bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The 5-Factor Disgust Scale
Authors: Eickmeier Kathrin , Hoffmann Lisa , Banse Rainer 
Published: April 2017

Abstract. For years, disgust was conceptualized as a disease-avoidance mechanism. However, research shows that socio-moral or sexual transgressions elicit disgust, too. Until now, no German-language disgust scale has covered all disgust factors discussed in the literature. Here we present an economic Five-Factor Disgust Scale (5-FES; Fünf-Faktoren Ekelskala) along with empirical evidence from three studies corroborating its reliability and validity. Two well-established disgust questionnaires were combined and extended with other disgust-relevant items. Using item reduction and exploratory factor analysis, death-related, moral, food-related, sexual, and pathogen disgust emerged as distinct factors (Study 1: N = 456). Confirmatory factor analysis with two large samples (Study 2: N = 997 and N = 405) demonstrated a good fit of the correlated five-factor solution. The 5-FES correlated weakly with neuroticism, anxiety, and social desirability. A high negative correlation between sexual disgust and sexual openness emerged. Criterion validity was shown using self-reported behaviors (Study 3: N = 203). With food-related disgust comprising items about non-spoiled but exotic foods, a new disgust domain emerged. Results indicate that the 5-FES is a comprehensive and psychometrically sound German-language instrument for the differentiated assessment of disgust propensity.
Galectin-1 inhibition attenuates profibrotic signaling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Kathiriya Jaymin J , Nakra Niyati , Nixon Jenna , Patel Puja S , Vaghasiya Vijay , Alhassani Ahmed , Tian Zhi , Allen-Gipson Diane , Davé Vrushank 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIdiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by lung remodeling arising from epithelial injury, aberrant fibroblast growth, and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix. Repeated epithelial injury elicits abnormal wound repair and lung remodeling, often associated with alveolar collapse and edema, leading to focal hypoxia. Here, we demonstrate that hypoxia is a physiological insult that contributes to pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and define its molecular roles in profibrotic activation of lung epithelial cells. Hypoxia increased transcription of profibrotic genes and altered the proteomic signatures of lung epithelial cells. Network analysis of the hypoxic epithelial proteome revealed a crosstalk between transforming growth factor-β1 and FAK1 (focal adhesion kinase-1) signaling, which regulated transcription of galectin-1, a profibrotic molecule. Galectin-1 physically interacted with and activated FAK1 in lung epithelial cells. We developed a novel model of exacerbated PF wherein hypoxia, as a secondary insult, caused PF in mice injured with subclinical levels of bleomycin. Hypoxia elevated expression of phosphorylated FAK1, galectin-1, and α-smooth muscle actin and reduced caspase-3 activation, suggesting aberrant injury repair. Galectin-1 inhibition caused apoptosis in the lung parenchyma and reduced FAK1 activation, preventing the development of hypoxia-induced PF. Galectin-1 inhibition also attenuated fibrosis-associated lung function decline. Further, galectin-1 transcript levels were increased in the lungs of IPF patients. In summary, we have identified a profibrotic role of galectin-1 in hypoxia signaling driving PF.
Determining the bacterial cell biology of Planctomycetes
Authors: Boedeker Christian , Schüler Margarete , Reintjes Greta , Jeske Olga , van Teeseling Muriel C. F. , Jogler Mareike , Rast Patrick , Borchert Daniela , Devos Damien P. , Kucklick Martin , Schaffer Miroslava , Kolter Roberto , van Niftrik Laura , Engelmann Susanne , Amann Rudolf , Rohde Manfred , Engelhardt Harald , Jogler Christian 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBacteria of the phylum Planctomycetes have been previously reported to possess several features that are typical of eukaryotes, such as cytosolic compartmentalization and endocytosis-like macromolecule uptake. However, recent evidence points towards a Gram-negative cell plan for Planctomycetes, although in-depth experimental analysis has been hampered by insufficient genetic tools. Here we develop methods for expression of fluorescent proteins and for gene deletion in a model planctomycete, Planctopirus limnophila, to analyse its cell organization in detail. Super-resolution light microscopy of mutants, cryo-electron tomography, bioinformatic predictions and proteomic analyses support an altered Gram-negative cell plan for Planctomycetes, including a defined outer membrane, a periplasmic space that can be greatly enlarged and convoluted, and an energized cytoplasmic membrane. These conclusions are further supported by experiments performed with two other Planctomycetes, Gemmata obscuriglobus and Rhodopirellula baltica. We also provide experimental evidence that is inconsistent with endocytosis-like macromolecule uptake; instead, extracellular macromolecules can be taken up and accumulate in the periplasmic space through unclear mechanisms.
