tian Ziwen , Xu Wenxue , Liu Yang , Wang Yanru 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe Sansha Yongle Blue Hole (SYBH) is the deepest blue hole found anywhere to date. Study of the SYBH can provide insight into the interactions between hole wall morphology and many geological/hydrological mechanisms. A comprehensive investigation of the SYBH was carried out for the first time in 2017 using a professional-grade underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to obtain accurate depth and three-dimensional (3D) topographic data. The SYBH resembles a ballet dancer’s shoe and has a volume of ~499609 m3. The observed deepest portion of the SYBH is at 301.19 m below the local 10-year mean sea level. The cave bottom laterally deviates from its entrance by 118 m at an azimuth of 219 degrees. The cave entrance is shaped like a comma and has an average width of 130 m; the widest part is 162.3 m wide, while the narrowest part is 26.2 m wide and is at 279 mbsl (meters below sea level). The 3D topography of the SYBH and underwater photography revealed two large transitions at ~76 to 78 mbsl and at 158 mbsl, indicating that the initiation of the blue hole was likely a step wise process and that the hole wall morphology was subsequently remolded through a paleo-sea level stillstand (at or near Younger Dryas). The topographic data also indicated that the blue hole is situated within an isolated environment with no water or material exchange with the outside open sea.
Phosphopantetheinyl transferase (Ppt)-mediated biosynthesis of lysine, but not siderophores or DHN melanin, is required for virulence of Zymoseptoria tritici on wheat
Authors: Derbyshire Mark C. , Gohari Amir Mirzadi , Mehrabi Rahim , Kilaru Sreedhar , Steinberg Gero , Ali Solaf , Bailey Andy , Hammond-Kosack Kim , Kema Gert H. J. , Rudd Jason J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractZymoseptoria tritici is the causal agent of Septoria tritici blotch (STB) disease of wheat. Z. tritici is an apoplastic fungal pathogen, which does not penetrate plant cells at any stage of infection, and has a long initial period of symptomless leaf colonisation. During this phase it is unclear to what extent the fungus can access host plant nutrients or communicate with plant cells. Several important primary and secondary metabolite pathways in fungi are regulated by the post-translational activator phosphopantetheinyl transferase (Ppt) which provides an essential co-factor for lysine biosynthesis and the activities of non-ribosomal peptide synthases (NRPS) and polyketide synthases (PKS). To investigate the relative importance of lysine biosynthesis, NRPS-based siderophore production and PKS-based DHN melanin biosynthesis, we generated deletion mutants of ZtPpt. The ∆ZtPpt strains were auxotrophic for lysine and iron, non-melanised and non-pathogenic on wheat. Deletion of the three target genes likely affected by ZtPpt loss of function (Aar- lysine; Nrps1-siderophore and Pks1- melanin), highlighted that lysine auxotrophy was the main contributing factor for loss of virulence, with no reduction caused by loss of siderophore production or melanisation. This reveals Ppt, and the lysine biosynthesis pathway, as potential targets for fungicides effective against Z. tritici.
Direct isotopic evidence of biogenic methane production and efflux from beneath a temperate glacier
Authors: Burns R. , Wynn P. M. , Barker P. , McNamara N. , Oakley S. , Ostle N. , Stott A. W. , Tuffen H. , Zhou Zheng , Tweed F. S. , Chesler A. , Stuart M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe base of glaciers and ice sheets provide environments suitable for the production of methane. High pressure conditions beneath the impermeable ‘cap’ of overlying ice promote entrapment of methane reserves that can be released to the atmosphere during ice thinning and meltwater evacuation. However, contemporary glaciers and ice sheets are rarely accounted for as methane contributors through field measurements. Here, we present direct field-based evidence of methane production and release from beneath the Icelandic glacier Sólheimajökull, where geothermal activity creates sub-oxic conditions suited to methane production and preservation along the meltwater flow path. Methane production at the glacier bed (48 tonnes per day, or 39 mM CH4 m−2 day−1), and evasion to the atmosphere from the proglacial stream (41 tonnes per day, or 32 M CH4 m−2 day−1) indicates considerable production and release to the atmosphere during the summer melt season. Isotopic signatures (−60.2‰ to −7.6‰ for δ13Cch4 and −324.3‰ to +161.1‰ for Dch4), support a biogenic signature within waters emerging from the subglacial environment. Temperate glacial methane production and release may thus be a significant and hitherto unresolved contributor of a potent greenhouse gas to the atmosphere.
