bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BLOC-1 deficiency causes alterations in amino acid profile and in phospholipid and adenosine metabolism in the postnatal mouse hippocampus
Authors: van Liempd S. M. , Cabrera D. , Lee F. Y. , González E. , Dell’Angelica E. C. , Ghiani C. A. , Falcon-Perez J. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBiogenesis of lysosome-related organelles complex-1 (BLOC-1) is a protein complex involved in the formation of endosomal tubular structures that mediates the sorting of protein cargoes to specialised compartments. In this study, we present insights into the metabolic consequences caused by BLOC-1 deficiency in pallid mice, which carry a null mutation in the Bloc1s6 gene encoding an essential component of this complex. The metabolome of the hippocampus of pallid mice was analysed using an untargeted, liquid chromatography-coupled mass spectrometric approach. After data pre-treatment, statistical analysis and pathway enrichment, we have identified 28 metabolites that showed statistically significant changes between pallid and wild-type control. These metabolites included amino acids, nucleobase-containing compounds and lysophospholipids. Interestingly, pallid mice displayed increased hippocampal levels of the neurotransmitters glutamate and N-acetyl-aspartyl-glutamic acid (NAAG) and their precursor glutamine. Expression of the sodium-coupled neutral amino acid transporter 1 (SNAT1), which transports glutamine into neurons, was also upregulated. Conversely, levels of the neurotransmitter precursors phenylalanine and tryptophan were decreased. Interestingly, many of these changes could be mapped to overlapping metabolic pathways. The observed metabolic alterations are likely to affect neurotransmission and neuronal homeostasis and in turn could mediate the memory and behavioural impairments observed in BLOC-1-deficient mice.
Epibiotic pressure contributes to biofouling invader success
Authors: Leonard Kaeden , Hewitt Chad L. , Campbell Marnie L. , Primo Carmen , Miller Steven D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReduced competition is a frequent explanation for the success of many introduced species. In benthic marine biofouling communities, space limitation leads to high rates of overgrowth competition. Some species can utilise other living organisms as substrate (epibiosis), proffering a competitive advantage for the epibiont. Additionally, some species can prevent or reduce epibiotic settlement on their surfaces and avoid being basibionts. To test whether epibiotic pressure differs between native and introduced species, we undertookex situexperiments comparing bryozoan larval settlement to determine if introduced species demonstrate a greater propensity to settle as epibionts, and a reduced propensity to be basibionts, than native species. Here we report that introduced species opportunistically settle on any space (bare, native, or introduced), whereas native species exhibit a strong tendency to settle on and near other natives, but avoid settling on or near introduced basibionts. In addition, larvae of native species experience greater larval wastage (mortality) than introduced species, both in the presence and absence of living substrates. Introduced species’ ability to settle on natives as epibionts, and in turn avoid epibiosis as basibionts, combined with significantly enhanced native larval wastage, provides a comprehensive suite of competitive advantages contributing to the invasion success of these biofouling species.
GLYAT regulates JNK-mediated cell death in Drosophila
Authors: Ren Pu , Li Wenzhe , Xue Lei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCell death is a fundamental progress that regulates cell number, tissue homeostasis and organ size in development. The c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway has been evolutionarily conserved from fly to human, and plays essential roles in regulating cell death. To characterize additional genes that regulate JNK signaling, we performed a genetic screen in Drosophila and identified dGLYAT, a novel gene whose function was previously unknown, as a modulator of JNK-mediated cell death. We found that loss of dGLYAT suppressed JNK activation and cell death triggered by over-expression of Egr or Hep, or depletion of puc or lgl in development, suggesting dGLYAT regulates both ectopic and physiological functions of JNK pathway. Furthermore, we showed that loss of dGLYAT inhibits JNK-mediated ROS production, suggesting dGLYAT regulates multiple functions of JNK signaling in vivo.