Transient birefringence of liquids induced by terahertz electric-field torque on permanent molecular dipoles
Authors: Sajadi Mohsen , Wolf Martin , Kampfrath Tobias 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCollective low-frequency molecular motions have large impact on chemical reactions and structural relaxation in liquids. So far, these modes have mostly been accessed indirectly by off-resonant optical pulses. Here, we provide evidence that intense terahertz (THz) pulses can resonantly excite reorientational-librational modes of aprotic and strongly polar liquids through coupling to the permanent molecular dipole moments. We observe a significantly enhanced response because the transient optical birefringence is up to an order of magnitude higher than obtained with optical excitation. Frequency-dependent measurements and a simple analytical model indicate that the enhancement arises from resonantly driven librations and their coupling to reorientational motion, assisted by the pump field and/or a cage translational mode. Our results open up the path to applications such as efficient molecular alignment, enhanced transient Kerr signals and systematic resonant nonlinear THz spectroscopy of the coupling between intermolecular modes in liquids.
Stability of the frequent COPD exacerbator in the general population: A Danish nationwide register-based study
Authors: Reilev Mette , Lykkegaard Jesper , Halling Anders , Vestbo Jørgen , Søndergaard Jens , Pottegård Anton 
Published: April 2017

AbstractExacerbation frequency is central in treatment strategies for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, whether chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients from the general population with frequent exacerbations continue to have frequent exacerbations over an extended period of time is currently unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the stability of the frequent exacerbator in a population-based setting. To this end, we conducted a nationwide register-based descriptive study with a 10-year follow-up period of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with at least one medically treated exacerbation in 2003. Each subsequent year, we divided the population into frequent, infrequent and non-exacerbators and quantified the flow between categories. Further, we estimated the percentage of frequent exacerbators at baseline who stayed in this category each year during a 5-year follow-up. We identified 19,752 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and an exacerbation in 2003. Thirty percent were frequent exacerbators. Overall, the majority of exacerbators in 2003 were non-exacerbators in the following years (60% in 2004 increasing to 68% in 2012). Approximately half of frequent exacerbators in one year experienced a decrease in exacerbation frequency and had either zero or one exacerbation in the subsequent year. This pattern was stable throughout follow-up. During a 5-year follow-up period, a substantial proportion (42%) of frequent exacerbators in 2003 had no additional years as frequent exacerbators, while the minority (6%) remained in this category each year. In conclusion, the rate of exacerbations shows considerable variation over time among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in the general population. This might hold implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treatment guidelines and their practical application.
Progressive slowdown/prevention of cellular senescence by CD9-targeted delivery of rapamycin using lactose-wrapped calcium carbonate nanoparticles
Authors: Thapa Raj Kumar , Nguyen Hanh Thuy , Jeong Jee-Heon , Kim Jae Ryong , Choi Han-Gon , Yong Chul Soon , Kim Jong Oh 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCellular senescence, a state of irreversible growth arrest and altered cell function, causes aging-related diseases. Hence, treatment modalities that could target aging cells would provide a robust therapeutic avenue. Herein, for the first time, we utilized CD9 receptors (overexpressed in senescent cells) for nanoparticle targeting in addition to the inherent β-galactosidase activity. In our study, CD9 monoclonal antibody-conjugated lactose-wrapped calcium carbonate nanoparticles loaded with rapamycin (CD9-Lac/CaCO3/Rapa) were prepared for targeted rapamycin delivery to senescent cells. The nanoparticles exhibited an appropriate particle size (~130 nm) with high drug-loading capacity (~20%). In vitro drug release was enhanced in the presence of β-galactosidase suggesting potential cargo drug delivery to the senescent cells. Furthermore, CD9-Lac/CaCO3/Rapa exhibited high uptake and anti-senescence effects (reduced β-galactosidase and p53/p21/CD9/cyclin D1 expression, reduced population doubling time, enhanced cell proliferation and migration, and prevention of cell cycle arrest) in old human dermal fibroblasts. Importantly, CD9-Lac/CaCO3/Rapa significantly improved the proliferation capability of old cells as suggested by BrdU staining along with significant reductions in senescence-associated secretory phenotypes (IL-6 and IL-1β) (P < 0.05). Altogether, our findings suggest the potential applicability of CD9-Lac/CaCO3/Rapa in targeted treatment of senescence.