Mapping heterogeneous polarity in multicompartment nanoparticles
Authors: Palomba Francesco , Genovese Damiano , Petrizza Luca , Rampazzo Enrico , Zaccheroni Nelsi , Prodi Luca 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUnderstanding polarity gradients inside nanomaterials is essential to capture their potential as nanoreactors, catalysts or in drug delivery applications. We propose here a method to obtain detailed, quantitative information on heterogeneous polarity in multicompartment nanostructures. The method is based on a 2-steps procedure, (i) deconvolution of complex emission spectra of two solvatochromic probes followed by (ii) spectrally resolved analysis of FRET between the same solvatochromic dyes. While the first step yields a list of polarities probed in the nanomaterial suspension, the second step correlates the polarities in space. Colocalization of polarities falling within few nanometer radius is obtained via FRET, a process called here nanopolarity mapping. Here, Prodan and Nile Red are tested to map the polarity of a water-dispersable, multicompartment nanostructure, named PluS nanoparticle (NPs). PluS NPs are uniform core-shell nanoparticles with silica cores (diameter ~10 nm) and Pluronic F127 shell (thickness ~7 nm). The probes report on a wide range of nanopolarities among which the dyes efficiently exchange energy via FRET, demonstrating the coexistence of a rich variety of environments within nanometer distance. Their use as a FRET couple highlights the proximity of strongly hydrophobic sites and hydrated layers, and quantitatively accounts for the emission component related to external water, which remains unaffected by FRET processes. This method is general and applicable to map nanopolarity in a large variety of nanomaterials.
Large variability in the motility of spiroplasmas in media of different viscosities
Authors: Boudet J. F. , Mathelié-Guinlet M. , Vilquin A. , Douliez J. P. , Béven L. , Kellay H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSpiroplasmas are bacteria that do not possess flagella and their motility is linked to kink propagation coupled to changes in the cell body helicity. While the motility of bacteria with flagellar motion has been studied extensively, less work has been devoted to the motility of spiroplasmas. We first show that the motility of such bacteria has large variability from individual to individual as well as large fluctuations in time. The Brownian motion of such bacteria both in orientation and translation is also highlighted. We propose a simple model to disentangle the different components of this motility by examining trajectories of single bacteria in different viscosity solvents. The mean velocity of the bacteria turns out to depend on the viscosity of the medium as it increases with viscosity. Further, the temporal fluctuations of the bacteria motility turn out to be very strong with a direct link to tumbling events particular to this bacteria.
Resolving laminar activation in human V1 using ultra-high spatial resolution fMRI at 7T
Authors: Kashyap Sriranga , Ivanov Dimo , Havlicek Martin , Sengupta Shubharthi , Poser Benedikt A. , Uludağ Kâmil 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe mesoscopic organization of the human neocortex is of great interest for cognitive neuroscience. However, fMRI in humans typically maps the functional units of cognitive processing on a macroscopic level. With the advent of ultra-high field MRI (≥7T), it has become possible to acquire fMRI data with sub-millimetre resolution, enabling probing the laminar and columnar circuitry in humans. Currently, laminar BOLD responses are not directly observed but inferred via data analysis, due to coarse spatial resolution of fMRI (e.g. 0.7–0.8 mm isotropic) relative to the extent of histological laminae. In this study, we introduce a novel approach for mapping the cortical BOLD response at the spatial scale of cortical layers and columns at 7T (an unprecedented 0.1 mm, either in the laminar or columnar direction). We demonstrate experimentally and using simulations, the superiority of the novel approach compared to standard approaches for human laminar fMRI in terms of effective spatial resolution in either laminar or columnar direction. In addition, we provide evidence that the laminar BOLD signal profile is not homogeneous even over short patches of cortex. In summary, the proposed novel approach affords the ability to directly study the mesoscopic organization of the human cortex, thus, bridging the gap between human cognitive neuroscience and invasive animal studies.
Paramagnon-Enhanced Spin Currents in a Lattice near the Curie Point
Authors: Finazzi Marco , Bottegoni Federico , Zucchetti Carlo , Isella Giovanni , Ciccacci Franco 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSpin transport phenomena have been shown to be highly enhanced when the temperature approaches the Curie point of the material sustaining a spin flow. Here we propose a simple - yet unifying - explanation for such enhancements, based on a random-phase model accounting for the spin fluctuations within a ferromagnetic material in the paramagnetic phase. We show that pure spin currents carried by conduction electrons injected into a paramagnetic lattice of mutually interacting localized magnetic moments can be enhanced close to the Curie temperature by the exchange interaction between the lattice sites and the non vanishing spin density associated with the spin current. The latter partially aligns the magnetic moments of the lattice, generating a flow of paramagnons that contribute to the total spin current, resulting in an enhancement that can be as large as tenfold.
