bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensillar expression and responses of olfactory receptors reveal different peripheral coding in two Helicoverpa species using the same pheromone components
Authors: Chang Hetan , Guo Mengbo , Wang Bing , Liu Yang , Dong Shuanglin , Wang Guirong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMale moths efficiently recognize conspecific sex pheromones thanks to their highly accurate and specific olfactory system. The Heliothis/Helicoverpa species are regarded as good models for studying the perception of sex pheromones. In this study, we performed a series of experiments to investigate the peripheral mechanisms of pheromone coding in two-closely related species, Helicoverpa armigera and H. assulta. The morphology and distribution patterns of sensilla trichoidea are similar between the two species when observed at the scanning electron microscope, but their performances are different. In H. armigera, three functional types of sensilla trichoidea (A, B and C) were found to respond to different pheromone components, while in H. assulta only two types of such sensilla (A and C) could be detected. The response profiles of all types of sensilla trichoidea in the two species well matched the specificities of the pheromone receptors (PRs) expressed in the same sensilla, as measured in voltage-clamp experiments. The expressions of PRs in neighboring olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) within the same trichoid sensillum were further confirmed by in situ hybridization. Our results show how the same pheromone components can code for different messages at the periphery of two Helicoverpa species.
Increased nuclear stiffness via FAK-ERK1/2 signaling is necessary for synthetic mechano-growth factor E peptide-induced tenocyte migration
Authors: Zhang Bingyu , Luo Qing , Chen Zhen , Shi Yisong , Ju Yang , Yang Li , Song Guanbin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractWe have previously reported that a synthetic mechano-growth factor (MGF) C-terminal E-domain with 25 amino acids (MGF-C25E) promotes rat tenocyte migration through the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. However, the role of the nucleus in MGF-C25E-promoted tenocyte migration and the molecular mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that MGF-C25E increases the Young’s modulus of tenocytes through the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This increase is not accompanied by an obvious change in the expression of Lamin A/C but is accompanied by significant chromatin condensation, indicating that MGF-C25E-induced chromatin condensation may contribute to the increased nuclear stiffness. Moreover, DNA methylation is observed in MGF-C25E-treated tenocytes. Inhibition of DNA methylation suppresses the elevation in chromatin condensation, in nuclear stiffness and in tenocyte migration induced by MGF-C25E. The inhibition of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) or extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signals represses MGF-C25E-promoted DNA methylation. It also abolishes chromatin condensation, nuclear stiffness and cell migration. Taken together, our results suggest that MGF-C25E promotes tenocyte migration by increasing nuclear stiffness via the FAK-ERK1/2 signaling pathway. This provides strong evidence for the role of nuclear mechanics in tenocyte migration and new insight into the molecular mechanisms of MGF-promoted tenocyte migration.
Directional Movement of Droplets in Grooves: Suspended or Immersed?
Authors: Xu Wei , Lan Zhong , Peng Benli , Wen Rongfu , Chen Yansong , Ma Xuehu 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe behavior of droplets trapped in geometric structures is essential to droplet manipulation applications such as for droplet transport. Here we show that directional droplet movement can be realized by a V-shaped groove with the movement direction controlled by adjusting the surface wettability of the groove inner wall and the cross sectional angle of the groove. Experiments and analyses show that a droplet in a superhydrophobic groove translates from the immersed state to the suspended state as the cross sectional angle of the groove decreases and the suspended droplet departs from the groove bottom as the droplet volume increases. We also demonstrate that this simple grooved structure can be used to separate a water-oil mixture and generate droplets with the desired sizes. The structural effect actuated droplet movements provide a controllable droplet transport method which can be used in a wide range of droplet manipulation applications.
