bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bcl-2 regulates store-operated Ca2+ entry to modulate ER stress-induced apoptosis
Authors: Chiu Wen-Tai , Chang Heng-Ai , Lin Yi-Hsin , Lin Yu-Shan , Chang Hsiao-Tzu , Lin Hsi-Hui , Huang Soon-Cen , Tang Ming-Jer , Shen Meng-Ru 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCa2+ plays a significant role in linking the induction of apoptosis. The key anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, has been reported to regulate the movement of Ca2+ across the ER membrane, but the exact effect of Bcl-2 on Ca2+ levels remains controversial. Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE), a major mode of Ca2+ uptake in non-excitable cells, is activated by depletion of Ca2+ in the ER. Depletion of Ca2+ in the ER causes translocation of the SOC channel activator, STIM1, to the plasma membrane. Thereafter, STIM1 binds to Orai1 or/and TRPC1 channels, forcing them to open and thereby allow Ca2+ entry. In addition, several anti-cancer drugs have been reported to induce apoptosis of cancer cells via the SOCE pathway. However, the detailed mechanism underlying the regulation of SOCE by Bcl-2 is not well understood. In this study, a three-amino acid mutation within the Bcl-2 BH1 domain was generated to verify the role of Bcl-2 in Ca2+ handling during ER stress. The subcellular localization of the Bcl-2 mutant (mt) is similar to that in the wild-type Bcl-2 (WT) in the ER and mitochondria. We found that mt enhanced thapsigargin and tunicamycin-induced apoptosis through ER stress-mediated apoptosis but not through the death receptor- and mitochondria-dependent apoptosis, while WT prevented thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-induced apoptosis. In addition, mt depleted Ca2+ in the ER lumen and also increased the expression of SOCE-related molecules. Therefore, a massive Ca2+ influx via SOCE contributed to caspase activation and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibiting SOCE or chelating either extracellular or intracellular Ca2+ inhibited mt-mediated apoptosis. In brief, our results explored the critical role of Bcl-2 in Ca2+ homeostasis and the modulation of ER stress.
Visible light reduces C. elegans longevity
Authors: De Magalhaes Filho C. Daniel , Henriquez Brian , Seah Nicole E. , Evans Ronald M. , Lapierre Louis R. , Dillin Andrew 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe transparent nematode Caenorhabditis elegans can sense UV and blue-violet light to alter behavior. Because high-dose UV and blue-violet light are not a common feature outside of the laboratory setting, we asked what role, if any, could low-intensity visible light play in C. elegans physiology and longevity. Here, we show that C. elegans lifespan is inversely correlated to the time worms were exposed to visible light. While circadian control, lite-1 and tax-2 do not contribute to the lifespan reduction, we demonstrate that visible light creates photooxidative stress along with a general unfolded-protein response that decreases the lifespan. Finally, we find that long-lived mutants are more resistant to light stress, as well as wild-type worms supplemented pharmacologically with antioxidants. This study reveals that transparent nematodes are sensitive to visible light radiation and highlights the need to standardize methods for controlling the unrecognized biased effect of light during lifespan studies in laboratory conditions.
Rotating robots move collectively and self-organize
Authors: Scholz Christian , Engel Michael , Pöschel Thorsten 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiological organisms and artificial active particles self-organize into swarms and patterns. Open questions concern the design of emergent phenomena by choosing appropriate forms of activity and particle interactions. A particularly simple and versatile system are 3D-printed robots on a vibrating table that can perform self-propelled and self-spinning motion. Here we study a mixture of minimalistic clockwise and counter-clockwise rotating robots, called rotors. Our experiments show that rotors move collectively and exhibit super-diffusive interfacial motion and phase separate via spinodal decomposition. On long time scales, confinement favors symmetric demixing patterns. By mapping rotor motion on a Langevin equation with a constant driving torque and by comparison with computer simulations, we demonstrate that our macroscopic system is a form of active soft matter.
