bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Host plant and population source drive diversity of microbial gut communities in two polyphagous insects
Authors: Jones Asher G. , Mason Charles J. , Felton Gary W. , Hoover Kelli 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSymbioses between insects and microbes are ubiquitous, but vary greatly in terms of function, transmission mechanism, and location in the insect. Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) are one of the largest and most economically important insect orders; yet, in many cases, the ecology and functions of their gut microbiomes are unresolved. We used high-throughput sequencing to determine factors that influence gut microbiomes of field-collected fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) and corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea). Fall armyworm midgut bacterial communities differed from those of corn earworm collected from the same host plant species at the same site. However, corn earworm bacterial communities differed between collection sites. Subsequent experiments using fall armyworm evaluating the influence of egg source and diet indicated that that host plant had a greater impact on gut communities. We also observed differences between regurgitant (foregut) and midgut bacterial communities of the same insect host, suggesting differential colonization. Our findings indicate that host plant is a major driver shaping gut microbiota, but differences in insect physiology, gut region, and local factors can also contribute to variation in microbiomes. Additional studies are needed to assess the mechanisms that affect variation in insect microbiomes, as well as the ecological implications of this variability in caterpillars.
Mutations in the dimer interfaces of the dengue virus capsid protein affect structural stability and impair RNA-capsid interaction
Authors: Figueira-Mansur Janaina , Aguilera Estefania A. , Stoque Rafael M. , Ventura Gustavo T. , Mohana-Borges Ronaldo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe dengue virus 2 capsid protein (DENV2C) plays a primary structural role in the protection of the viral genome and is crucial for nucleocapsid assembly. In this study, we generated single mutants of DENV2C at L50 and L54 residues of the α2 helix, which was shown to interfere with the integration of the capsid into lipid droplets, and at residues L81 and I88 located in the α4 helix, which was shown to affect viral assembly. We demonstrated that the oligomeric states of DENV2C and its mutants exist primarily in the dimeric state in solution. All single-point mutations introduced in DENV2C promoted reduction in protein stability, an effect that was more pronounced for the L81N and I88N mutants, but not protein unfolding. All the single-point mutations affected the ability of DEN2C to interact with RNA. We concluded that mutations in the α2-α2′ and α4-α4′ dimer interfaces of DENV2C affect the structural stability of the protein and impair RNA-capsid interaction. These effects were more pronounced for mutations at the L81 and I88 residues in the α4 helix. These results indicate the importance of the α4-α4′ dimer interface, which could be studied as a potential target for drug design in the future.
Surface chemical defence of the eelgrass Zostera marina against microbial foulers
Authors: Papazian Stefano , Parrot Delphine , Burýšková Barbora , Weinberger Florian , Tasdemir Deniz 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPlants rely on both mechanical and chemical defence mechanisms to protect their surfaces against microorganisms. The recently completed genome of the eelgrass Zostera marina, a marine angiosperm with fundamental importance for coastal ecosystems, showed that its re-adaptation from land to the sea has led to the loss of essential genes (for chemical communication and defence) and structural features (stomata and thick cuticle) that are typical of terrestrial plants. This study was designed to understand the molecular nature of surface protection and fouling-control strategy of eelgrass against marine epiphytic yeasts. Different surface extraction methods and comparative metabolomics by tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were used for targeted and untargeted identification of the metabolite profiles of the leaf surface and the whole tissue extracts. Desorption electrospray ionization-imaging mass spectrometry (DESI-IMS) coupled with traditional bioassays revealed, for the first time, the unique spatial distribution of the eelgrass surface-associated phenolics and fatty acids, as well as their differential bioactivity against the growth and settlement of epiphytic yeasts. This study provides insights into the complex chemical defence system of the eelgrass leaf surface. It suggests that surface-associated metabolites modulate biotic interactions and provide chemical defence and structural protection to eelgrass in its marine environment.