Enhancing immunogenicity and transmission-blocking activity of malaria vaccines by fusing Pfs25 to IMX313 multimerization technology
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Leneghan Darren B. , Miura Kazutoyo , Nikolaeva Daria , Brian Iona J. , Dicks Matthew D. J. , Fyfe Alex J. , Zakutansky Sarah E. , de Cassan Simone , Long Carole A. , Draper Simon J. , Hill Adrian V. S. , Hill Fergal , Biswas Sumi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTransmission-blocking vaccines (TBV) target the sexual-stages of the malaria parasite in the mosquito midgut and are widely considered to be an essential tool for malaria elimination. High-titer functional antibodies are required against target antigens to achieve effective transmission-blocking activity. We have fused Pfs25, the leading malaria TBV candidate antigen to IMX313, a molecular adjuvant and expressed it both in ChAd63 and MVA viral vectors and as a secreted protein-nanoparticle. Pfs25-IMX313 expressed from viral vectors or as a protein-nanoparticle is significantly more immunogenic and gives significantly better transmission-reducing activity than monomeric Pfs25. In addition, we demonstrate that the Pfs25-IMX313 protein-nanoparticle leads to a qualitatively improved antibody response in comparison to soluble Pfs25, as well as to significantly higher germinal centre (GC) responses. These results demonstrate that antigen multimerization using IMX313 is a very promising strategy to enhance antibody responses against Pfs25 and that Pfs25-IMX313 is a highly promising TBV candidate vaccine.
Revealing Potential Biomarkers of Functional Dyspepsia by Combining 1H NMR Metabonomics Techniques and an Integrative Multi-objective Optimization Method
Authors: Wu Qiaofeng , Zou Meng , Yang Mingxiao , Zhou Siyuan , Yan Xianzhong , Sun Bo , Wang Yong , Chang Shyang , Tang Yong , Liang Fanrong , Yu Shuguang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMetabonomics methods have gradually become important auxiliary tools for screening disease biomarkers. However, recognition of metabolites or potential biomarkers closely related to either particular clinical symptoms or prognosis has been difficult. The current study aims to identify potential biomarkers of functional dyspepsia (FD) by a new strategy that combined hydrogen nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR)-based metabonomics techniques and an integrative multi-objective optimization (LPIMO) method. First, clinical symptoms of FD were evaluated using the Nepean Dyspepsia Index (NDI) and plasma metabolic profiles were measured by 1H NMR. Correlations between the key metabolites and the NDI scores were calculated. Then, LPIMO was developed to identify a multi-biomarker panel by maximizing diagnostic ability and correlation with the NDI score. Finally, a KEGG database search elicited the metabolic pathways in which the potential biomarkers are involved. The results showed that glutamine, alanine, proline, HDL, β-glucose, α-glucose and LDL/VLDL levels were significantly altered in FD patients. Among them, phosphatidycholine (PtdCho) and leucine/isoleucine (Leu/Ile) were positively and negatively correlated with the NDI Symptom Index (NDSI) respectively. Our procedure not only significantly improved the credibility of the biomarkers, but also demonstrated the potential of further explorations and applications to diagnosis and treatment of complex disease.
On the shedding of impaled droplets: The role of transient intervening layers
Authors: Stamatopoulos Christos , Schutzius Thomas M. , Köppl Christian J. , Hayek Nicolas El , Maitra Tanmoy , Hemrle Jaroslav , Poulikakos Dimos 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMaintaining the non-wetting property of textured hydrophobic surfaces is directly related to the preservation of an intervening fluid layer (gaseous or immiscible liquid) between the droplet and substrate; once displaced, it cannot be recovered spontaneously as the fully penetrated Wenzel wetting state is energetically favorable. Here, we identify pathways for the “lifting” of droplets from the surface texture, enabling a complete Wenzel-to-Cassie-Baxter wetting state transition. This is accomplished by the hemiwicking of a transient (limited lifetime due to evaporation) low surface tension (LST) liquid, which is capable of self-assembling as an intervening underlayer, lifting the droplet from its impaled state and facilitating a skating-like behavior. In the skating phase, a critical substrate tilting angle is identified, up to which underlayer and droplet remain coupled exhibiting a pseudo-Cassie-Baxter state. For greater titling angles, the droplet, driven by inertia, detaches itself from the liquid intervening layer and transitions to a traditional Cassie-Baxter wetting state, thereby accelerating and leaving the underlayer behind. A model is also presented that elucidates the mechanism of mobility recovery. Ultimately, this work provides a better understanding of multiphase mass transfer of immiscible LST liquid-water mixtures with respect to establishing facile methods towards retaining intervening layers.
