bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A simple and rapid method for optical visualization and quantification of bacteria on textiles
Authors: Stiefel Philipp , Schneider Jana , Amberg Caroline , Maniura-Weber Katharina , Ren Qun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTo prevent bacterial contamination on textiles and the associated undesired effects different biocidal coatings have been investigated and applied. However, due to health and environmental concerns anti-adhesive coatings preventing the binding of bacteria would be favored. To develop such anti-adhesive coatings simple assays for reliable and fast screening are beneficial. Here an easy-to-handle, robust and rapid assay to assess bacteria on textiles utilizing a tetrazolium salt was reported. The assay allowed direct eye visualization of the color change of the textiles containing bacteria, facilitating fast screening. Quantification of the adhered bacteria could be done by generating standard curves which correlate the staining intensity to cell numbers. An additional advantage of the described assay is that with the same detection method anti-adhesive and biocidal effects can be investigated. The method was applied to different coatings, using Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus as model organisms. The detection limit was found to be between 2.5 * 106 and 9.4 * 108 for P. aeruginosa and between 1 * 106 and 3.3 * 108 for S. aureus. The anti-adhesive coating PLUMA was demonstrated to reduce bacterial adhesion without killing them, whereas the biocidal coating TH22-27 caused a clear reduction in the number of viable cells.
Ultrahigh Oxidation Resistance and High Electrical Conductivity in Copper-Silver Powder
Authors: Li Jiaxiang , Li Yunping , Wang Zhongchang , Bian Huakang , Hou Yuhang , Wang Fenglin , Xu Guofu , Liu Bin , Liu Yong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe electrical conductivity of pure Cu powder is typically deteriorated at elevated temperatures due to the oxidation by forming non-conducting oxides on surface, while enhancing oxidation resistance via alloying is often accompanied by a drastic decline of electrical conductivity. Obtaining Cu powder with both a high electrical conductivity and a high oxidation resistance represents one of the key challenges in developing next-generation electrical transferring powder. Here, we fabricate a Cu-Ag powder with a continuous Ag network along grain boundaries of Cu particles and demonstrate that this new structure can inhibit the preferential oxidation in grain boundaries at elevated temperatures. As a result, the Cu-Ag powder displays considerably high electrical conductivity and high oxidation resistance up to approximately 300 °C, which are markedly higher than that of pure Cu powder. This study paves a new pathway for developing novel Cu powders with much enhanced electrical conductivity and oxidation resistance in service.
Cross-protective efficacy of dendritic cells targeting conserved influenza virus antigen expressed by Lactobacillus plantarum
Authors: Yang Wen-Tao , Shi Shao-Hua , Yang Gui-Lian , Jiang Yan-Long , Zhao Liang , Li Yu , Wang Chun-Feng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAvian influenza virus (AIV) can infect birds and mammals, including humans, and are thus a serious threat to public health. Vaccination is vital for controlling AIV circulation. In this study, we generated a recombinant lactobacillus expressing the NP-M1-DCpep of H9N2 avian influenza virus and evaluated the activation effect of NC8-pSIP409-NP-M1-DCpep on dendritic cells (DCs) in a mouse model. The specific mucosal antibody responses and B and T cell responses in lymphoid tissues were also characterized. Importantly, we confirmed that specific CD8 T cells presented in vitro and antigen-specific cytotoxicity (activated the expression of CD107a) and in vivo antigen-specific cytotoxicity after vaccination. The adoptive transfer of NC8-pSIP409-NP-M1-DCpep-primed CD8+ T cells into NOD-SCID mice resulted in effective protection against mouse-adapted AIV infection. In addition, we observed protection in immunized mice challenged with mouse-adapted H9N2 AIV and H1N1 influenza virus, as evidenced by reductions in the lung virus titers, improvements in lung pathology, and weight loss and complete survival. Our data are promising for the generation of effective, non-traditional influenza vaccines against AIVs.