Comprehensive mapping of the Helicobacter pylori NikR regulon provides new insights in bacterial nickel responses
Authors: Vannini Andrea , Pinatel Eva , Costantini Paolo Emidio , Pelliciari Simone , Roncarati Davide , Puccio Simone , De Bellis Gianluca , Peano Clelia , Danielli Alberto 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNickel homeostasis is important for pathogenic and ureolytic bacteria, which use this metal ion as enzymatic cofactor. For example, in the human pathogen Helicobacter pylori an optimal balance between nickel uptake and incorporation in metallo-enzymes is fundamental for colonization of the host. Nickel is also used as cofactor to modulate DNA binding of the NikR regulator, which controls transcription of genes involved in nickel trafficking or infection in many bacteria. Accordingly, there is much interest in a systematic characterization of NikR regulation. Herein we use H. pylori as a model to integrate RNA-seq and ChIP-seq data demonstrating that NikR not only regulates metal-ion transporters but also virulence factors, non-coding RNAs, as well as toxin-antitoxin systems in response to nickel stimulation. Altogether, results provide new insights into the pathobiology of H. pylori and contribute to understand the responses to nickel in other bacteria.
Emergence of complex behavior in pili-based motility in early stages of P. aeruginosa surface adaptation
Authors: Brill-Karniely Yifat , Jin Fan , Wong Gerard C. L. , Frenkel Daan , Dobnikar Jure 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPseudomonas aeruginosa move across surfaces by using multiple Type IV Pili (TFP), motorized appendages capable of force generation via linear extension/retraction cycles, to generate surface motions collectively known as twitching motility. Pseudomonas cells arrive at a surface with low levels of piliation and TFP activity, which both progressively increase as the cells sense the presence of a surface. At present, it is not clear how twitching motility emerges from these initial minimal conditions. Here, we build a simple model for TFP-driven surface motility without complications from viscous and solid friction on surfaces. We discover the unanticipated structural requirement that TFP motors need to have a minimal amount of effective angular rigidity in order for cells to perform the various classes of experimentally-observed motions. Moreover, a surprisingly small number of TFP are needed to recapitulate movement signatures associated with twitching: Two TFP can already produce movements reminiscent of recently observed slingshot type motion. Interestingly, jerky slingshot motions characteristic of twitching motility comprise the transition region between different types of observed crawling behavior in the dynamical phase diagram, such as self-trapped localized motion, 2-D diffusive exploration, and super-diffusive persistent motion.
Light Control of Ferromagnetism in ZnO Films on Pt Substrate at Room Temperature
Authors: Xie Jihao , Qin Hongwei , Hao Yanming , Cheng Bin , Liu Weikang , Liu Liang , Ren Shaoqing , Zhou Guangjun , Ji Ziwu , Hu Jifan 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe control of ferromagnetism by light at room temperature is essential for the development of some optical-magnetic coupling devices, data storage and quantum computation techniques. In the present work, we demonstrate that the ferromagnetism of a semiconducting ZnO film on Pt substrate can be controlled by nonpolarized ultraviolet or violet light. The illumination of light with sufficiently high frequency photons could excite photogenerated electron-hole pairs in the semiconducting ZnO film. The amount of oxygen vacancies in the ZnO film and the appearance of built-in electric field due to the heterostructured ZnO/Pt may play important roles in the light-induced changes in the ferromagnetism of the ZnO film.