Pathway of FeEDTA transformation and its impact on performance of NOx removal in a chemical absorption-biological reduction integrated process
Authors: Li Wei , Zhao Jingkai , Zhang Lei , Xia Yinfeng , Liu Nan , Li Sujing , Zhang Shihan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA novel chemical absorption-biological reduction (CABR) integrated process, employing ferrous ethylenediaminetetraacetate (Fe(II)EDTA) as a solvent, is deemed as a potential option for NOx removal from the flue gas. Previous work showed that the Fe(II)EDTA concentration was critical for the NOx removal in the CABR process. In this work, the pathway of FeEDTA (Fe(III)/Fe(II)-EDTA) transformation was investigated to assess its impact on the NOx removal in a biofilter. Experimental results revealed that the FeEDTA transformation involved iron precipitation and EDTA degradation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis confirmed the iron was precipitated in the form of Fe(OH)3. The iron mass balance analysis showed 44.2% of the added iron was precipitated. The EDTA degradation facilitated the iron precipitation. Besides chemical oxidation, EDTA biodegradation occurred in the biofilter. The addition of extra EDTA helped recover the iron from the precipitation. The transformation of FeEDTA did not retard the NO removal. In addition, EDTA rather than the iron concentration determined the NO removal efficiency.
Inhibition of ethylene production by putrescine alleviates aluminium-induced root inhibition in wheat plants
Authors: Yu Yan , Jin Chongwei , Sun Chengliang , Wang Jinghong , Ye Yiquan , Zhou Weiwei , Lu Lingli , Lin Xianyong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractInhibition of root elongation is one of the most distinct symptoms of aluminium (Al) toxicity. Although putrescine (Put) has been identified as an important signaling molecule involved in Al tolerance, it is yet unknown how Put mitigates Al-induced root inhibition. Here, the possible mechanism was investigated by using two wheat genotypes differing in Al resistance: Al-tolerant Xi Aimai-1 and Al-sensitive Yangmai-5. Aluminium caused more root inhibition in Yangmai-5 and increased ethylene production at the root apices compared to Xi Aimai-1, whereas the effects were significantly reversed by ethylene biosynthesis inhibitors. The simultaneous exposure of wheat seedlings to Al and ethylene donor, ethephon, or ethylene biosynthesis precursor, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC), increased ethylene production and aggravated root inhibition, which was more pronounced in Xi Aimai-1. In contrast, Put treatment decreased ethylene production and alleviated Al-induced root inhibition in both genotypes and the effects were more conspicuous in Yangmai-5. Furthermore, our results indicated that Al-induced ethylene production was mediated by ACC synthase (ACS) and ACC oxidase and that Put decreased ethylene production by inhibiting ACS. Altogether, these findings indicate that ethylene is involved in Al-induced root inhibition and this process could be alleviated by Put through inhibiting ACS activity.
Sertoli cells have a functional NALP3 inflammasome that can modulate autophagy and cytokine production
Authors: Hayrabedyan Soren , Todorova Krassimira , Jabeen Asma , Metodieva Gergana , Toshkov Stavri , Metodiev Metodi V. , Mincheff Milcho , Fernández Nelson 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSertoli cells, can function as non-professional tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells and sustain the blood-testis barrier formed by their tight junctions. The NOD-like receptor family members and the NALP3 inflammasome play a key role in pro-inflammatory innate immunity signalling pathways. Limited data exist on NOD1 and NOD2 expression in human and mouse Sertoli cells. Currently, there is no data on inflammasome expression or function in Sertoli cells. We found that in primary pre-pubertal Sertoli cells and in adult Sertoli line, TLR4\NOD1 and NOD2 crosstalk converged in NFκB activation and elicited a NALP3 activation, leading tode novosynthesis and inflammasome priming. This led to caspase-1 activation and IL-1β secretion. We demonstrated this process was controlled by mechanisms linked to autophagy. NOD1 promoted pro-IL-1β restriction and autophagosome maturation arrest, while NOD2 promoted caspase-1 activation, IL-1β secretion and autophagy maturation. NALP3 modulated NOD1 and pro-IL-1β expression, while NOD2 inversely promoted IL-1β. This study is proof of concept that Sertoli cells, upon specific stimulation, could participate in male infertility pathogenesis via inflammatory cytokine induction.
