bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure of ubiquitylated-Rpn10 provides insight into its autoregulation mechanism
Authors: Keren-Kaplan Tal , Zeev Peters Lee , Levin-Kravets Olga , Attali Ilan , Kleifeld Oded , Shohat Noa , Artzi Shay , Zucker Ori , Pilzer Inbar , Reis Noa , Glickman Michael H. , Ben-Aroya Shay , Prag Gali 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUbiquitin receptors decode ubiquitin signals into many cellular responses. Ubiquitin receptors also undergo coupled monoubiquitylation, and rapid deubiquitylation has hampered the characterization of the ubiquitylated state. Using bacteria that express a ubiquitylation apparatus, we purified and determined the crystal structure of the proteasomal ubiquitin-receptor Rpn10 in its ubiquitylated state. The structure shows a novel ubiquitin-binding patch that directs K84 ubiquitylation. Superimposition of ubiquitylated-Rpn10 onto electron-microscopy models of proteasomes indicates that the Rpn10-conjugated ubiquitin clashes with Rpn9, suggesting that ubiquitylation might be involved in releasing Rpn10 from the proteasome. Indeed, ubiquitylation on immobilized proteasomes dissociates the modified Rpn10 from the complex, while unmodified Rpn10 mainly remains associated. In vivo experiments indicate that contrary to wild type, Rpn10-K84R is stably associated with the proteasomal subunit Rpn9. Similarly Rpn10, but not ubiquitylated-Rpn10, binds Rpn9 in vitro. Thus we suggest that ubiquitylation functions to dissociate modified ubiquitin receptors from their targets, a function that promotes cyclic activity of ubiquitin receptors.
Novel near-infrared emission from crystal defects in MoS2 multilayer flakes
Authors: Fabbri F. , Rotunno E. , Cinquanta E. , Campi D. , Bonnini E. , Kaplan D. , Lazzarini L. , Bernasconi M. , Ferrari C. , Longo M. , Nicotra G. , Molle A. , Swaminathan V. , Salviati G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe structural defects in two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides, including point defects, dislocations and grain boundaries, are scarcely considered regarding their potential to manipulate the electrical and optical properties of this class of materials, notwithstanding the significant advances already made. Indeed, impurities and vacancies may influence the exciton population, create disorder-induced localization, as well as modify the electrical behaviour of the material. Here we report on the experimental evidence, confirmed by ab initio calculations, that sulfur vacancies give rise to a novel near-infrared emission peak around 0.75 eV in exfoliated MoS2 flakes. In addition, we demonstrate an excess of sulfur vacancies at the flake’s edges by means of cathodoluminescence mapping, aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy imaging and electron energy loss analyses. Moreover, we show that ripplocations, extended line defects peculiar to this material, broaden and redshift the MoS2 indirect bandgap emission.
Vitamin D Supplementation for Patients with Dry Eye Syndrome Refractory to Conventional Treatment
Authors: Bae Seok Hyun , Shin Young Joo , Kim Ha Kyoung , Hyon Joon Young , Wee Won Ryang , Park Shin Goo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of vitamin D supplementation in patients with dry eye syndrome (DES) refractory to conventional treatment with vitamin D deficiency. A total of 105 patients with DES refractory to conventional treatment and vitamin D deficiency that was treated with an intramuscular injection of cholecalciferol (200,000 IU). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels were measured. Eye discomfort was assessed using ocular surface disease index (OSDI) and visual analogue pain score (VAS). Tear break-up time (TBUT), fluorescein staining score (FSS), eyelid margin hyperemia, and tear secretion test were measured before treatment, and 2, 6, and 10 weeks after vitamin D supplementation. Mean serum 25(OH)D level was 10.52 ± 4.61 ng/mL. TBUT, and tear secretion test showed an improvement at 2 and 6 weeks after vitamin D supplementation compared to pretreatment values (p < 0.05 for all, paired t-test). Eyelid margin hyperemia and the severity of symptoms showed improvement at 2, 6, and 10 weeks after vitamin D supplementation (p < 0.05 for all). Compared to pre-treatment values, FSS, OSDI and VAS were decreased at 2 weeks (p < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, vitamin D supplementation is effective and useful in the treatment of patients with DES refractory to conventional treatment and with vitamin D deficiency.
