bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultrahigh adsorption and singlet-oxygen mediated degradation for efficient synergetic removal of bisphenol A by a stable zirconium-porphyrin metal-organic framework
Authors: Meng Ai-Na , Chaihu Ling-Xiao , Chen Huan-Huan , Gu Zhi-Yuan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBisphenol A (BPA), one of 23 most important endocrine disrupting chemicals, was efficiently removed and sequentially photodegraded by a zirconium-porphyrin metal–organic framework (MOF) catalyst under visible light for water treatment. Well control of photodegradation allows the kinetic separation of adsorption step and photodegradation step. Ultrahigh adsorption uptake of 487.69 ± 8.37 mg g−1 is observed, while efficient photodegradation could be observed within 20 min at the rate of 0.004 mg min−1. The synergetic effect boosts the photocatalytic efficiency and confirms that the catalysis happens inside the MOF pores other than in the solution phase. Furthermore, the mechanism was elucidated by diverse control experiments, such as in the conditions of 1O2 scavenger, in darkness and with the changes of light sensitizing ligands. It confirmed that BPA was oxidized by the 1O2 which was generated from porphyrin ligand within MOFs under visible-light. The excellent reusability and wide range of suitable pH range make the Zr-porphyrin MOFs practical for the photocatalytic water treatment processes.
NMR analysis reveals significant differences in the plasma metabolic profiles of Niemann Pick C1 patients, heterozygous carriers, and healthy controls
Authors: Probert Fay , Ruiz-Rodado Victor , Vruchte Danielle te , Nicoli Elena-Raluca , Claridge Tim D. W. , Wassif Christopher A. , Farhat Nicole , Porter Forbes D. , Platt Frances M. , Grootveld Martin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNiemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) disease is a rare autosomal recessive, neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder, which presents with a range of clinical phenotypes and hence diagnosis remains a challenge. In view of these difficulties, the search for a novel, NPC1-specific biomarker (or set of biomarkers) is a topic of much interest. Here we employed high-resolution 1H nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy coupled with advanced multivariate analysis techniques in order to explore and seek differences between blood plasma samples acquired from NPC1 (untreated and miglustat treated), heterozygote, and healthy control subjects. Using this approach, we were able to identify NPC1 disease with 91% accuracy confirming that there are significant differences in the NMR plasma metabolic profiles of NPC1 patients when compared to healthy controls. The discrimination between NPC1 (both miglustat treated and untreated) and healthy controls was dominated by lipoprotein triacylglycerol 1H NMR resonances and isoleucine. Heterozygote plasma samples displayed also increases in the intensities of selected lipoprotein triacylglycerol 1H NMR signals over those of healthy controls. The metabolites identified could represent useful biomarkers in the future and provide valuable insight in to the underlying pathology of NPC1 disease.
Vulnerability of mixotrophic algae to nutrient pulses and UVR in an oligotrophic Southern and Northern Hemisphere lake
Authors: Carrillo P. , Medina-Sánchez J. M. , Villar-Argaiz M. , Bullejos F. J. , Durán C. , Bastidas-Navarro M. , Souza M. S. , Balseiro E. G. , Modenutti B. E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNutrient inputs and ultraviolet radiation (UVR) are global factors affecting the structure and functioning of aquatic ecosystems, particularly clear-water ecosystems. We performed experiments in two model lakes highly exposed to UVR fluxes in order to test the effect that future increases in mineral nutrients transported by dust aerosol might exert on primary producers depending on the likelihood of atmospheric inputs. Lake La Caldera (Northern Hemisphere) has been receiving recurrent dust inputs from the Sahara Desert while lake Los Cántaros (Southern Hemisphere) has been less affected by dust aerosol. UVR × Nutrient synergistically stimulated primary production (PP), chlorophylla(Chla), with a smaller increase in phytoplanktonic biomass in La Caldera, but not in Los Cántaros, where nutrient addition unmasked the UVR inhibitory effect on phytoplankton. The proportional decrease of mixotrophic nanoflagellates (MNFs) after the nutrient pulse (in Los Cántaros) and the long-term decline of MNFs in La Caldera associated with the increase in aerosol-dust intrusions from the Sahara during the last 40 years suggest that a future scenario of intensified aerosol events from desert and desertified areas would not only reduce functional diversity with the decline of MNFs, but would ultimately alter the C flux towards the grazing chain in oligotrophic ecosystems.