The musk chemical composition and microbiota of Chinese forest musk deer males
Authors: Li Diyan , Chen Binlong , Zhang Long , Gaur Uma , Ma Tianyuan , Jie Hang , Zhao Guijun , Wu Nan , Xu Zhongxian , Xu Huailiang , Yao Yongfang , Lian Ting , Fan Xiaolan , Yang Deying , Yang Mingyao , Zhu Qing , Satkoski Trask Jessica 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMale musk deer secrete musk from the musk gland located between their naval and genitals. Unmated male forest musk deer generate a greater amount of musk than mated males, potentially allowing them to attract a greater number of females. In this study, we used gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to explore musk chemical composition of the musk pods of captive mated and unmated sexually mature Chinese forest musk deer and used next-generation sequencing to intensively survey the bacterial communities within them. Analysis of the chemical composition of the musk showed that unmated males have more muscone and cholesterol. Features of the musk16S rRNA gene showed that mated Chinese forest musk deer have both a greater Shannon diversity (p < 0.01) and a greater number of estimated operational taxonomic units than unmated ones; many bacterial genera were overrepresented in unmated Chinese forest musk deer males. Members of these genera might be involved in musk odor fermentation. PICRUSt analysis revealed that metabolic pathways such as aldosterone-regulated sodium reabsorption, metabolism of terpenoids and polyketides, flavone and flavonol biosynthesis and isoflavonoid biosynthesis were enriched in the musk of unmated Chinese forest musk deer males.
Fingerprinting Electronic Molecular Complexes in Liquid
Authors: Nirmalraj Peter , La Rosa Andrea , Thompson Damien , Sousa Marilyne , Martin Nazario , Gotsmann Bernd , Riel Heike 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPredicting the electronic framework of an organic molecule under practical conditions is essential if the molecules are to be wired in a realistic circuit. This demands a clear description of the molecular energy levels and dynamics as it adapts to the feedback from its evolving chemical environment and the surface topology. Here, we address this issue by monitoring in real-time the structural stability and intrinsic molecular resonance states of fullerene (C60)-based hybrid molecules in the presence of the solvent. Energetic levels of C60 hybrids are resolved by in situ scanning tunnelling spectroscopy with an energy resolution in the order of 0.1 eV at room-temperature. An ultra-thin organic spacer layer serves to limit contact metal-molecule energy overlap. The measured molecular conductance gap spread is statistically benchmarked against first principles electronic structure calculations and used to quantify the diversity in electronic species within a standard population of molecules. These findings provide important progress towards understanding conduction mechanisms at a single-molecular level and in serving as useful guidelines for rational design of robust nanoscale devices based on functional organic molecules.
Built-in Electric Field Induced Mechanical Property Change at the Lanthanum Nickelate/Nb-doped Strontium Titanate Interfaces
Authors: Chien TeYu , Liu Jian , Yost Andrew J. , Chakhalian Jak , Freeland John W. , Guisinger Nathan P. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe interactions between electric field and the mechanical properties of materials are important for the applications of microelectromechanical and nanoelectromechanical systems, but relatively unexplored for nanoscale materials. Here, we observe an apparent correlation between the change of the fractured topography of Nb-doped SrTiO3 (Nb:STO) within the presence of a built-in electric field resulting from the Schottky contact at the interface of a metallic LaNiO3 thin film utilizing cross-sectional scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The change of the inter-atomic bond length mechanism is argued to be the most plausible origin. This picture is supported by the strong-electric-field-dependent permittivity in STO and the existence of the dielectric dead layer at the interfaces of STO with metallic films. These results provided direct evidence and a possible mechanism for the interplay between the electric field and the mechanical properties on the nanoscale for perovskite materials.