Cascaded plasmon-plasmon coupling mediated energy transfer across stratified metal-dielectric nanostructures
Authors: Golmakaniyoon Sepideh , Hernandez-Martinez Pedro Ludwig , Demir Hilmi Volkan , Sun Xiao Wei 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSurface plasmon (SP) coupling has been successfully applied to nonradiative energy transfer via exciton-plasmon-exciton coupling in conventionally sandwiched donor-metal film-acceptor configurations. However, these structures lack the desired efficiency and suffer poor photoemission due to the high energy loss. Here, we show that the cascaded exciton-plasmon-plasmon-exciton coupling in stratified architecture enables an efficient energy transfer mechanism. The overlaps of the surface plasmon modes at the metal-dielectric and dielectric-metal interfaces allow for strong cross-coupling in comparison with the single metal film configuration. The proposed architecture has been demonstrated through the analytical modeling and numerical simulation of an oscillating dipole near the stratified nanostructure of metal-dielectric-metal-acceptor. Consistent with theoretical and numerical results, experimental measurements confirm at least 50% plasmon resonance energy transfer enhancement in the donor-metal-dielectric-metal-acceptor compared to the donor-metal-acceptor structure. Cascaded plasmon-plasmon coupling enables record high efficiency for exciton transfer through metallic structures.
Applying high-resolution melting (HRM) technology to identify five commonly used Artemisia species
Authors: Song Ming , Li Jingjian , Xiong Chao , Liu Hexia , Liang Junsong 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany members of the genus Artemisia are important for medicinal purposes with multiple pharmacological properties. Often, these herbal plants sold on the markets are in processed forms so it is difficult to authenticate. Routine testing and identification of these herbal materials should be performed to ensure that the raw materials used in pharmaceutical products are suitable for their intended use. In this study, five commonly used Artemisia species included Artemisia argyi, Artemisia annua, Artemisia lavandulaefolia, Artemisia indica and Artemisia atrovirens were analyzed using high resolution melting (HRM) analysis based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences. The melting profiles of the ITS2 amplicons of the five closely related herbal species are clearly separated so that they can be differentiated by HRM method. The method was further applied to authenticate commercial products in powdered. HRM curves of all the commercial samples tested are similar to the botanical species as labeled. These congeneric medicinal products were also clearly separated using the neighbor-joining (NJ) tree. Therefore, HRM method could provide an efficient and reliable authentication system to distinguish these commonly used Artemisia herbal products on the markets and offer a technical reference for medicines quality control in the drug supply chain.
Impact of high fat diet on long non-coding RNAs and messenger RNAs expression in the aortas of ApoE(−/−) mice
Authors: Bao Mei-hua , Luo Huai-qing , Chen Li-hua , Tang Liang , Ma Kui-fen , Xiang Ju , Dong Li-ping , Zeng Jie , Li Guang-yi , Li Jian-ming 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAtherosclerosis is a chronic multifactorial inflammatory disease with high prevalence worldwide, and has become the leading cause of death. The present study was designed to investigate the impact of high-fat diet on ApoE(−/−) mice exhibiting atherosclerosis by detecting the genome-wide expression profile of lncRNAs and mRNAs. A total of 354 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified (≥2.0 folds). Simultaneously, 357 differentially expressed mRNAs from the same chip were found. The expression differences of lncRNAs and mRNAs were consistent in both qPCR and microarray detection. Annotation results of the mRNAs which correlated with lncRNAs showed that the commonly related pathways were metabolism and inflammation. Hypergeometric distribution analysis indicated that the differentially expressed lncRNAs had been mostly regulated by transcription factors (TFs) such as Myod1, Rxra, Pparg, Tcf3, etc. Additional lncRNA-target-TFs network analysis was conducted for the top 20 differentially expressed lncRNAs. The results indicated Hnf4a, Ppara, Vdr, and Runx3 as the TFs most likely to regulate the production of these lncRNAs, and might play roles in inflammatory and metabolic processes in atherosclerosis. In a nutshell, the present study identified a panel of dysregulated lncRNAs and mRNAs that may be potential biomarkers or drug targets relevant to the high-fat diet related atherogenesis.