Role of p66shc in skeletal muscle function
Authors: Granatiero Veronica , Gherardi Gaia , Vianello Matteo , Salerno Elsa , Zecchini Erika , Toniolo Luana , Pallafacchina Giorgia , Murgia Marta , Blaauw Bert , Rizzuto Rosario , Mammucari Cristina 
Published: July 2017

Abstractp66shc is a growth factor adaptor protein that contributes to mitochondrial ROS production. p66shc is involved in insulin signaling and its deletion exerts a protective effect against diet-induced obesity. In light of the role of skeletal muscle activity in the control of systemic metabolism and obesity, we investigated which is the contribution of p66shc in regulating muscle structure and function. Here, we show that p66shc−/− muscles are undistinguishable from controls in terms of size, resistance to denervation-induced atrophy, and force. However, p66shc−/− mice perform slightly better than wild type animals during repetitive downhill running. Analysis of the effects after placing mice on a high fat diet (HFD) regimen demonstrated that running distance is greatly reduced in obese wild type animals, but not in overweight-resistant p66shc−/− mice. In addition, muscle force measured after exercise decreases upon HFD in wild type mice while p66shc−/− animals are protected. Our data indicate that p66shc affect the response to damage of adult muscle in chow diet, and it determines the maintenance of muscle force and exercise performance upon a HFD regimen.
Stable isotopes reveal the effect of trawl fisheries on the diet of commercially exploited species
Authors: Hinz Hilmar , Moranta Joan , Balestrini Stephen , Sciberras Marija , Pantin Julia R. , Monnington James , Zalewski Alex , Kaiser Michel J. , Sköld Mattias , Jonsson Patrik , Bastardie Francois , Hiddink Jan Geert 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBottom trawling can change food availability for benthivorous demersal species by (i) changing benthic prey composition through physical seabed impacts and (ii) by removing overall benthic consumer biomass increasing the net availability of benthic prey for remaining individuals. Thus trawling may both negatively and positively influence the quantity and quality of food available. Using δ13C and δ15N we investigated potential diet changes of three commercially exploited species across trawling gradients in the Kattegat (plaice, dab and Norway lobster (Nephrops)) and the Irish Sea (Nephrops). In the Kattegat, trawling affected primarily the biomass of benthic consumers, lowering competition. Nephrops showed significant positive relationships for δ13C and a domed relationship for δ15N with trawling. In the Irish Sea, intense trawling had a negative effect on benthic prey. δ13C and δ15N thus showed the inverse relationships to those observed in the Kattegat. Plaice from the Kattegat, showed a significant relationship with trawling intensity for δ13C, but not for δ15N. No relationship was found for dab. Changes of δ13C and δ15N correlated with changes in condition of species. The results show that the removal of demersal competitors and benthos by trawling can change the diets of commercial species, ultimately affecting their body condition.
Influence of doxorubicin on model cell membrane properties: insights from in vitro and in silico studies
Authors: Alves Ana Catarina , Magarkar Aniket , Horta Miguel , Lima Jose L. F. C. , Bunker Alex , Nunes Cláudia , Reis Salette 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDespite doxorubicin being commonly used in chemotherapy there still remain significant holes in our knowledge regarding its delivery efficacy and an observed resistance mechanism that is postulated to involve the cell membrane. One possible mechanism is the efflux by protein P-gp, which is found predominantly in cholesterol enriched domains. Thereby, a hypothesis for the vulnerability of doxorubicin to efflux through P-gp is its enhanced affinity for the ordered cholesterol rich regions of the plasma membrane. Thus, we have studied doxorubicin’s interaction with model membranes in a cholesterol rich, ordered environment and in liquid-disordered cholesterol poor environment. We have combined three separate experimental protocols: UV-Vis spectrophotometry, fluorescence quenching and steady-state anisotropy and computational molecular dynamics modeling. Our results show that the presence of cholesterol induces a change in membrane structure and doesn’t impair doxorubicin’s membrane partitioning, but reduces drug’s influence on membrane fluidity without directly interacting with it. It is thus possible that the resistance mechanism that lowers the efficacy of doxorubicin, results from an increased density in membrane regions where the efflux proteins are present. This work represents a successful approach, combining experimental and computational studies of membrane based systems to unveil the behavior of drugs and candidate drug molecules.