Imbalance in the Expression of Genes Associated with Purinergic Signalling in the Lung and Systemic Arteries of COPD Patients
Authors: Careta Oriol , Cuevas Ester , Muñoz-Esquerre Mariana , López-Sánchez Marta , Pascual-González Yuliana , Dorca Jordi , Aliagas Elisabet , Santos Salud 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGrowing evidence indicates that purinergic signalling is involved in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and in the vascular remodelling that occurs in other disorders; however, its role in initial vascular changes of COPD is not entirely known. We hypothesised that expression of genes regulating extracellular ATP and adenosine levels would be altered in the lung and systemic arteries of COPD patients. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to analyse the relative expression of 17 genes associated with purinergic signalling and inflammation in lungs and intercostal arteries of never smokers (NS) (n = 16), non-obstructed smokers (NOS) (n = 17) and COPD patients (n = 21). Gene expression of ATP-degrading enzymes was decreased in both tissues of NOS and COPD patients compared to NS. NT5E expression (gene transcribing for an AMP hydrolyzing ectonucleotidase) was increased in both tissues in NOS compared to the other groups. P1 and P2 receptors did not show changes in expression. Expression of genes associated with inflammation (interleukin-13) was upregulated only in lung tissues of COPD. These findings suggest that the expression of different extracellular ATP-degrading enzymes is altered in smokers (NOS and COPD patients), promoting inflammation. However, the high NT5E expression found only in NOS could compensate this inflammatory environment.
Untargeted metabolomics by high resolution mass spectrometry coupled to normal and reversed phase liquid chromatography as a tool to study the in vitro biotransformation of new psychoactive substances
Authors: Manier Sascha K. , Keller Andreas , Schäper Jan , Meyer Markus R. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn 2016, several synthetic cathinones were seized by the State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Bavaria in Germany. Due to their previous appearances in other countries their metabolism was already investigated in human urine as well as differentin vitromodels. These investigations were conducted using ordinary metabolism studies for drugs of abuse by using general knowledge about drug metabolism and visual comparison of mass spectra. The present study aimed to use untargeted metabolomics to support and improve those methods that highly depend on the investigators experience. Incubations were conducted using pooled human liver microsomes (pHLM) and the two cathinones 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-butanone and 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-heptanone. Samples were analyzed by LC-HRMS/MS using a metabolomics workflow consisting of a reversed phase or normal phase separation followed by electrospray ionization and full scan in positive or negative mode. LC-MS data was afterwards statistically evaluated using principal component analysis, t-distributed stochastic neighborhood embedding, and hierarchical clustering. Significant features were then identified using MS/MS. The workflow revealed 24 significant features after 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-butanone and 39 after 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-heptanone incubation, consisting of adducts, artifacts, isomers, and metabolites. The applied untargeted metabolomics strategy was able to find almost all of the metabolites that were previously described for 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-butanone in literature as well as three additional metabolites. Concerning 1-phenyl-2-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-heptanone biotransformation in pHLM, merely four metabolites described in primary human hepatocytes and human urine were not found. This study revealed that untargeted metabolomics workflows are well suited to support biotransformation studies at least of the investigated compounds in pHLM.
High degree of circular polarization in WS2 spiral nanostructures induced by broken symmetry
Authors: Barman Prahalad Kanti , Sarma Prasad V. , Shaijumon M. M. , Kini R. N. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe present helicity resolved photoluminescence (PL) measurements of WS2 spiral (SPI) nanostructures. We show that very high degree of circular polarization (DCP) (~94 ± 4%) is obtained from multilayer SPI samples at room temperature upon excitation with a circularly polarized laser at a wavelength near-resonant with the A-exciton (633 nm). TEM analysis showed that these SPI nanostructures have AB stacking in which the inversion symmetry is broken, and hence this leads to very high DCP. Comparison with PL from monolayer and bi-layer WS2 samples, along with polarization resolved PL studies provide evidence for suppression of interlayer/intravalley scattering in the multilayer SPI samples.