Glycosides from edible sea cucumbers stimulate macrophages via purinergic receptors
Authors: Aminin Dmitry , Pislyagin Evgeny , Astashev Maxim , Es’kov Andrey , Kozhemyako Valery , Avilov Sergei , Zelepuga Elena , Yurchenko Ekaterina , Kaluzhskiy Leonid , Kozlovskaya Emma , Ivanov Alexis , Stonik Valentin 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSince ancient times, edible sea cucumbers have been considered a jewel of the seabed and used in Asian folk medicine for stimulation of resistance against different diseases. However, the power of this sea food has not been established on a molecular level. A particular group of triterpene glycosides was found to be characteristic metabolites of the animals, responsible for this biological action. Using one of them, cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2) from the edible Cucumaria japonica species as an example as well as inhibitory analysis, patch-clamp on single macrophages, small interfering RNA technique, immunoblotting, SPR analysis, computer modeling and other methods, we demonstrate low doses of CA2-2 specifically to interact with P2X receptors (predominantly P2X4) on membranes of mature macrophages, enhancing the reversible ATP-dependent Ca2+ intake and recovering Ca2+ transport at inactivation of these receptors. As result, interaction of glycosides of this type with P2X receptors leads to activation of cellular immunity.
Hydrogen sulfide - cysteine cycle system enhances cadmium tolerance through alleviating cadmium-induced oxidative stress and ion toxicity in Arabidopsis roots
Authors: Jia Honglei , Wang Xiaofeng , Dou Yanhua , Liu Dan , Si Wantong , Fang Hao , Zhao Chen , Chen Shaolin , Xi Jiejun , Li Jisheng 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCadmium (Cd2+) is a common toxic heavy metal ion. We investigated the roles of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and cysteine (Cys) in plant responses to Cd2+ stress. The expression of H2S synthetic genes LCD and DES1 were induced by Cd2+ within 3 h, and endogenous H2S was then rapidly released. H2S promoted the expression of Cys synthesis-related genes SAT1 and OASA1, which led to endogenous Cys accumulation. The H2S and Cys cycle system was stimulated by Cd2+ stress, and it maintained high levels in plant cells. H2S inhibited the ROS burst by inducing alternative respiration capacity (AP) and antioxidase activity. H2S weakened Cd2+ toxicity by inducing the metallothionein (MTs) genes expression. Cys promoted GSH accumulation and inhibited the ROS burst, and GSH induced the expression of phytochelatin (PCs) genes, counteracting Cd2+ toxicity. In summary, the H2S and Cys cycle system played a key role in plant responses to Cd2+ stress. The Cd2+ tolerance was weakened when the cycle system was blocked in lcddes1-1 and oasa1 mutants. This paper is the first to describe the role of the H2S and Cys cycle system in Cd2+ stress and to explore the relevant and specificity mechanisms of H2S and Cys in mediating Cd2+ stress.
Kink pair production and dislocation motion
Authors: Fitzgerald S. P. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe motion of extended defects called dislocations controls the mechanical properties of crystalline materials such as strength and ductility. Under moderate applied loads, this motion proceeds via the thermal nucleation of kink pairs. The nucleation rate is known to be a highly nonlinear function of the applied load, and its calculation has long been a theoretical challenge. In this article, a stochastic path integral approach is used to derive a simple, general, and exact formula for the rate. The predictions are in excellent agreement with experimental and computational investigations, and unambiguously explain the origin of the observed extreme nonlinearity. The results can also be applied to other systems modelled by an elastic string interacting with a periodic potential, such as Josephson junctions in superconductors.
Genomes of coral dinoflagellate symbionts highlight evolutionary adaptations conducive to a symbiotic lifestyle
Authors: Aranda M. , Li Y. , Liew Y. J. , Baumgarten S. , Simakov O. , Wilson M. C. , Piel J. , Ashoor H. , Bougouffa S. , Bajic V. B. , Ryu T. , Ravasi T. , Bayer T. , Micklem G. , Kim H. , Bhak J. , LaJeunesse T. C. , Voolstra C. R. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractDespite half a century of research, the biology of dinoflagellates remains enigmatic: they defy many functional and genetic traits attributed to typical eukaryotic cells. Genomic approaches to study dinoflagellates are often stymied due to their large, multi-gigabase genomes. Members of the genusSymbiodiniumare photosynthetic endosymbionts of stony corals that provide the foundation of coral reef ecosystems. Their smaller genome sizes provide an opportunity to interrogate evolution and functionality of dinoflagellate genomes and endosymbiosis. We sequenced the genome of the ancestralSymbiodinium microadriaticumand compared it to the genomes of the more derivedSymbiodinium minutumandSymbiodinium kawagutiiand eukaryote model systems as well as transcriptomes from other dinoflagellates. Comparative analyses of genome and transcriptome protein sets show that all dinoflagellates, not onlySymbiodinium, possess significantly more transmembrane transporters involved in the exchange of amino acids, lipids, and glycerol than other eukaryotes. Importantly, we find that onlySymbiodiniumharbor an extensive transporter repertoire associated with the provisioning of carbon and nitrogen. Analyses of these transporters show species-specific expansions, which provides a genomic basis to explain differential compatibilities to an array of hosts and environments, and highlights the putative importance of gene duplications as an evolutionary mechanism in dinoflagellates andSymbiodinium.