An all-in-one UniSam vector system for efficient gene activation
Authors: Fidanza Antonella , Lopez-Yrigoyen Martha , Romanò Nicola , Jones Rhiannon , Taylor A. Helen , Forrester Lesley M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe have generated a drug-free, all-in-one dCAS9-SAM vector that can activate endogenous gene expression with the potential to modify cell fate. We demonstrate that this strategy can be used in a number of cell lines and avoids exceptionally high levels of gene expression that are observed in standard transgenic approaches. Compared to the multi-plasmid system, this all-in-one vector activates gene expression to a comparable level but the reduced overall DNA content results in significantly higher viability of transfected cells. This allowed us to use the RUNX1C-GFP human embryonic stem cell reporter cell line to monitor gene activation in individual cells and to show that activation could occur at all stages of the cell cycle.
Chaotic time series prediction for glucose dynamics in type 1 diabetes mellitus using regime-switching models
Authors: Frandes Mirela , Timar Bogdan , Timar Romulus , Lungeanu Diana 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), glucose dynamics are influenced by insulin reactions, diet, lifestyle, etc., and characterized by instability and nonlinearity. With the objective of a dependable decision support system for T1DM self-management, we aim to model glucose dynamics using their nonlinear chaotic properties. A group of patients was monitored via continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) sensors for several days under free-living conditions. We assessed the glycemic variability (GV) and chaotic properties of each time series. Time series were subsequently transformed into the phase-space and individual autoregressive (AR) models were applied to predict glucose values over 30-minute and 60-minute prediction horizons (PH). The logistic smooth transition AR (LSTAR) model provided the best prediction accuracy for patients with high GV. For a PH of 30 minutes, the average values of root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) for the LSTAR model in the case of patients in the hypoglycemia range were 5.83 ( ± 1.95) mg/dL and 5.18 ( ± 1.64) mg/dL, respectively. For a PH of 60 minutes, the average values of RMSE and MAE were 7.43 ( ± 1.87) mg/dL and 6.54 ( ± 1.6) mg/dL, respectively. Without the burden of measuring exogenous information, nonlinear regime-switching AR models provided fast and accurate results for glucose prediction.
Non-destructive detection of cross-sectional strain and defect structure in an individual Ag five-fold twinned nanowire by 3D electron diffraction mapping
Authors: Fu Xin , Yuan Jun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCoherent x-ray diffraction investigations on Ag five-fold twinned nanowires (FTNWs) have drawn controversial conclusions concerning whether the intrinsic 7.35° angular gap could be compensated homogeneously through phase transformation or inhomogeneously by forming disclination strain field. In those studies, the x-ray techniques only provided an ensemble average of the structural information from all the Ag nanowires. Here, using three-dimensional (3D) electron diffraction mapping approach, we non-destructively explore the cross-sectional strain and the related strain-relief defect structures of an individual Ag FTNW with diameter about 30 nm. The quantitative analysis of the fine structure of intensity distribution combining with kinematic electron diffraction simulation confirms that for such a Ag FTNW, the intrinsic 7.35° angular deficiency results in an inhomogeneous strain field within each single crystalline segment consistent with the disclination model of stress-relief. Moreover, the five crystalline segments are found to be strained differently. Modeling analysis in combination with system energy calculation further indicates that the elastic strain energy within some crystalline segments, could be partially relieved by the creation of stacking fault layers near the twin boundaries. Our study demonstrates that 3D electron diffraction mapping is a powerful tool for the cross-sectional strain analysis of complex 1D nanostructures.