Diterpenoid compounds from Wedelia trilobata induce resistance to Tomato spotted wilt virus via the JA signal pathway in tobacco plants
Authors: Zhao Lihua , Hu Zhonghui , Li Shunlin , Zhou Xueping , Li Jing , Su Xiaoxia , Zhang Lizhen , Zhang Zhongkai , Dong Jiahong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) causes major losses of many crops worldwide. Several strategies have been attempted to control disease caused by TSWV. However, many challenges for the effective control of this disease remain. A promising approach is the use of abiotic or biotic inducers to enhance plant resistance to pathogens. We screened a diterpenoid compound from Wedelia trilobata, 3α-Angeloyloxy-9β-hydroxy-ent-kaur-16-en-19-oic acid (AHK), which had higher curative and protective effects against TSWV than the ningnanmycin control. The rapid initiation of the expression of all the TSWV genes was delayed by more than 1d in the curative assay, and the expression of the NSs, NSm and RdRp genes was inhibited. In addition, the replication of all TSWV genes in systemic leaves was inhibited in the protective assay, with an inhibition rate of more than 90%. The concentrations of jasmonic acid (JA) and jasmonic acid isoleucine (JA-ILE) in the AHK-treated and systemic leaves of the treated plants were significantly higher than those observed in the control. The results suggested that AHK can induce systemic resistance in treated plants. The transcription of the NtCOI1 gene, a key gene in the JA pathway, was significantly higher in both the inoculated and systemic leaves of the AHK-treated plants compared to the control. The AHK-induced resistance to TSWV in Nicotiana benthamiana could be eliminated by VIGS-mediated silencing of the NtCOI1 gene. These results indicated that AHK can activate the JA pathway and induce systemic resistance to TSWV infection.
Machine-learning guided discovery of a new thermoelectric material
Authors: Iwasaki Yuma , Takeuchi Ichiro , Stanev Valentin , Kusne Aaron Gilad , Ishida Masahiko , Kirihara Akihiro , Ihara Kazuki , Sawada Ryohto , Terashima Koichi , Someya Hiroko , Uchida Ken-ichi , Saitoh Eiji , Yorozu Shinichi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThermoelectric technologies are becoming indispensable in the quest for a sustainable future. Recently, an emerging phenomenon, the spin-driven thermoelectric effect (STE), has garnered much attention as a promising path towards low cost and versatile thermoelectric technology with easily scalable manufacturing. However, progress in development of STE devices is hindered by the lack of understanding of the fundamental physics and materials properties responsible for the effect. In such nascent scientific field, data-driven approaches relying on statistics and machine learning, instead of more traditional modeling methods, can exhibit their full potential. Here, we use machine learning modeling to establish the key physical parameters controlling STE. Guided by the models, we have carried out actual material synthesis which led to the identification of a novel STE material with a thermopower an order of magnitude larger than that of the current generation of STE devices.
Vegetation-fire feedback reduces projected area burned under climate change
Authors: Hurteau Matthew D. , Liang Shuang , Westerling A. LeRoy , Wiedinmyer Christine 
Published: February 2019

AbstractClimate influences vegetation directly and through climate-mediated disturbance processes, such as wildfire. Temperature and area burned are positively associated, conditional on availability of vegetation to burn. Fire is a self-limiting process that is influenced by productivity. Yet, many fire projections assume sufficient vegetation to support fire, with substantial implications for carbon (C) dynamics and emissions. We simulated forest dynamics under projected climate and wildfire for the Sierra Nevada, accounting for climate effects on fuel flammability (static) and climate and prior fire effects on fuel availability and flammability (dynamic). We show that compared to climate effects on flammability alone, accounting for the interaction of prior fires and climate on fuel availability and flammability moderates the projected increase in area burned by 14.3%. This reduces predicted increases in area-weighted median cumulative emissions by 38.3 Tg carbon dioxide (CO2) and 0.6 Tg particulate matter (PM1), or 12.9% and 11.5%, respectively. Our results demonstrate that after correcting for potential over-estimates of the effects of climate-driven increases in area burned, California is likely to continue facing significant wildfire and air quality challenges with on-going climate change.