Racial and social disparities in the access to automated peritoneal dialysis - results of a national PD cohort
Authors: Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Ribeiro Silvia Carreira , Kirk Adam , da Silva Helder Sebastião , Pille Arthur , Falavinha Ricardo Sprenger , Filho Sandro Scolari , Figueiredo Ana Elizabeth , Barretti Pasqual , de Moraes Thyago Proença 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe prevalence of patients on automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) is increasing worldwide and may be guided by clinical characteristics, financial issues and patient option. Whether socioeconomic factors at the patient level may influence the decision for the initial peritoneal dialysis (PD) modality is unknown. This is a prospective cohort study. The primary outcome of interest was the probability to start PD on APD. The inclusion criteria were adult patients incident in PD. Exclusion criteria were missing data for either race or initial PD modality. We used a mixed-model analysis clustering patients according to their PD center and region of the country. We included 3,901 patients of which 1,819 (46.6%) had APD as their first modality. We found a significant disparity for race and educational level with African American patients less likely to start on APD (Odds ratio 0.74 CI95% 0.58–0.94) compared to Whites whilst those with greater educational levels were more likely to start on APD (Odds ratio 3.70, CI95% 2.25–6.09) compared to illiterate patients. Limiting the use of APD in disadvantaged population may be unethical. Demographics and socioeconomic status should not be necessarily part of the decision-making process of PD modality choice.
Adipose Tissue Formation Utilizing Fat Flap Distraction Technique
Authors: Lee Myung Chul , Lee Won Jai , Lee Byung Il , Chung Kee Yang , Kim Jae Woo , Kang Eun Hye , Kim Yong Oock 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCo-regulation between adipocytes and supporting vasculature is considered an important process in adipose tissue generation. The objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical and biological effects of a distraction technique on adipose tissue formation and maintenance. Based on the hypothesis that fat flaps gradually receding from each other can develop an adipose tissue construct, perforated polycarbonate syringe-shaped chambers were implanted in a rabbit model. Latency (1 week) and distraction (3 weeks) periods were followed by a consolidation period in the experimental groups (4, 8, and 12 weeks). In the distraction group, the volume of fat pad gradually increased up to 16 weeks. A transition zone was observed at 8 weeks, indicating the initiation of tissue generation. Histomorphologic analysis showed adipose and collagen connective tissue at 8 weeks. At 16 weeks, the relative composition was altered significantly. Adipose components occupied most of the tissue, and connective tissue was reduced. Blood vessels with endothelial lining were noted adjacent to adipocyte clusters, as well as in inter-adipocyte areas. The vessels had increased in number and were evenly distributed by 16 weeks. Our distraction technique produced more balanced adipose tissue generation than a non-distraction method, with co-development of adipose and vascular tissues.
Terahertz Spectroscopic Diagnosis of Myelin Deficit Brain in Mice and Rhesus Monkey with Chemometric Techniques
Authors: Zou Yi , Li Jiang , Cui Yiyuan , Tang Peiren , Du Lianghui , Chen Tunan , Meng Kun , Liu Qiao , Feng Hua , Zhao Jianheng , Chen Mina , Zhu Li-Guo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWhile myelin deficit of the central nervous system leads to several severe diseases, the definitive diagnostic means are lacking. We proposed and performed terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) combined with chemometric techniques to discriminate and evaluate the severity of myelin deficit in mouse and rhesus monkey brains. The THz refractive index and absorption coefficient of paraffin-embedded brain tissues from both normal and mutant dysmyelinating mice are shown. Principal component analysis of time-domain THz signal (PCA-tdTHz) and absorption-refractive index relation of THz spectrum identified myelin deficit without exogenous labeling or any pretreatment. Further, with the established PCA-tdTHz, we evaluated the severity of myelin deficit lesions in rhesus monkey brain induced by experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, which is the most-studied animal model of multiple sclerosis. The results well matched the pathological analysis, indicating that PCA-tdTHz is a quick, powerful, evolving tool for identification and evaluation myelin deficit in preclinical animals and potentially in para-clinical human biopsy.
Global Mapping of the Macrophage-HIV-1 Transcriptome Reveals that Productive Infection Induces Remodeling of Host Cell DNA and Chromatin
Authors: Deshiere Alexandre , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Breton Yann , Ouellet Michel , Raymond Frédéric , Lodge Robert , Barat Corinne , Roy Marc-André , Corbeil Jacques , Tremblay Michel J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIt has been proposed that macrophages could serve as long-lived compartments for HIV-1 infection under in vivo situations because these cells are resistant to the virus-mediated cytopathic effect, produce progeny virus over extended periods of time and are localized in tissues that are often less accessible by treatment. Comprehensive experimental studies are thus needed to characterize the HIV-1-induced modulation of host genes in these myeloid lineage cells. To shed light on this important issue, we performed comparative analyses of mRNA expression levels of host genes in uninfected bystander and HIV-1-infected human macrophages using an infectious reporter virus construct coupled with a large-scale RNA sequencing approach. We observed a rapid differential expression of several host factors in the productively infected macrophage population including genes regulating DNA replication factors and chromatin remodeling. A siRNA-mediated screening study to functionally identify host determinants involved in HIV-1 biology has provided new information on the virus molecular regulation in macrophages.