Chemical and sensorial investigation of in-mouth sensory properties of grape anthocyanins
Authors: Paissoni M. A. , Waffo-Teguo P. , Ma W. , Jourdes M. , Rolle L. , Teissedre P. -L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAnthocyanins are water-soluble pigments found in the cell vacuoles of fruits and flowers, performing several roles from insects attraction to stress protection. Their antioxidant activity contributes to human health, and consuming plant-derived products provides their higher source in the diet. Although their colour and nutritional features, their contribution to sensory properties of foods has not been widely investigated. In wine, preferences are connected with sensory attributes of colour, aroma, taste, and mouthfeel. In this study, grape anthocyanin extracts (TAE) were fractionated using centrifugal partition chromatography (CPC) and preparative HPLC in three fractions, i.e glucoside (GF), acetylated (AF) and cinnamoylated (CF) anthocyanins. Sensory properties were investigated by chemical analysis, as reactivity towards bovin serum albumin (BSA) and salivary proteins, and in tasting sessions to assess anthocyanins best estimated thresholds (BET) in wine-like solution. Anthocyanins reacted with both BSA and salivary proteins, but to different extents, because higher interaction between salivary proteins and anthocyanins were found. Cinnamoylated anthocyanins are the most reactive to salivary proteins. Tasting sessions suggested an involvement of anthocyanins as in-mouth contributors in wine, since their BETs were 255, 297, 68, and 58 mg/L for TAE, GF, AF, and CF, respectively, and the descriptors reported were astringency and bitterness.
Vasoinhibin comprises a three-helix bundle and its antiangiogenic domain is located within the first 79 residues
Authors: Robles Juan Pablo , Zamora Magdalena , Velasco-Bolom José Luis , Tovar Miriam , Garduño-Juárez Ramón , Bertsch Thomas , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo , Triebel Jakob , Clapp Carmen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractVasoinhibin belongs to a family of angiogenesis inhibitors generated when the fourth α-helix (H4) of the hormone prolactin (PRL) is removed by specific proteolytic cleavage. The antiangiogenic properties are absent in uncleaved PRL, indicating that conformational changes create a new bioactive domain. However, the solution structure of vasoinhibin and the location of its bioactive domain are unknown. Molecular dynamic simulation (MD) showed that the loss of H4 exposes the hydrophobic nucleus of PRL and leads to the compression of the molecule into a three-helix bundle that buries the hydrophobic nucleus again. Compression occurs by the movement of loop 1 (L1) and its interaction with α-helix 1 (H1) generating a new L1 conformation with electrostatic and hydrophobic surfaces distinct from those of PRL, that may correspond to a bioactive domain. Consistent with this model, a recombinant protein containing the first 79 amino acids comprising H1 and L1 of human PRL inhibited the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and upregulated the vasoinhibin target genes, IL1A and ICAM1. This bioactivity was comparable to that of a conventional vasoinhibin having the 123 residues encompassing H1, L1, Η2, L2, and Η3 of human PRL. These findings extend the vasoinhibin family to smaller proteins and provide important structural information, which will aid in antiangiogenic drug development.
C-Terminal Residue of Ultrashort Peptides Impacts on Molecular Self-Assembly, Hydrogelation, and Interaction with Small-Molecule Drugs
Authors: Chan Kiat Hwa , Lee Wei Hao , Ni Ming , Loo Yihua , Hauser Charlotte A. E. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSingle molecular changes on a tripeptide can have dramatic effects on their self-assembly and hydrogelation. Herein, we explore C-terminal residue variation on two consistent ultrashort peptide backbones, i.e. acetylated-Leu-Ile-Val-Ala-Gly-Xaa and acetylated-Ile-Val-Xaa (Xaa = His, Arg, Asn). The objective of this study is to identify candidates that can form hydrogels for small-molecule drug (SMD) delivery. Haemolysis and cytotoxicity (with human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells) assays showed that the new soluble peptides (Xaa = His, Arg) are cytocompatible. Gelation studies showed that all but acetylated-Ile-Val-Arg could gel under physiological conditions. Longer peptidic backbones drive self-assembly more effectively as reflected in field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and circular dichroism spectroscopy studies. Rheological studies revealed that the resultant hydrogels have varying stiffness and yield stress, depending on the backbone and C-terminal residue. Visible spectroscopy-based elution studies with SMDs (naltrexone, methotrexate, doxorubicin) showed that besides the C-terminal residue, the shape of the SMD also determines the rate and extent of SMD elution. Based on the elution assays, infrared spectroscopy, and FESEM, we propose models for the peptide fibril-SMD interaction. Our findings highlight the importance of matching the molecular properties of the self-assembling peptide and SMD in order to achieve the desired SMD release profile.