The effects of currents and potentials on the selectivities of copper toward carbon dioxide electroreduction
Authors: Ren Dan , Fong Jinhuan , Yeo Boon Siang 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCopper electrodes have been shown to be selective toward the electroreduction of carbon dioxide to ethylene, carbon monoxide, or formate. However, the underlying causes of their activities, which have been attributed to a rise in local pH near the surface of the electrode, presence of atomic-scale defects, and/or residual oxygen atoms in the catalysts, etc., have not been generally agreed on. Here, we perform a study of carbon dioxide reduction on four copper catalysts from −0.45 to −1.30 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode. The selectivities exhibited by 20 previously reported copper catalysts are also analyzed. We demonstrate that the selectivity of carbon dioxide reduction is greatly affected by the applied potentials and currents, regardless of the starting condition of copper catalysts. This study shows that optimization of the current densities at the appropriate potential windows is critical for designing highly selective copper catalysts.
Wing bone geometry reveals active flight in Archaeopteryx
Authors: Voeten Dennis F. A. E. , Cubo Jorge , de Margerie Emmanuel , Röper Martin , Beyrand Vincent , Bureš Stanislav , Tafforeau Paul , Sanchez Sophie 
Published: February 2018

AbstractArchaeopteryxis an iconic fossil taxon with feathered wings from the Late Jurassic of Germany that occupies a crucial position for understanding the early evolution of avian flight. After over 150 years of study, its mosaic anatomy unifying characters of both non-flying dinosaurs and flying birds has remained challenging to interpret in a locomotory context. Here, we compare new data from threeArchaeopteryxspecimens obtained through phase-contrast synchrotron microtomography to a representative sample of archosaurs employing a diverse array of locomotory strategies. Our analyses reveal that the architecture ofArchaeopteryx’s wing bones consistently exhibits a combination of cross-sectional geometric properties uniquely shared with volant birds, particularly those occasionally utilising short-distance flapping. We therefore interpret thatArchaeopteryxactively employed wing flapping to take to the air through a more anterodorsally posteroventrally oriented flight stroke than used by modern birds. This unexpected outcome implies that avian powered flight must have originated before the latest Jurassic.
DNA origami scaffold for studying intrinsically disordered proteins of the nuclear pore complex
Authors: Ketterer Philip , Ananth Adithya N. , Laman Trip Diederik S. , Mishra Ankur , Bertosin Eva , Ganji Mahipal , van der Torre Jaco , Onck Patrick , Dietz Hendrik , Dekker Cees 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe nuclear pore complex (NPC) is the gatekeeper for nuclear transport in eukaryotic cells. A key component of the NPC is the central shaft lined with intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) known as FG-Nups, which control the selective molecular traffic. Here, we present an approach to realize artificial NPC mimics that allows controlling the type and copy number of FG-Nups. We constructed 34 nm-wide 3D DNA origami rings and attached different numbers of NSP1, a model yeast FG-Nup, or NSP1-S, a hydrophilic mutant. Using (cryo) electron microscopy, we find that NSP1 forms denser cohesive networks inside the ring compared to NSP1-S. Consistent with this, the measured ionic conductance is lower for NSP1 than for NSP1-S. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal spatially varying protein densities and conductances in good agreement with the experiments. Our technique provides an experimental platform for deciphering the collective behavior of IDPs with full control of their type and position.
Atomic visualization of a non-equilibrium sodiation pathway in copper sulfide
Authors: Park Jae Yeol , Kim Sung Joo , Chang Joon Ha , Seo Hyeon Kook , Lee Jeong Yong , Yuk Jong Min 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSodium ion batteries have been considered a promising alternative to lithium ion batteries for large-scale energy storage owing to their low cost and high natural abundance. However, the commercialization of this device is hindered by the lack of suitable anodes with an optimized morphology that ensure high capacity and cycling stability of a battery. Here, we not only demonstrate that copper sulfide nanoplates exhibit close-to-theoretical capacity (~560 mAh g–1) and long-term cyclability, but also reveal that their sodiation follows a non-equilibrium reaction route, which involves successive crystallographic tuning. By employing in situ transmission electron microscopy, we examine the atomic structures of four distinct sodiation phases of copper sulfide nanoplates including a metastable phase and discover that the discharge profile of copper sulfide directly reflects the observed phase evolutions. Our work provides detailed insight into the sodiation process of the high-performance intercalation–conversion anode material.