Calcium-activated SK channels control firing regularity by modulating sodium channel availability in midbrain dopamine neurons
Authors: Iyer Rajeshwari , Ungless Mark A. , Faisal Aldo A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and ventral tegmental area regulate behaviours such as reward-related learning, and motor control. Dysfunction of these neurons is implicated in Schizophrenia, addiction to drugs, and Parkinson’s disease. While some dopamine neurons fire single spikes at regular intervals, others fire irregular single spikes interspersed with bursts. Pharmacological inhibition of calcium-activated potassium (SK) channels increases the variability in their firing pattern, sometimes also increasing the number of spikes fired in bursts, indicating that SK channels play an important role in maintaining dopamine neuron firing regularity and burst firing. However, the exact mechanisms underlying these effects are still unclear. Here, we develop a biophysical model of a dopamine neuron incorporating ion channel stochasticity that enabled the analysis of availability of ion channels in multiple states during spiking. We find that decreased firing regularity is primarily due to a significant decrease in the AHP that in turn resulted in a reduction in the fraction of available voltage-gated sodium channels due to insufficient recovery from inactivation. Our model further predicts that inhibition of SK channels results in a depolarisation of action potential threshold along with an increase in its variability.
Dynamic gene expression response to altered gravity in human T cells
Authors: Thiel Cora S. , Hauschild Swantje , Huge Andreas , Tauber Svantje , Lauber Beatrice A. , Polzer Jennifer , Paulsen Katrin , Lier Hartwin , Engelmann Frank , Schmitz Burkhard , Schütte Andreas , Layer Liliana E. , Ullrich Oliver 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe investigated the dynamics of immediate and initial gene expression response to different gravitational environments in human Jurkat T lymphocytic cells and compared expression profiles to identify potential gravity-regulated genes and adaptation processes. We used the Affymetrix GeneChip® Human Transcriptome Array 2.0 containing 44,699 protein coding genes and 22,829 non-protein coding genes and performed the experiments during a parabolic flight and a suborbital ballistic rocket mission to cross-validate gravity-regulated ﻿gene expression through independent research platforms and different sets of control experiments to exclude other factors than alteration of gravity. We found that gene expression in human T cells rapidly responded to altered gravity in the time frame of 20 s and 5 min. The initial response to microgravity involved mostly regulatory RNAs. We identified three gravity-regulated genes which could be cross-validated in both completely independent experiment missions: ATP6V1A/D, a vacuolar H + -ATPase (V-ATPase) responsible for acidification during bone resorption, IGHD3-3/IGHD3-10, diversity genes of the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus participating in V(D)J recombination, and LINC00837, a long intergenic non-protein coding RNA. Due to the extensive and rapid alteration of gene expression associated with regulatory RNAs, we conclude that human cells are equipped with a robust and efficient adaptation potential when challenged with altered gravitational environments.
NEAP/DUSP26 suppresses receptor tyrosine kinases and regulates neuronal development in zebrafish
Authors: Yang Chi-Hwa , Yeh Yu-Jung , Wang Jiz-Yuh , Liu Ya-Wen , Chen Yen-Lin , Cheng Hui-Wen , Cheng Chun-Mei , Chuang Yung-Jen , Yuh Chiou-Hwa , Chen Yi-Rong 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExpression of neuroendocrine-associated phosphatase (NEAP, also named as dual specificity phosphatase 26, [DUSP26]) is restricted to neuroendocrine tissues. We found that NEAP, but not its phosphatase-defective mutant, suppressed nerve growth factor (NGF) receptor TrkA and fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1) activation in PC12 cells upon NGF stimulation. Conversely, suppressing NEAP expression by RNA interference enhanced TrkA and FGFR1 phosphorylation. NEAP was capable of de-phosphorylating TrkA and FGFR1 directly in vitro. NEAP-orthologous gene existed in zebrafish. Morpholino (MO) suppression of NEAP in zebrafish resulted in hyper-phosphorylation of TrkA and FGFR1 as well as abnormal body postures and small eyes. Differentiation of retina in zebrafishes with NEAP MO treatment was severely defective, so were cranial motor neurons. Taken together, our data indicated that NEAP/DUSP26 have a critical role in regulating TrkA and FGFR1 signaling as well as proper development of retina and neuronal system in zebrafish.