Luminescent color control of Langmuir-Blodgett film by emission enhancement using a planar metal layer
Authors: Ozaki Ryotaro , Yamada Tatsuya , Yudate Shinji , Kadowaki Kazunori , Sato Hisako 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA metal enhanced emission of more than 20-fold is observed from a Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) monolayer on a planar aluminum layer with a polymer spacer. The spectral change of the metal enhanced emission using the metal layer is discussed experimentally and theoretically. Finite-difference time-domain simulations and transfer matrix calculations have been performed to investigate the cause of the enhancement. The analytical solution of the enhancement factor of the interference enhancement is also derived assuming the planar aluminum layer as a perfect electric conductor. Furthermore, we have demonstrated control of emission color of the LB film from the yellow-green to blue or red using the metal enhanced emission.
Multimodal assessments of Zika virus immune pathophysiological responses in marmosets
Authors: Lum Fok-Moon , Zhang Wei , Lim Kheng-Choon , Malleret Benoit , Teo Teck-Hui , Koh Jun-Jia , Lee Kuan J. , Chua Tze-Kwang , Kam Yiu-Wing , Yee Wearn-Xin , Huen Isaac , Tan Jeslin J. L. , Amrun Siti Naqiah , Prakash KN Bhanu , Cozzone Patrick J. , Renia Laurent , Lee Philip T. H. , Ng Lisa F. P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAnimal models that recapitulate the human pathophysiology have been developed as useful research tools. Although laboratory mice are widely used, they are phylogenetically “distant” to humans. New world monkeys, such as the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) have steadily gained prominence. In this report, marmosets are explored as an alternate in vivo model to investigate infection and immunity of Zika virus (ZIKV). Multimodal platforms, including ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), flow cytometry, and multiplex microbead immunoassays were established to comprehensively decipher immune responses and pathophysiological outcomes. While ZIKV-infected marmosets had detectable ZIKV RNA load in various body fluids, animals did not develop any observable lesions in their testes and brains as shown by ultrasound and MRI. Immune-phenotyping detected differences in the numbers of B cells, CD8+ T cells and HLADR+ NK cells during the first two weeks of infection. Neutralizing ZIKV-specific antibodies were elicited to high levels and targeted epitopes in the E protein. This study presents a one-stop-shop platform to study infection and pathophysiology in marmosets. While marmoset-specific research tools are being refined, the research values of these animals present them as a good model for immune-based therapies.
3D Inkjet Printing of Complex, Cell-Laden Hydrogel Structures
Authors: Negro Andrea , Cherbuin Thibaud , Lutolf Matthias P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInkjet printing is widely considered a promising strategy to pattern hydrogels and living cells into three-dimensional (3D) constructs that structurally resemble tissues in our body. However, this approach is currently constrained by the limited control over multi-component deposition: the variable droplet ejection characteristics of different bioinks and dispensing units make synchronized printing very challenging. This invariably results in artificial tissues that lack the complexity and function of their native counterparts. By careful optimization of the printing parameters for two different bioink formulations, here we report the inkjet-based 3D-patterning of hydrogels according to relatively complex blueprints. 3D printing of bioinks containing living cells resulted in high-resolution, multi-component living constructs. Finally, we describe a sacrificial material approach to inkjet print perfuseable channels for improved long-term cultures of larger samples. We believe that this work provides a foundation for the generation of more complex 3D tissue models by inkjet printing.
Structure and Function Studies of Asian Corn Borer Ostrinia furnacalis Pheromone Binding Protein2
Authors: Mazumder Suman , Dahal Salik R. , Chaudhary Bharat P. , Mohanty Smita 
Published: November 2018

AbstractLepidopteran male moths have an extraordinarily sensitive olfactory system that is capable of detecting and responding to minute amounts of female-secreted pheromones over great distances. Pheromone-binding proteins (PBPs) in male antennae ferry the hydrophobic ligand across the aqueous lymph to the olfactory receptor neuron triggering the response. PBPs bind ligands at physiological pH of the lymph and release them at acidic pH near the receptor while undergoing a conformational change. In Anthereae polyphemus PBP1, ligand binding to the hydrophobic pocket and its release is regulated by two biological gates: His70 and His95 at one end of the pocket and C-terminus tail at the other end. Interestingly, in Asian corn borer Ostrinia furnacalis PBP2 (OfurPBP2), critical residues for ligand binding and release are substituted in both biological gates. The impact of these substitutions on the ligand binding and release mechanism in OfurPBP2 is not known. We report here overexpression of soluble OfurPBP2 and structural characterization at high and low pH by circular dichroism (CD) and NMR. Ligand binding and ab initio model development were carried out with fluorescence and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) respectively. OfurPBP2 in solution at pH 6.5 is homogeneous, well-folded and has a compact globular shape.