Far-field probing of leaky topological states in all-dielectric metasurfaces
Authors: Gorlach Maxim A. , Ni Xiang , Smirnova Daria A. , Korobkin Dmitry , Zhirihin Dmitry , Slobozhanyuk Alexey P. , Belov Pavel A. , Alù Andrea , Khanikaev Alexander B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTopological phase transitions in condensed matter systems give rise to exotic states of matter such as topological insulators, superconductors, and superfluids. Photonic topological systems open a whole new realm of research and technological opportunities, exhibiting a number of important distinctions from their condensed matter counterparts. Photonic modes can leak into free space, which makes it possible to probe topological photonic phases by spectroscopic means via Fano resonances. Based on this idea, we develop a technique to retrieve the topological properties of all-dielectric metasurfaces from the measured far-field scattering characteristics. Collected angle-resolved spectra provide the momentum-dependent frequencies and lifetimes of the photonic modes that enable the retrieval of the effective Hamiltonian and extraction of the topological invariant. Our results demonstrate how the topological states of open non-Hermitian systems can be explored via far-field measurements, thus paving a way to the design of metasurfaces with unique scattering characteristics controlled via topological effects.
Nfat/calcineurin signaling promotes oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination by transcription factor network tuning
Authors: Weider Matthias , Starost Laura Julia , Groll Katharina , Küspert Melanie , Sock Elisabeth , Wedel Miriam , Fröb Franziska , Schmitt Christian , Baroti Tina , Hartwig Anna C. , Hillgärtner Simone , Piefke Sandra , Fadler Tanja , Ehrlich Marc , Ehlert Corinna , Stehling Martin , Albrecht Stefanie , Jabali Ammar , Schöler Hans R. , Winkler Jürgen , Kuhlmann Tanja , Wegner Michael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractOligodendrocytes produce myelin for rapid transmission and saltatory conduction of action potentials in the vertebrate central nervous system. Activation of the myelination program requires several transcription factors including Sox10, Olig2, and Nkx2.2. Functional interactions among them are poorly understood and important components of the regulatory network are still unknown. Here, we identify Nfat proteins as Sox10 targets and regulators of oligodendroglial differentiation in rodents and humans. Overall levels and nuclear fraction increase during differentiation. Inhibition of Nfat activity impedes oligodendrocyte differentiation in vitro and in vivo. On a molecular level, Nfat proteins cooperate with Sox10 to relieve reciprocal repression of Olig2 and Nkx2.2 as precondition for oligodendroglial differentiation and myelination. As Nfat activity depends on calcium-dependent activation of calcineurin signaling, regulatory network and oligodendroglial differentiation become sensitive to calcium signals. NFAT proteins are also detected in human oligodendrocytes, downregulated in active multiple sclerosis lesions and thus likely relevant in demyelinating disease.
MT4-MMP deficiency increases patrolling monocyte recruitment to early lesions and accelerates atherosclerosis
Authors: Clemente Cristina , Rius Cristina , Alonso-Herranz Laura , Martín-Alonso Mara , Pollán Ángela , Camafeita Emilio , Martínez Fernando , Mota Rubén A. , Núñez Vanessa , Rodríguez Cristina , Seiki Motoharu , Martínez-González José , Andrés Vicente , Ricote Mercedes , Arroyo Alicia G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMatrix metalloproteinases are involved in vascular remodeling. Little is known about their immune regulatory role in atherosclerosis. Here we show that mice deficient for MT4-MMP have increased adherence of macrophages to inflamed peritonea, and larger lipid deposits and macrophage burden in atherosclerotic plaques. We also demonstrate that MT4-MMP deficiency results in higher numbers of patrolling monocytes crawling and adhered to inflamed endothelia, and the accumulation of Mafb+ apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM)+ macrophages at incipient atherosclerotic lesions in mice. Functionally, MT4-MMP-null Mafb+AIM+ peritoneal macrophages express higher AIM and scavenger receptor CD36, are more resistant to apoptosis, and bind acLDL avidly, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis. CCR5 inhibition alleviates these effects by hindering the enhanced recruitment of MT4-MMP-null patrolling monocytes to early atherosclerotic lesions, thus blocking Mafb+AIM+ macrophage accumulation and atherosclerosis acceleration. Our results suggest that MT4-MMP targeting may constitute a novel strategy to boost patrolling monocyte activity in early inflammation.