Determination of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase Structure Grown on a Silicon Electrode Using a Fluoroethylene Carbonate Additive
Authors: Veith Gabriel M. , Doucet Mathieu , Sacci Robert L. , Vacaliuc Bogdan , Baldwin J. Kevin , Browning James F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn this work we explore how an electrolyte additive (fluorinated ethylene carbonate – FEC) mediates the thickness and composition of the solid electrolyte interphase formed over a silicon anode in situ as a function of state-of-charge and cycle. We show the FEC condenses on the surface at open circuit voltage then is reduced to C-O containing polymeric species around 0.9 V (vs. Li/Li+). The resulting film is about 50 Å thick. Upon lithiation the SEI thickens to 70 Å and becomes more organic-like. With delithiation the SEI thins by 13 Å and becomes more inorganic in nature, consistent with the formation of LiF. This thickening/thinning is reversible with cycling and shows the SEI is a dynamic structure. We compare the SEI chemistry and thickness to 280 Å thick SEI layers produced without FEC and provide a mechanism for SEI formation using FEC additives.
Antecedent soil moisture prior to freezing can affect quantity, composition and stability of soil dissolved organic matter during thaw
Authors: Wu Haohao , Xu Xingkai , Cheng Weiguo , Fu Pingqing , Li Fayun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThere are large amounts of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released into the soil during spring thaw, but its bioavailability and components are still unknown. The quantity, composition and stability of DOM in water extracts of forest soils during thaw were studied after two-month freezing with 9 levels of soil moisture ranging from 10% to 90% water-filled pore space (WFPS), by measuring soil carbon dioxide (CO2) flux, biodegradable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) and nitrogen (BDON), ultraviolet absorbance and parallel factor analysis of fluorescence excitation-emission matrices. Concentrations of BDOC, BDON, DOC and DON were lowest around 30% WFPS and relatively higher and lower soil moisture both increased DOM and BDOM concentrations in thawing soil. With increasing WFPS, the dominant component of soil DOM changed from humic acid-like substances to fulvic acid-like substances and the biological origin of DOM increased gradually. The protein-like component accounted for 8–20% of soil DOM and was affected by vegetation type and WFPS singly and interactively. The results implied that forest soils with more than 50% WFPS before winter freezing could release large amounts of fulvic acid-like DOM, which would be easily biodegraded and emitted as CO2 or run off with ground water during spring snow thaw.
Structure of Chorismate Mutase-like Domain of DAHPS from Bacillus subtilis Complexed with Novel Inhibitor Reveals Conformational Plasticity of Active Site
Authors: Pratap Shivendra , Dev Aditya , Kumar Vijay , Yadav Ravi , Narwal Manju , Tomar Shailly , Kumar Pravindra 
Published: July 2017

Abstract3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate-7-phosphate-synthase (DAHPS) is the first enzyme of the shikimate pathway and is responsible for the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in microorganisms. This pathway is an attractive target for antimicrobial drugs. In Bacillus subtilis, the N-terminal domain of the bifunctional DAHPS enzyme belongs to an AroQ class of chorismate mutase and is functionally homologous to the downstream AroH class chorismate mutase. This is the first structure of chorismate mutase, AroQ (BsCM_2) enzyme from Bacillus subtilis in complex with citrate and chlorogenic acid at 1.9 Å and 1.8 Å resolution, respectively. This work provides the structural basis of ligand binding into the active site of AroQ class of chorismate mutase, while accompanied by the conformational flexibility of active site loop. Molecular dynamics results showed that helix H2′ undergoes uncoiling at the first turn and increases the mobility of loop L1′. The side chains of Arg45, Phe46, Arg52 and Lys76 undergo conformational changes, which may play an important role in DAHPS regulation by the formation of the domain-domain interface. Additionally, binding studies showed that the chlorogenic acid binds to BsCM_2 with a higher affinity than chorismate. These biochemical and structural findings could lead to the development of novel antimicrobial drugs.