GPR30 regulates diet-induced adiposity in female mice and adipogenesis in vitro
Authors: Wang Aihua , Luo Jing , Moore William , Alkhalidy Hana , Wu Ling , Zhang Jinhua , Zhen Wei , Wang Yao , Clegg Deborah J. , Bin Xu  , Cheng Zhiyong , McMillan Ryan P. , Hulver Matthew W. , Liu Dongmin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractRecent studies showed that GPR30, a seven-transmembrane G-protein-coupled receptor, is a novel estrogen receptor (ER) that mediates some biological events elicited by estrogen in several types of cancer cells. However, its physiological or pathological role in vivo is unclear. Here, we show that GPR30 knockout (GPRKO) female mice were protected from high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, blood glucose intolerance and insulin resistance. The decreased body weight gain in GPRKO female mice is due to the reduction in body fat mass. These effects occurred in the absence of significant changes in food intake, intestinal fat absorption, triglyceride metabolism, or energy expenditure. However, GPR30 had no significant metabolic effects in male mice fed the HFD and both sexes of mice fed a chow diet. Further, GPR30 expression levels in fat tissues of WT obese female mice were greatly increased, whereas ERα and β expression was not altered. Deletion of GPR30 reduced adipogenic differentiation of adipose tissue-derived stromal cells. Conversely, activation of GPR30 enhanced adipogenic differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes. These findings provide evidence for the first time that GPR30 promotes adipogenesis and therefore the development of obesity in female mice exposed to excess fat energy.
Haptic adaptation to slant: No transfer between exploration modes
Authors: van Dam Loes C. J. , Plaisier Myrthe A. , Glowania Catharina , Ernst Marc O. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHuman touch is an inherently active sense: to estimate an object’s shape humans often move their hand across its surface. This way the object is sampled both in a serial (sampling different parts of the object across time) and parallel fashion (sampling using different parts of the hand simultaneously). Both the serial (moving a single finger) and parallel (static contact with the entire hand) exploration modes provide reliable and similar global shape information, suggesting the possibility that this information is shared early in the sensory cortex. In contrast, we here show the opposite. Using an adaptation-and-transfer paradigm, a change in haptic perception was induced by slant-adaptation using either the serial or parallel exploration mode. A unified shape-based coding would predict that this would equally affect perception using other exploration modes. However, we found that adaptation-induced perceptual changes did not transfer between exploration modes. Instead, serial and parallel exploration components adapted simultaneously, but to different kinaesthetic aspects of exploration behaviour rather than object-shape per se. These results indicate that a potential combination of information from different exploration modes can only occur at down-stream cortical processing stages, at which adaptation is no longer effective.
1,25 (OH)2D3 treatment alters the granulomatous response in M. tuberculosis infected mice
Authors: Bhatt Kamlesh , Rafi Wasiulla , Shah Neel , Christakos Sylvia , Salgame Padmini 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInduction of cathelicidin-mediated antimicrobial pathway against intracellular M. tuberculosis by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3), the active form of vitamin D, has been documented in vitro. However, in in vivo studies related to inflammatory disorders, 1,25(OH)2D3 has been demonstrated to induce an anti-inflammatory response. We therefore examined whether in the murine model of tuberculosis, the anti-inflammatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 would affect the outcome of M. tuberculosis infection. We show here that administration of 1,25(OH)2D3 to M. tuberculosis infected mice led to a change in lung granuloma architecture, characterized by a marked decrease in B cell lymphocytic aggregates. Consistent with the altered granulomas, 1,25(OH)2D3-treated mice also exhibited significantly higher bacterial burden in the lungs compared to the control group. These findings highlight the need to further investigate the effect of vitamin D on host immunity to M. tuberculosis in the context of the granulomatous response.