The citrus flavonoid naringenin confers protection in a murine endotoxaemia model through AMPK-ATF3-dependent negative regulation of the TLR4 signalling pathway
Authors: Liu Xin , Wang Ning , Fan Shijun , Zheng Xinchuan , Yang Yongjun , Zhu Yuanfeng , Lu Yongling , Chen Qian , Zhou Hong , Zheng Jiang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractExcessive activation of the TLR4 signalling pathway is critical for inflammation-associated disorders, while negative regulators play key roles in restraining TLR4 from over-activation. Naringenin is a citrus flavonoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory activity, but the mechanisms underlying its inhibition of LPS/TLR4 signalling are less clear. This study investigated the molecular targets and therapeutic effects of naringenin in vitro and in vivo. In LPS-stimulated murine macrophages, naringenin suppressed the expression of TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, inducible NO synthase (iNOS), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX2) and NADPH oxidase-2 (NOX2). Naringenin also inhibited NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. However, it did not affect the IRF3 signalling pathway or interferon production, which upregulate activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), an inducible negative regulator of TLR4 signalling. Naringenin was demonstrated to directly increase ATF3 expression. Inhibition of AMPK and its upstream calcium-dependent signalling reduced ATF3 expression and dampened the anti-inflammatory activity of naringenin. In murine endotoxaemia models, naringenin ameliorated pro-inflammatory reactions and improved survival. Furthermore, it induced AMPK activation in lung tissues, which was required for ATF3 upregulation and the enhanced anti-inflammatory activity. Overall, this study reveals a novel mechanism of naringenin through AMPK-ATF3-dependent negative regulation of the LPS/TLR4 signalling pathway, which thereby confers protection against murine endotoxaemia.
An expressed, endogenous Nodavirus-like element captured by a retrotransposon in the genome of the plant parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Cotton James A. , Steinbiss Sascha , Yokoi Toshiro , Tsai Isheng J. , Kikuchi Taisei 
Published: December 2016

AbstractRecently, nematode viruses infecting Caenorhabditis elegans have been reported from the family Nodaviridae, the first nematode viruses described. Here, we report the observation of a novel endogenous viral element (EVE) in the genome of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, a plant parasitic nematode unrelated to other nematodes from which viruses have been characterised. This element derives from a different clade of nodaviruses to the previously reported nematode viruses. This represents the first endogenous nodavirus sequence, the first nematode endogenous viral element, and significantly extends our knowledge of the potential diversity of the Nodaviridae. A search for endogenous elements related to the Nodaviridae did not reveal any elements in other available nematode genomes. Further surveillance for endogenous viral elements is warranted as our knowledge of nematode genome diversity, and in particular of free-living nematodes, expands.
Assessment of turbulent viscous stress using ICOSA 4D Flow MRI for prediction of hemodynamic blood damage
Authors: Ha Hojin , Lantz Jonas , Haraldsson Henrik , Casas Belen , Ziegler Magnus , Karlsson Matts , Saloner David , Dyverfeldt Petter , Ebbers Tino 
Published: December 2016

AbstractFlow-induced blood damage plays an important role in determining the hemodynamic impact of abnormal blood flow, but quantifying of these effects, which are dominated by shear stresses in highly fluctuating turbulent flow, has not been feasible. This study evaluated the novel application of turbulence tensor measurements using simulated 4D Flow MRI data with six-directional velocity encoding for assessing hemodynamic stresses and corresponding blood damage index (BDI) in stenotic turbulent blood flow. The results showed that 4D Flow MRI underestimates the maximum principal shear stress of laminar viscous stress (PLVS), and overestimates the maximum principal shear stress of Reynolds stress (PRSS) with increasing voxel size. PLVS and PRSS were also overestimated by about 1.2 and 4.6 times at medium signal to noise ratio (SNR) = 20. In contrast, the square sum of the turbulent viscous shear stress (TVSS), which is used for blood damage index (BDI) estimation, was not severely affected by SNR and voxel size. The square sum of TVSS and the BDI at SNR >20 were underestimated by less than 1% and 10%, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the feasibility of 4D Flow MRI based quantification of TVSS and BDI which are closely linked to blood damage.