Mass Spectrometry Imaging proves differential absorption profiles of well-characterised permeability markers along the crypt-villus axis
Authors: Nilsson Anna , Peric Alexandra , Strimfors Marie , Goodwin Richard J. A. , Hayes Martin A. , Andrén Per E. , Hilgendorf Constanze 
Published: July 2017

AbstractKnowledge about the region-specific absorption profiles from the gastrointestinal tract of orally administered drugs is a critical factor guiding dosage form selection in drug development. We have used a novel approach to study three well-characterized permeability and absorption marker drugs in the intestine. Propranolol and metoprolol (highly permeable compounds) and atenolol (low-moderate permeability compound) were orally co-administered to rats. The site of drug absorption was revealed by high spatial resolution matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI-MSI) and complemented by quantitative measurement of drug concentration in tissue homogenates. MALDI-MSI identified endogenous molecular markers that illustrated the villi structures and confirmed the different absorption sites assigned to histological landmarks for the three drugs. Propranolol and metoprolol showed a rapid absorption and shorter transit distance in contrast to atenolol, which was absorbed more slowly from more distal sites. This study provides novel insights into site specific absorption for each of the compounds along the crypt-villus axis, as well as confirming a proximal-distal absorption gradient along the intestine. The combined analytical approach allowed the quantification and spatial resolution of drug distribution in the intestine and provided experimental evidence for the suggested absorption behaviour of low and highly permeable compounds.
NADPH oxidase 4 is required for the generation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor and host defense against Toxoplasma gondii infection
Authors: Kim Ji Hye , Lee Jina , Bae Su-Jin , Kim Yeeun , Park Byung-Joon , Choi Jae-Won , Kwon Jaeyul , Cha Guang-Ho , Yoo Heon Jong , Jo Eun-Kyeong , Bae Yun Soo , Lee Young-Ha , Yuk Jae-Min 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases (Nox) are an important family of catalytic enzymes that generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which mediate the regulation of diverse cellular functions. Although phagocyte Nox2/gp91phox is closely associated with the activation of host innate immune responses, the roles of Nox family protein duringToxoplasma gondii(T.gondii) infection have not been fully investigated. Here, we found thatT.gondii-mediated ROS production was required for the upregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) mRNA and protein levels via activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-κB signaling in macrophages. Interestingly, MIF knockdown led to a significant increase in the survival of intracellularT.gondiiin bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). Moreover, Nox4 deficiency, but not Nox2/gp91phox and the cytosolic subunit p47phox, resulted in enhanced survival of the intracellularT.gondiiRH strain and impaired expression ofT.gondii-mediated MIF in BMDMs. Additionally,Nox4-deficient mice showed increased susceptibility to virulent RH strain infection and increased cyst burden in brain tissues and low levels of MIF expression following infection with the avirulent ME49 strain. Collectively, our findings indicate that Nox4-mediated ROS generation plays a central role in MIF production and resistance toT.gondiiinfection.
Transient regulation of three clustered tomato class-I small heat-shock chaperone genes by ethylene is mediated by SlMADS-RIN transcription factor
Authors: Shukla Vijaya , Upadhyay Rakesh K. , Tucker Mark L. , Giovannoni James J. , Rudrabhatla Sairam V. , Mattoo Autar K. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractClustered class-I small heat-shock protein (sHSP) chaperone genes, SlHSP17.6, SlHSP20.0 and SlHSP20.1, in tomato are demonstrated to be transcriptionally regulated by ethylene during mature green (MG) fruit transition into ripening. These genes are constitutively expressed at MG fruit stage in two different tomato genotypes as well as in their ripening mutants, including rin, nor and Nr, and an ethylene-deficient transgenic line, ACS2-antisense. Notably, ethylene treatment of the MG fruit led to significant sHSP gene suppression in both wild-types, ACS2-antisense, nor/nor and Nr/Nr, but not the rin/rin mutant. Inability of ethylene to suppress sHSP genes in rin/rin mutant, which harbors MADS-RIN gene mutation, suggests that MADS-RIN transcription factor regulates the expression of these genes. Treatment of the wild type and ACS2-antisense fruit with the ethylene-signaling inhibitor, 1-methylcyclopropane (1-MCP), reversed the sHSP gene suppression. Transcripts of representative ethylene-responsive and ripening-modulated genes confirmed and validated sHSP transcript profile patterns. In silico analysis in conjunction with chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrated MADS-RIN protein binding to specific CArG motifs present in the promoters of these chaperone genes. The results establish MADS-RIN protein as a transcriptional regulator of these chaperone genes in an ethylene-dependent manner, and that MADS-RIN protein-regulation of sHSPs is integral to tomato fruit ripening.