MiR-125a-3p timely inhibits oligodendroglial maturation and is pathologically up-regulated in human multiple sclerosis
Authors: Lecca Davide , Marangon Davide , Coppolino Giusy T. , Méndez Aida Menéndez , Finardi Annamaria , Costa Gloria Dalla , Martinelli Vittorio , Furlan Roberto , Abbracchio Maria P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractIn the mature central nervous system (CNS), oligodendrocytes provide support and insulation to axons thanks to the production of a myelin sheath. During their maturation to myelinating cells, oligodendroglial precursors (OPCs) follow a very precise differentiation program, which is finely orchestrated by transcription factors, epigenetic factors and microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small non-coding RNAs involved in post-transcriptional regulation. Any alterations in this program can potentially contribute to dysregulated myelination, impaired remyelination and neurodegenerative conditions, as it happens in multiple sclerosis (MS). Here, we identify miR-125a-3p, a developmentally regulated miRNA, as a new actor of oligodendroglial maturation, that, in the mammalian CNS regulates the expression of myelin genes by simultaneously acting on several of its already validated targets. In cultured OPCs, over-expression of miR-125a-3p by mimic treatment impairs while its inhibition with an antago-miR stimulates oligodendroglial maturation. Moreover, we show that miR-125a-3p levels are abnormally high in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients bearing active demyelinating lesions, suggesting that its pathological upregulation may contribute to MS development, at least in part by blockade of OPC differentiation leading to impaired repair of demyelinated lesions.
Similar contrast sensitivity functions measured using psychophysics and optokinetic nystagmus
Authors: Dakin Steven C. , Turnbull Philip R. K. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAlthough the contrast sensitivity function (CSF) is a particularly useful way of characterising functional vision, its measurement relies on observers making reliable perceptual reports. Such procedures can be challenging when testing children. Here we describe a system for measuring the CSF using an automated analysis of optokinetic nystagmus (OKN); an involuntary oscillatory eye movement made in response to drifting stimuli, here spatial-frequency (SF) band-pass noise. Quantifying the strength of OKN in the stimulus direction allows us to estimate contrast sensitivity across a range of SFs. We compared the CSFs of 30 observers with normal vision measured using both OKN and perceptual report. The approaches yield near-identical CSFs (mean R = 0.95) that capture subtle intra-observer variations in visual acuity and contrast sensitivity (both R = 0.84, p < 0.0001). Trial-by-trial analysis reveals high correlation between OKN and perceptual report, a signature of a common neural mechanism for determining stimulus direction. We also observe conditions where OKN and report are significantly decorrelated as a result of a minority of observers experiencing direction-reversals that are not reflected by OKN. We conclude that there are a wide range of stimulus conditions for which OKN can provide a valid alternative means of measuring of the CSF.
Microwave birefringent metamaterials for polarization conversion based on spoof surface plasmon polariton modes
Authors: Li Yongfeng , Zhang Jieqiu , Ma Hua , Wang Jiafu , Pang Yongqiang , Feng Dayi , Xu Zhuo , Qu Shaobo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe propose the design of wideband birefringent metamaterials based on spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs). Spatial k-dispersion design of SSPP modes in metamaterials is adopted to achieve high-efficiency transmission of electromagnetic waves through the metamaterial layer. By anisotropic design, the transmission phase accumulation in metamaterials can be independently modulated for x- and y-polarized components of incident waves. Since the dispersion curve of SSPPs is nonlinear, frequency-dependent phase differences can be obtained between the two orthogonal components of transmitted waves. As an example, we demonstrate a microwave birefringent metamaterials composed of fishbone structures. The full-polarization-state conversions on the zero-longitude line of Poincaré sphere can be fulfilled twice in 6–20 GHz for both linearly polarized (LP) and circularly polarized (CP) waves incidence. Besides, at a given frequency, the full-polarization-state conversion can be achieved by changing the polarization angle of the incident LP waves. Both the simulation and experiment results verify the high-efficiency polarization conversion functions of the birefringent metamaterial, including circular-to-circular, circular-to-linear(linear-to-circular), linear-to-linear polarization conversions.