Regulatory role of FZP in the determination of panicle branching and spikelet formation in rice
Authors: Bai Xufeng , Huang Yong , Mao Donghai , Wen Mi , Zhang Li , Xing Yongzhong 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFRIZZLE PANICLE (FZP) and RFL/ABERRANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION 2 (APO2) play important roles in regulating the ABCDE floral organ identity genes. However, the relationships among FZP and these floral identity genes in the regulation of panicle formation remain unclear. Here, we used the novel mutant fzp-11, wild-type and FZP-overexpressing plants to compare the expression of these genes during panicle development by real-time PCR and in situ hybridization. The results indicate that FZP is a major negative regulator of RFL/APO2 and determines the transition from panicle branching to spikelet formation. Moreover, overexpression of FZP severely represses axillary meristem formation in both the vegetative and reproductive phases and the outgrowth of secondary branches in panicle. FZP overexpression positively regulates the expression of a subset of the class B genes, AGL6 genes (OsMADS6 and OsMADS17) as well as class E genes (OsMADS1, OsMADS7 and OsMADS8) in floral meristem (FM). Thus, it suggested that FZP could specify floral organ identity by regulating the related OsMADS-box genes.
Western diet induces a shift in microbiota composition enhancing susceptibility to Adherent-Invasive E. coli infection and intestinal inflammation.
Authors: Agus Allison , Denizot Jérémy , Thévenot Jonathan , Martinez-Medina Margarita , Massier Sébastien , Sauvanet Pierre , Bernalier-Donadille Annick , Denis Sylvain , Hofman Paul , Bonnet Richard , Billard Elisabeth , Barnich Nicolas 
Published: January 2016

AbstractRecent advances have shown that the abnormal inflammatory response observed in CD involves an interplay among intestinal microbiota, host genetics and environmental factors. The escalating consumption of fat and sugar in Western countries parallels an increased incidence of CD during the latter 20th century. The impact of a HF/HS diet in mice was evaluated for the gut micro-inflammation, intestinal microbiota composition, function and selection of an E. coli population. The HF/HS diet created a specific inflammatory environment in the gut, correlated with intestinal mucosa dysbiosis characterized by an overgrowth of pro-inflammatory Proteobacteria such as E. coli, a decrease in protective bacteria and a significantly decreased of SCFA concentrations. The expression of GPR43, a SCFA receptor was reduced in mice treated with a HF/HS diet and reduced in CD patients compared with controls. Interestingly, mice treated with an agonist of GPR43 were protected against DSS-induced colitis. Finally, the transplantation of feces from HF/HS treated mice to GF mice increased susceptibility to AIEC infection. Together, our results demonstrate that a Western diet could aggravate the inflammatory process and that the activation of the GPR43 receptor pathway could be used as a new strategy to treat CD patients.
Characterization of Rv0888, a Novel Extracellular Nuclease from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Dang Guanghui , Cao Jun , Cui Yingying , Song Ningning , Chen Liping , Pang Hai , Liu Siguo 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBacterial extracellular nucleases play important roles in virulence, biofilm formation, utilization of extracellular DNA as a nutrient and degradation of neutrophil DNA extracellular traps. However, there is no current data available for extracellular nucleases derived from M. tuberculosis. Herein, we have identified and characterized Rv0888, an extracellular nuclease in M. tuberculosis. The protein was overexpressed in E. coli and the purified Rv0888 protein was found to require divalent cations for activity, with an optimal temperature and pH of 41 °C and 6.5, respectively. Further results demonstrated that Rv0888 nuclease activity could be inhibited by four Chinese medicine monomers. Based on sequence analysis, Rv0888 nuclease exhibited no homology with any known extracellular nucleases, indicating that Rv0888 is a novel nuclease. Site-directed mutagenesis studies revealed that the H353, D387 and D438 residues play catalytic roles in Rv0888. In vivo infection studies confirmed that Rv0888 is required for infection and is related to pathogenicity, as the persistent ability of recombinant Mycobacterium smegmatis (rMS) Rv0888NS/MS and Rv0888S/MS is significantly higher than pMV262/MS in the lung tissue and the Rv0888NS/MS and Rv0888S/MS could produce pathological changes in the mice lung. These results show that Rv0888 is relevant to pathogenicity of M. tuberculosis.