Bactericidal ZnO glass-filled thermoplastic polyurethane and polydimethyl siloxane composites to inhibit biofilm-associated infections
Authors: Cabal Belén , Sevillano David , Fernández-García Elisa , Alou Luis , Suárez Marta , González Natalia , Moya José S. , Torrecillas Ramón 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis study investigates a novel approach to controlling biofilms of the most frequent pathogens implicated in the etiology of biomaterials-associated infections. New bactericidal filler based on a non-toxic glass, belonging to B2O3-SiO2-Al2O3-Na2O-ZnO system, was used to formulate composites of the most widely used polymers in biomedical applications [i.e. thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS)], with varying percentage by weight of the bactericidal glass (5, 15, 25, 35, 50%). Glass-filled polymer composites show dramatically restricted bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation. They exhibit time- and dose-dependent killing, with maximal action at 5 days. The highest activity was found against S.epidermidis biofilm (99% of reduction), one of the most common cause of nosocomial infections. The tensile properties of the obtained glass-filled composites are comparable with the literature data concerning polymeric biomaterials for medical implants and devices. In addition, all the materials presented in this research, revealed an excellent biocompatibility. This was disclosed by cell viability values above 70%, none alteration on erythrocyte membrane or cell functionality in contact with materials (haemolytic index 0–2%), and absence of interferences in blood coagulation (intrinsic, extrinsic and final pathways).
Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) of the brain in patients with tick-borne encephalitis
Authors: Zawadzki Radosław , Kubas Bożena , Hładuński Marcin , Zajkowska Olga , Zajkowska Joanna , Jurgilewicz Dorota , Garkowski Adam , Pancewicz Sławomir , Łebkowska Urszula 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a disease caused by a tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) belonging to the Flaviviridae family. The aforementioned virus is transmitted by the bite of infected ticks. In the recent years, TBEV has become a serious public health problem with a steady increase in its incidence, mainly due to the climate changes and spreading the infected ticks into new territories. The standard protocol of TBE diagnosis involves the serological laboratory test with a minor role of imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging. Long-term complications affecting patients daily activities are reported in about 40–50% of the cases. However, no changes are revealed in the laboratory tests or the imaging examination. The development of new imaging techniques such as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) can broaden the knowledge about TBE, contributing to its prevention. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of 1H-MRS of the brain in patients with TBE. Compared to controls, a statistically significant decrease in the N-acetylaspartate /creatine ratio was found bilaterally in the right and left thalamus as well as a statistically significant increase in the choline/creatine ratio in the right and left thalamus.
The interaction between miR160 and miR165/166 in the control of leaf development and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Tianxiao , Wang Yongyan , Teotia Sachin , Wang Zhaohui , Shi Chaonan , Sun Huwei , Gu Yiyou , Zhang Zhanhui , Tang Guiliang 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that play important roles in plant development and abiotic stresses. To date, studies have mainly focused on the roles of individual miRNAs, however, a few have addressed the interactions among multiple miRNAs. In this study, we investigated the interplay and regulatory circuit between miR160 and miR165/166 and its effect on leaf development and drought tolerance in Arabidopsis using Short Tandem Target Mimic (STTM). By crossing STTM160 Arabidopsis with STTM165/166, we successfully generated a double mutant of miR160 and miR165/166. The double mutant plants exhibited a series of compromised phenotypes in leaf development and drought tolerance in comparison to phenotypic alterations in the single STTM lines. RNA-seq and qRT-PCR analyses suggested that the expression levels of auxin and ABA signaling genes in the STTM-directed double mutant were compromised compared to the two single mutants. Our results also suggested that miR160-directed regulation of auxin response factors (ARFs) contribute to leaf development via auxin signaling genes, whereas miR165/166- mediated HD-ZIP IIIs regulation confers drought tolerance through ABA signaling. Our studies further indicated that ARFs and HD-ZIP IIIs may play opposite roles in the regulation of leaf development and drought tolerance that can be further applied to other crops for agronomic traits improvement.