ALB3 Insertase Mediates Cytochrome b6 Co-translational Import into the Thylakoid Membrane
Authors: Króliczewski Jarosław , Piskozub Małgorzata , Bartoszewski Rafał , Króliczewska Bożena 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe cytochrome b6 f complex occupies an electrochemically central position in the electron-transport chain bridging the photosynthetic reaction center of PS I and PS II. In plants, the subunits of these thylakoid membrane protein complexes are both chloroplast and nuclear encoded. How the chloroplast-encoded subunits of multi-spanning cytochrome b6 are targeted and inserted into the thylakoid membrane is not fully understood. Experimental approaches to evaluate the cytochrome b6 import mechanism in vivo have been limited to bacterial membranes and were not a part of the chloroplast environment. To evaluate the mechanism governing cytochrome b6 integration in vivo, we performed a comparative analysis of both native and synthetic cytochrome b6 insertion into purified thylakoids. Using biophysical and biochemical methods, we show that cytochrome b6 insertion into the thylakoid membrane is a non-spontaneous co-translational process that involves ALB3 insertase. Furthermore, we provided evidence that CSP41 (chloroplast stem–loop-binding protein of 41 kDa) interacts with RNC-cytochrome b6 complexes and may be involved in cytochrome b6(petB) transcript stabilization or processing.
Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) protein is required for normal mouse liver development
Authors: Szunyogova Eva , Zhou Haiyan , Maxwell Gillian K. , Powis Rachael A. , Muntoni Francesco , Gillingwater Thomas H. , Parson Simon H. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractSpinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is caused by mutation or deletion of the survival motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. Decreased levels of, cell-ubiquitous, SMN protein is associated with a range of systemic pathologies reported in severe patients. Despite high levels of SMN protein in normal liver, there is no comprehensive study of liver pathology in SMA. We describe failed liver development in response to reduced SMN levels, in a mouse model of severe SMA. The SMA liver is dark red, small and has: iron deposition; immature sinusoids congested with blood; persistent erythropoietic elements and increased immature red blood cells; increased and persistent megakaryocytes which release high levels of platelets found as clot-like accumulations in the heart. Myelopoiesis in contrast, was unaffected. Further analysis revealed significant molecular changes in SMA liver, consistent with the morphological findings. Antisense treatment from birth with PMO25, increased lifespan and ameliorated all morphological defects in liver by postnatal day 21. Defects in the liver are evident at birth, prior to motor system pathology, and impair essential liver function in SMA. Liver is a key recipient of SMA therapies, and systemically delivered antisense treatment, completely rescued liver pathology. Liver therefore, represents an important therapeutic target in SMA.
Escherichia coli Braun Lipoprotein (BLP) exhibits endotoxemia – like pathology in Swiss albino mice
Authors: Lakshmikanth Chikkamenahalli Lakshminarayana , Jacob Shancy Petsel , Kudva Avinash Kundadka , Latchoumycandane Calivarathan , Yashaswini Puttaraju Srikanta Murthy , Sumanth Mosale Seetharam , Goncalves-de-Albuquerque Cassiano F. , Silva Adriana R. , Singh Sridevi Annapurna , Castro-Faria-Neto Hugo C. , Prabhu Sandeep Kumble , McIntyre Thomas M. , Marathe Gopal Kedihithlu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) promotes sepsis, but bacterial peptides also promote inflammation leading to sepsis. We found, intraperitoneal administration of live or heat inactivatedE. coliJE5505 lacking the abundant outer membrane protein, Braun lipoprotein (BLP), was less toxic thanE. coliDH5α possessing BLP in Swiss albino mice. Injection of BLP free of LPS purified fromE. coliDH5α induced massive infiltration of leukocytes in lungs and liver. BLP activated human polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs)ex vivoto adhere to denatured collagen in serum and polymyxin B independent fashion, a property distinct from LPS. Both LPS and BLP stimulated the synthesis of platelet activating factor (PAF), a potent lipid mediator, in human PMNs. In mouse macrophage cell line, RAW264.7, while both BLP and LPS similarly upregulated TNF-α and IL-1β mRNA; BLP was more potent in inducing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA and protein expression. Peritoneal macrophages from TLR2−/−mice significantly reduced the production of TNF-α in response to BLP in contrast to macrophages from wild type mice. We conclude, BLP acting through TLR2, is a potent inducer of inflammation with a response profile both common and distinct from LPS. Hence, BLP mediated pathway may also be considered as an effective target against sepsis.