Thickness-modulated metal-to-semiconductor transformation in a transition metal dichalcogenide
Authors: Ciarrocchi Alberto , Avsar Ahmet , Ovchinnikov Dmitry , Kis Andras 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe possibility of tailoring physical properties by changing the number of layers in van der Waals crystals is one of the driving forces behind the emergence of two-dimensional materials. One example is bulk MoS2, which changes from an indirect gap semiconductor to a direct bandgap semiconductor in the monolayer form. Here, we show a much bigger tuning range with a complete switching from a metal to a semiconductor in atomically thin PtSe2 as its thickness is reduced. Crystals with a thickness of ~13 nm show metallic behavior with a contact resistance as low as 70 Ω·µm. As they are thinned down to 2.5 nm and below, we observe semiconducting behavior. In such thin crystals, we demonstrate ambipolar transport with a bandgap smaller than 2.2 eV and an on/off ratio of ~105. Our results demonstrate that PtSe2 possesses an unusual behavior among 2D materials, enabling novel applications in nano and optoelectronics.
Net growth rate of continuum heterogeneous biofilms with inhibition kinetics
Authors: Gonzo Elio Emilio , Wuertz Stefan , Rajal Veronica B. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBiofilm systems can be modeled using a variety of analytical and numerical approaches, usually by making simplifying assumptions regarding biofilm heterogeneity and activity as well as effective diffusivity. Inhibition kinetics, albeit common in experimental systems, are rarely considered and analytical approaches are either lacking or consider effective diffusivity of the substrate and the biofilm density to remain constant. To address this obvious knowledge gap an analytical procedure to estimate the effectiveness factor (dimensionless substrate mass flux at the biofilm-fluid interface) was developed for a continuum heterogeneous biofilm with multiple limiting-substrate Monod kinetics to different types of inhibition kinetics. The simple perturbation technique, previously validated to quantify biofilm activity, was applied to systems where either the substrate or the inhibitor is the limiting component, and cases where the inhibitor is a reaction product or the substrate also acts as the inhibitor. Explicit analytical equations are presented for the effectiveness factor estimation and, therefore, the calculation of biomass growth rate or limiting substrate/inhibitor consumption rate, for a given biofilm thickness. The robustness of the new biofilm model was tested using kinetic parameters experimentally determined for the growth of Pseudomonas putida CCRC 14365 on phenol. Several additional cases have been analyzed, including examples where the effectiveness factor can reach values greater than unity, characteristic of systems with inhibition kinetics. Criteria to establish when the effectiveness factor can reach values greater than unity in each of the cases studied are also presented.
Next generation sequencing reveals changes of the γδ T cell receptor repertoires in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
Authors: Cheng Chaofei , Wang Bei , Gao Lei , Liu Jianmin , Chen Xinchun , Huang He , Zhao Zhendong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a severe global threat to human health. The immune protection initiated by γδ T cells play an important role in mycobacterial infection. Vaccines forMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) based on γδ T cells provide a novel approach for TB control. In our previous studies, we found a preponderant complementarity-determining region 3 (CDR3) sequence of the γδ T cell receptor (TCR) in TB patients, and successfully identified a tuberculosis antigen that can effectively activate γδ T cells with a reverse genetic strategy. However, due to the throughput limitation of the method we used, the information we obtained about the γδ TCR repertoire and preponderant CDR3 sequences was limited. In this study, we introduced next generation sequencing (NGS) to study the γδ TCR CDR3 repertoires in TB patients. We found that the CDR3δ tended to be more polyclonal and CDR3γ tended to be longer in TB patients; the γδ T cells expressing CDR3 sequences using a Vγ9-JγP rearrangement expanded significantly duringMtbinfection. We also identified new preponderant CDR3 sequences duringMtbinfection. This study comprehensively characterized the γδ T cell receptor repertoire changes, and provides useful information for the development of new vaccines and adjuvants against TB.