The virulent, emerging genotype B of Deformed wing virus is closely linked to overwinter honeybee worker loss
Authors: Natsopoulou Myrsini E. , McMahon Dino P. , Doublet Vincent , Frey Eva , Rosenkranz Peter , Paxton Robert J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBees are considered to be threatened globally, with severe overwinter losses of the most important commercial pollinator, the Western honeybee, a major concern in the Northern Hemisphere. Emerging infectious diseases have risen to prominence due to their temporal correlation with colony losses. Among these is Deformed wing virus (DWV), which has been frequently linked to colony mortality. We now provide evidence of a strong statistical association between overwintering colony decline in the field and the presence of DWV genotype-B (DWV-B), a genetic variant of DWV that has recently been shown to be more virulent than the original DWV genotype-A. We link the prevalence of DWV-B directly to a quantitative measure of overwinter decline (workforce mortality) of honeybee colonies in the field. We demonstrate that increased prevalence of virus infection in individual bees is associated with higher overwinter mortality. We also observed a substantial reduction of infected colonies in the spring, suggesting that virus-infected individuals had died during the winter. Our findings demonstrate that DWV-B, plus possible A/B recombinants exhibiting DWV-B at PCR primer binding sites, may be a major cause of elevated overwinter honeybee loss. Its potential emergence in naïve populations of bees may have far-reaching ecological and economic impacts.
Preparation of mono-dispersed, high energy release, core/shell structure Al nanopowders and their application in HTPB propellant as combustion enhancers
Authors: Wang Fengyi , Wu Zhiguo , Shangguan Xushui , Sun Yunqiang , Feng Juanjuan , Li Zhongyou , Chen Luyang , Zuo Shiyong , Zhuo Renfu , Yan Pengxun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMono-dispersed, spherical and core/shell structure aluminum nanopowders (ANPs) were produced massively by high energy ion beam evaporation (HEIBE). And the number weighted average particle size of the ANPs is 98.9 nm, with an alumina shell (3–5 nm). Benefiting from the passivation treatment, the friction, impact and electrostatic spark sensitivity of the ANPs are almost equivalent to those of aluminum micro powders. The result of TG-DSC indicates the active aluminum content of ANPs is 87.14%, the enthalpy release value is 20.37 kJ/g, the specific heat release S1/Δm1* (392–611 °C) which determined the ability of energy release is 19.95 kJ/g. And the value of S1/Δm1* is the highest compared with ANPs produced by other physical methods. Besides, the ANPs perfectly compatible with hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), 3 wt. % of ANPs were used in HTPB propellant replaced micron aluminum powders, and improved the burning rate in the 3–12 MPa pressure range and reduced the pressure exponential by more than 31% in the 3–16 MPa pressure range. The production technology of ANPs with excellent properties will greatly promote the application of ANPs in the field of energetic materials such as propellant, explosive and pyrotechnics.
Optimized analysis of blood flow and wall shear stress in the common carotid artery of rat model by phase-contrast MRI
Authors: Peng Shin-Lei , Shih Cheng-Ting , Huang Chiun-Wei , Chiu Shao-Chieh , Shen Wu-Chung 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe present study systemically investigated the influence of gated/non-gated sequences, velocity encoding (VENC), and spatial resolution on blood flow, wall shear stress (WSS), and artery area evaluations when scanning the common carotid artery (CCA) in rats using phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). We first tested whether or not non-gated PC-MRI was appropriate for evaluating blood flow and WSS in rats. For both gated and non-gated techniques, VENC values in the range of 60–120 cm/s with an interval of 10 cm/s were also tested. Second, we optimized the in-plane resolution of PC-MRI for blood flow and WSS measurements. Results showed the usage of a gated instrument can provide more reproducible assessments, whereas VENC had an insignificant influence on all hemodynamic measurements (all P > 0.05). Lower resolutions, such as 0.63 mm, led to significant overestimations in blood flow and artery area quantifications and to an underestimation in WSS measurements (all P < 0.05). However, a higher resolution of 0.16 mm slightly increased measurement variation. As a tradeoff between accuracy and scan time, we propose a gated PC-MRI sequence with a VENC of 120 cm/s and a resolution of 0.21 mm to be used to extract hemodynamic information about rat CCA.