The UWHAM and SWHAM Software Package
Authors: Zhang Bin W. , Arasteh Shima , Levy Ronald M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe introduce the UWHAM (binless weighted histogram analysis method) and SWHAM (stochastic UWHAM) software package that can be used to estimate the density of states and free energy differences based on the data generated by multi-state simulations. The programs used to solve the UWHAM equations are written in the C++ language and operated via the command line interface. In this paper, first we review the theoretical bases of UWHAM, its stochastic solver RE-SWHAM (replica exchange-like SWHAM)and ST-SWHAM (serial tempering-like SWHAM). Then we provide a tutorial with examples that explains how to apply the UWHAM program package to analyze the data generated by different types of multi-state simulations: umbrella sampling, replica exchange, free energy perturbation simulations, etc. The tutorial examples also show that the UWHAM equations can be solved stochastically by applying the RE-SWHAM and ST-SWHAM programs when the data ensemble is large. If the simulations at some states are far from equilibrium, the Stratified RE-SWHAM program can be applied to obtain the equilibrium distribution of the state of interest. All the source codes and the tutorial examples are available from our group’s web page: https://ronlevygroup.cst.temple.edu/software/UWHAM_and_SWHAM_webpage/index.html.
Structure-property relationship of Co2MnSi thin films in response to He+-irradiation
Authors: Hammerath Franziska , Bali Rantej , Hübner René , Brandt Mira R. D. , Rodan Steven , Potzger Kay , Böttger Roman , Sakuraba Yuya , Wurmehl Sabine 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe investigated the structure-property relationship of Co2MnSi Heusler thin films upon the irradiation with He+ ions. The variation of the crystal structure with increasing ion fluence has been probed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and associated with the corresponding changes of the magnetic behavior. A decrease of both the structural order and the moment in saturation is observed. Specifically, we detect a direct transition from a highly L21-ordered to a fully A2-disordered structure type and quantify the evolution of the A2 structural contribution as a function of ion fluence. Complementary TEM analysis reveals a spatially-resolved distribution of the L21 and A2 phases showing that the A2 disorder starts at the upper part of the films. The structural degradation in turn leads to a decreasing magnetic moment in saturation in response to the increasing fluence.
Controlled generation of nanopatterned electrical DNA interface
Authors: Kang Kyoungin , Jang Yeongseok , Jung Jinmu , Oh Jonghyun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractTechniques that manipulate DNA, a biomolecule with electrical properties, are in demand in various medical fields. This study fabricated a nanochannel with a conductive/semi-conductive interface using focused ion beams (FIBs) and introduced a nanochip technology to freely align, attach, and detach lambda DNAs in the interface via electrophoresis. Two-step fabrication process of nanochannels was quantitatively characterized according to the different conditions of the FIB dose (1~30 nC/μm2) and current (1~500 pA). For electrophoresis test, four different nanofluidic channels with depths of 200 nm and lengths of 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 μm were processed at the center of the rectangular channel (10 μm × 10 μm). Different voltages (1~30 V) were applied for 15 min to attach the DNAs. As the voltage increased, more lambda DNAs attached to the nanochannel interface. Furthermore, an inverse voltage (−30 V) was applied to the lambda DNAs attached to the interface for 15 min to confirm that DNAs could be successfully detached. The results showed that this method could produce a highly promising nanochip technology to align and manipulate DNAs in the desired direction according to a conductive/semi-conductive nano-sized interface, which is applicable in various biomedical fields.