Historical domestication-driven population expansion of the dung beetle Gymnopleurus mopsus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) from its last refuge in Mongolia
Authors: Kang Ji Hyoun , Lim Chang Seob , Park Sung Hwan , Seok Sang Woo , Yoon Tae Joong , Bayartogtokh Badamdorj , Bae Yeon Jae 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPopulations ofGymnopleurus mopsus(family Scarabaeidae), a dung beetle that displays dung-rolling behavior (i.e., a telecoprid), have recently experienced sharp declines, and many populations are now at high risk of local extinction. However, Mongolia, which constitutes a major portion of the species’ distribution, still sustains a relatively large population. Here, we used mitochondrialCOIsequences to investigate the within-population genetic diversity and both the genetic and phylogeographic structures of 24 G.mopsuspopulations across the species’ main distribution in Mongolia. Several lines of evidence indicated that the phylogeographic structure ofG.mopsushad been influenced by a recent and sudden demographic expansion. Interestingly, the expansion of Mongolia’sG.mopsuspopulation corresponded to the advent of livestock domestication in the region, and the species’ genetic structure coincided with road networks, which presumably serve as migration routes for livestock that might mediate the beetle’s dispersal. In addition, we also found thatG.mopsuspossesses high levels of haplotype diversity, which is generally indicative of large effective population sizes (Ne). Overall, the present study contributes to the current understanding ofG.mopsus’ demographic history and dispersal patterns and also provides valuable information for the species’ conservation and management.
Assessing the Heterogeneity of the Fc-Glycan of a Therapeutic Antibody Using an engineered FcγReceptor IIIa-Immobilized Column
Authors: Kiyoshi Masato , Caaveiro Jose M. M. , Tada Minoru , Tamura Hiroko , Tanaka Toru , Terao Yosuke , Morante Koldo , Harazono Akira , Hashii Noritaka , Shibata Hiroko , Kuroda Daisuke , Nagatoishi Satoru , Oe Seigo , Ide Teruhiko , Tsumoto Kouhei , Ishii-Watabe Akiko 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe N-glycan moiety of IgG-Fc has a significant impact on multifaceted properties of antibodies such as in their effector function, structure, and stability. Numerous studies have been devoted to understanding its biological effect since the exact composition of the Fc N-glycan modulates the magnitude of effector functions such as the antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), and the complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC). To date, systematic analyses of the properties and influence of glycan variants have been of great interest. Understanding the principles on how N-glycosylation modulates those properties is important for the molecular design, manufacturing, process optimization, and quality control of therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we have separated a model therapeutic antibody into three fractions according to the composition of the N-glycan by using a novel FcγRIIIa chromatography column. Notably, Fc galactosylation was a major factor influencing the affinity of IgG-Fc to the FcγRIIIa immobilized on the column. Each antibody fraction was employed for structural, biological, and physicochemical analysis, illustrating the mechanism by which galactose modulates the affinity to FcγRIIIa. In addition, we discuss the benefits of the FcγRIIIa chromatography column to assess the heterogeneity of the N-glycan.
Detailed Visualization of Phase Evolution during Rapid Formation of Cu(InGa)Se2 Photovoltaic Absorber from Mo/CuGa/In/Se Precursors
Authors: Koo Jaseok , Kim Sammi , Cheon Taehoon , Kim Soo-Hyun , Kim Woo Kyoung 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAmongst several processes which have been developed for the production of reliable chalcopyrite Cu(InGa)Se2 photovoltaic absorbers, the 2–step metallization–selenization process is widely accepted as being suitable for industrial–scale application. Here we visualize the detailed thermal behavior and reaction pathways of constituent elements during commercially attractive rapid thermal processing of glass/Mo/CuGa/In/Se precursors on the basis of the results of systematic characterization of samples obtained from a series of quenching experiments with set-temperatures between 25 and 550 °C. It was confirmed that the Se layer crystallized and then melted between 250 and 350 °C, completely disappearing at 500 °C. The formation of CuInSe2 and Cu(InGa)Se2 was initiated at around 450 °C and 550 °C, respectively. It is suggested that pre-heat treatment to control crystallization of Se layer should be designed at 250–350 °C and Cu(InGa)Se2 formation from CuGa/In/Se precursors can be completed within a timeframe of 6 min.