Possible electric field induced indirect to direct band gap transition in MoSe2
Authors: Kim B. S. , Kyung W. S. , Seo J. J. , Kwon J. Y. , Denlinger J. D. , Kim C. , Park S. R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDirect band-gap semiconductors play the central role in optoelectronics. In this regard, monolayer (ML) MX2 (M = Mo, W; X = S, Se) has drawn increasing attention due to its novel optoelectronic properties stemming from the direct band-gap and valley degeneracy. Unfortunately, the more practically usable bulk and multilayer MX2 have indirect-gaps. It is thus highly desired to turn bulk and multilayer MX2 into direct band-gap semiconductors by controlling external parameters. Here, we report angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) results from Rb dosed MoSe2 that suggest possibility for electric field induced indirect to direct band-gap transition in bulk MoSe2. The Rb concentration dependent data show detailed evolution of the band-gap, approaching a direct band-gap state. As ionized Rb layer on the surface provides a strong electric field perpendicular to the surface within a few surface layers of MoSe2, our data suggest that direct band-gap in MoSe2 can be achieved if a strong electric field is applied, which is a step towards optoelectronic application of bulk materials.
Prognostic significance of the digit ratio after hormone therapy for prostate cancer: a prospective multicenter study
Authors: Li Guanjian , Sun Ke , Guo Jie , Li Shixing , Li Bo , Cao Jing , Lu Pengfei , Yang Jiajia , Zhang Ying , Yang Xin , Gao Le , He Yi , Cui Tao , Ma Bin 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe digit ratio has been used as a retrospective noninvasive biomarker to investigate the putative effects of prenatal exposure to androgens. In recent years, many scholars have paid attention to the association between 2D:4D (the second and fourth digits) and prostatic cancer. This study explored the prognostic significance of digit ratio in prostate cancer patients. We reviewed the progressive status and survival of 382 prostate cancer patients who had received hormone therapy at our institutions. Survival of clinicopathological variables analyzed as categorical variables were determined by the log-rank test. According to Cox’s proportional hazards analysis, R2D:4D, L2D:4D, PSA at 6 month,bone metastasis were significant independent factors for prostate cancer. The risk of any progression of prostate cancer similarly depressed with increasing 2D:4D, for any progression (R2D:4D HR = 0.71, p = 0.003; L2D:4D HR = 0.67, p = 0.001), for cancer-specific death (R2D:4D HR = 0.67, p = 0.025; L2D:4D HR = 0.74, p = 0.036). Digit ratio may not only have predictive value in risk but also prognosis of prostatic cancer. This finding suggests that low 2D:4D can be used as prognostic factors to identify patients with a poor prognosis. These patients may benefit from more aggressive management.
Vertically and horizontally transmitted microbial symbionts shape the gut microbiota ontogenesis of a skin-mucus feeding discus fish progeny
Authors: Sylvain François-Étienne , Derome Nicolas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFish gut microbial communities play key functions for their hosts, but their ontogenesis is poorly understood. Recent studies on the zebrafish suggest that gut symbionts are recruited naturally through horizontal transmission from environmental water. We used an alternative fish model, the discus (Symphysodon aequifasciata), to identify the main factors driving fish gut microbiota ontogenesis. The discus exhibits a unique parenting behavior: both discus parents vertically feed their fry with a cutaneous mucus secretion during three weeks post-hatching. We hypothesized that vertical microbial transmission via parental mucus feeding, along with horizontal transmission of environmental microbial symbionts, helps to shape the taxonomic structure of the discus fry gut microbiota. To assess this premise, we thoroughly documented the gut microbiota ontogenesis of a discus progeny during 100 days post-hatching. The V4 16S rRNA gene was sequenced to assess taxonomic structure of fry gut, parent mucus, and water samples. Our main results suggest that specific microbial symbionts both from the parents skin mucus and environmental water play important roles in shaping the structure of the fry gut microbiota.