A20 Curtails Primary but Augments Secondary CD8+ T Cell Responses in Intracellular Bacterial Infection
Authors: Just Sissy , Nishanth Gopala , Buchbinder Jörn H. , Wang Xu , Naumann Michael , Lavrik Inna , Schlüter Dirk 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe ubiquitin-modifying enzyme A20, an important negative feedback regulator of NF-κB, impairs the expansion of tumor-specific CD8+ T cells but augments the proliferation of autoimmune CD4+ T cells. To study the T cell-specific function of A20 in bacterial infection, we infected T cell-specific A20 knockout (CD4-Cre A20fl/fl) and control mice with Listeria monocytogenes. A20-deficient pathogen-specific CD8+ T cells expanded stronger resulting in improved pathogen control at day 7 p.i. Imaging flow cytometry revealed that A20-deficient Listeria-specific CD8+ T cells underwent increased apoptosis and necroptosis resulting in reduced numbers of memory CD8+ T cells. In contrast, the primary CD4+ T cell response was A20-independent. Upon secondary infection, the increase and function of pathogen-specific CD8+ T cells, as well as pathogen control were significantly impaired in CD4-Cre A20fl/fl mice. In vitro, apoptosis and necroptosis of Listeria-specific A20-deficient CD8+ T cells were strongly induced as demonstrated by increased caspase-3/7 activity, RIPK1/RIPK3 complex formation and more morphologically apoptotic and necroptotic CD8+ T cells. In vitro, A20 limited CD95L and TNF-induced caspase3/7 activation. In conclusion, T cell-specific A20 limited the expansion but reduced apoptosis and necroptosis of Listeria-specific CD8+ T cells, resulting in an impaired pathogen control in primary but improved clearance in secondary infection.
Estimation of the toxicity of sulfadiazine to Daphnia magna using negligible depletion hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction independent of ambient pH
Authors: Liu Kailin , Xu Shiji , Zhang Minghuan , Kou Yahong , Zhou Xiaomao , Luo Kun , Hu Lifeng , Liu Xiangying , Liu Min , Bai Lianyang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe toxicity of ionizable organic compounds to organisms depends on the pH, which therefore affects risk assessments of these compounds. However, there is not a direct chemical method to predict the toxicity of ionizable organic compounds. To determine whether hollow-fiber liquid-phase microextraction (HF-LPME) is applicable for this purpose, a three-phase HF-LPME was used to measure sulfadiazine and estimate its toxicity to Daphnia magna in solutions of different pH. The result indicated that the sulfadiazine concentrations measured by HF-LPME decreased with increasing pH, which is consistent with the decreased toxicity. The concentration immobilize 50% of the daphnids (EC50) in 48 h calculated from nominal concentrations increased from 11.93 to 273.5 mg L−1 as the pH increased from 6.0 to 8.5, and the coefficient of variation (CV) of the EC50 values reached 104.6%. When calculated from the concentrations measured by HF-LPME (pH 12 acceptor phase), the EC50 ranged from 223.4 to 394.6 mg L−1, and the CV decreased to 27.60%, suggesting that the concentrations measured by HF-LPME can be used to estimate the toxicity of sulfadiazine irrespective of the solution pH.
New Formyl Phloroglucinol Meroterpenoids from the Leaves of Eucalyptus robusta
Authors: Shang Zhi-Chun , Yang Ming-Hua , Liu Rui-Huan , Wang Xiao-Bing , Kong Ling-Yi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractSeven new formyl phloroglucinol meroterpenoids (FPMs), namely eucalrobusones J-P (1–7), as well as three known ones (8–10) were isolated from the leaves of Eucalyptus robusta. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic data analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined by applications of the Snatzke’s helicity rule and the electron circular dichroism (ECD) calculation. These FPMs are diverse in coupling patterns between phloroglucinol and sesquiterpenoid units, forming novel polycyclic ring systems. Compound 1 possesses a new carbon skeleton that a 1-oxaspiro[5.6]dodecane core is formed through C-14 rather than C-4 of the aromadendrane moiety. Compound 2 features a novel 6/7/5 ring-fused 6-oxabicyclo[3.2.2]nonane skeleton. Compounds 3–5 are rare aristolane-based FPMs. By forming different oxo bridges, compound 3 is the first sample of FPM with benzo-dihydrofuran structure, and compound 4 possesses a novel 6/6/6/6/3-fused pentacyclic skeleton. Compounds 1, 6, and 8 exhibited significant antifungal activities against Candida glabrata with MIC50 values of 2.57, 1.95, and 2.49 μg/mL, respectively.
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid reduces ER stress by regulating of Akt-dependent cellular prion protein
Authors: Yoon Yeo Min , Lee Jun Hee , Yun Seung Pil , Han Yong-Seok , Yun Chul Won , Lee Hyun Jik , Noh Hyunjin , Lee Sei-Jung , Han Ho Jae , Lee Sang Hun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAlthough mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a promising cell source for regenerative medicine, ischemia-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induces low MSC engraftment and limits their therapeutic efficacy. To overcome this, we investigated the protective effect of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA), a bile acid, on ER stress in MSCs in vitro and in vivo. In ER stress conditions, TUDCA treatment of MSCs reduced the activation of ER stress-associated proteins, including GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, IRE1α, JNK, p38, and CHOP. In particular, TUDCA inhibited the dissociation between GRP78 and PERK, resulting in reduced ER stress-mediated cell death. Next, to explore the ER stress protective mechanism induced by TUDCA treatment, TUDCA-mediated cellular prion protein (PrPC) activation was assessed. TUDCA treatment increased PrPC expression, which was regulated by Akt phosphorylation. Manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) expression also increased significantly in response to signaling through the TUDCA-Akt axis. In a murine hindlimb ischemia model, TUDCA-treated MSC transplantation augmented the blood perfusion ratio, vessel formation, and transplanted cell survival more than untreated MSC transplantation did. Augmented functional recovery following MSC transplantation was blocked by PrPC downregulation. This study is the first to demonstrate that TUDCA protects MSCs against ER stress via Akt-dependent PrPC and Akt-MnSOD pathway.
Unipolar PWM predictive current‐mode control of a variable‐speed low inductance BLDC motor drive
Authors: Valle Rodolfo L. , de Almeida Pedro M. , Ferreira Andre A. , Barbosa Pedro G. 
Published: December 2016

This study presents the design and implementation steps of a digital predictive controller to regulate a low‐inductance, three‐phase, three‐wire permanent magnet brushless DC motor currents. These types of motors are usually driven by multi‐stage converters, switched at high frequencies, or use additional inductances to limit the current ripple. The motor's trapezoidal back electromotive force and rectangular currents waveforms make the design and the tuning process of linear controllers difficult. This task complexity increases when a wide speed range is considered. Digital predictive controllers are easily implemented in digital signal processors (DSPs), being successfully used to regulate currents of different types of power electronic converters. A unipolar pulse width modulation predictive controller is proposed here to regulate the rectangular currents of a brushless DC motor, without the need for any additional filter or converter. Experimental and simulation results using a 5 kW/48 V three‐phase brushless DC (BLDC) motor are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of this proposal. It will be presented a methodology to compensate the conditioning and sampling circuits delays as well as the inverter's semiconductors voltage drop. The control algorithm was implemented in a TMS320F28335 DSP.
On‐resistance reduction in vertical double diffusion metal oxide semiconductor devices using stress applied by thin film
Authors: Wang GuiLian , Ding Guifu , Miao Xiaodan 
Published: December 2016

This work presents a novel method of reducing on‐resistance (Ron) in vertical double diffusion metal oxide semiconductor (VDMOS) devices using external stress. By electrodepositing a layer of nickel (Ni) film onto the surface of drain pad, intrinsic film stress is applied on the VDMOS chip. The experiment results show that Ron was reduced by 1.7, 2.4, 4.5, 8.3 and 10.5% when the film stresses were 39.2, 49.3, 61.7, 71.6 and 80.3 MPa, respectively. Moreover, thermal stress between Ni film and VDMOS chip can further reduce Ron when the temperature increases. Compared with conventional methods for Ron reduction, this method is independent of fabrication process of VDMOS devices and capable of controlling accurately the applied stress.