Biomimetic supercontainers for size-selective electrochemical sensing of molecular ions
Authors: Netzer Nathan L. , Must Indrek , Qiao Yupu , Zhang Shi-Li , Wang Zhenqiang , Zhang Zhen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractNew ionophores are essential for advancing the art of selective ion sensing. Metal-organic supercontainers (MOSCs), a new family of biomimetic coordination capsules designed using sulfonylcalix[4]arenes as container precursors, are known for their tunable molecular recognition capabilities towards an array of guests. Herein, we demonstrate the use of MOSCs as a new class of size-selective ionophores dedicated to electrochemical sensing of molecular ions. Specifically, a MOSC molecule with its cavities matching the size of methylene blue (MB+), a versatile organic molecule used for bio-recognition, was incorporated into a polymeric mixed-matrix membrane and used as an ion-selective electrode. This MOSC-incorporated electrode showed a near-Nernstian potentiometric response to MB+ in the nano- to micro-molar range. The exceptional size-selectivity was also evident through contrast studies. To demonstrate the practical utility of our approach, a simulated wastewater experiment was conducted using water from the Fyris River (Sweden). It not only showed a near-Nernstian response to MB+ but also revealed a possible method for potentiometric titration of the redox indicator. Our study thus represents a new paradigm for the rational design of ionophores that can rapidly and precisely monitor molecular ions relevant to environmental, biomedical, and other related areas.
Production and glyco-engineering of immunomodulatory helminth glycoproteins in plants
Authors: Wilbers Ruud H. P. , Westerhof Lotte B. , van Noort Kim , Obieglo Katja , Driessen Nicole N. , Everts Bart , Gringhuis Sonja I. , Schramm Gabriele , Goverse Aska , Smant Geert , Bakker Jaap , Smits Hermelijn H. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Schots Arjen , Hokke Cornelis H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractHelminth parasites control host-immune responses by secreting immunomodulatory glycoproteins. Clinical trials and mouse model studies have demonstrated the potential of helminth-derived glycoproteins for the treatment of immune-related diseases, like allergies and autoimmune diseases. Studies are however hampered by the limited availability of native parasite-derived proteins. Moreover, recombinant protein production systems have thus far been unable to reconstitute helminth-like glycosylation essential for the functionality of some helminth glycoproteins. Here we exploited the flexibility of the N-glycosylation machinery of plants to reconstruct the helminth glycoproteins omega-1 and kappa-5, two major constituents of immunomodulatory Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens. Fine-tuning transient co-expression of specific glycosyltransferases in Nicotiana benthamiana enabled the synthesis of Lewis X (LeX) and LDN/LDN-F glycan motifs as found on natural omega-1 and kappa-5, respectively. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of the introduction of native LeX motifs on plant-produced omega-1 confirmed that LeX on omega-1 contributes to the glycoprotein’s Th2-inducing properties. These data indicate that mimicking the complex carbohydrate structures of helminths in plants is a promising strategy to allow targeted evaluation of therapeutic glycoproteins for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. In addition, our results offer perspectives for the development of effective anti-helminthic vaccines by reconstructing native parasite glycoprotein antigens.
Origin of reduced magnetization and domain formation in small magnetite nanoparticles
Authors: Nedelkoski Zlatko , Kepaptsoglou Demie , Lari Leonardo , Wen Tianlong , Booth Ryan A. , Oberdick Samuel D. , Galindo Pedro L. , Ramasse Quentin M. , Evans Richard F. L. , Majetich Sara , Lazarov Vlado K. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe structural, chemical, and magnetic properties of magnetite nanoparticles are compared. Aberration corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy reveals the prevalence of antiphase boundaries in nanoparticles that have significantly reduced magnetization, relative to the bulk. Atomistic magnetic modelling of nanoparticles with and without these defects reveals the origin of the reduced moment. Strong antiferromagnetic interactions across antiphase boundaries support multiple magnetic domains even in particles as small as 12–14 nm.
Involvement of a velvet protein ClVelB in the regulation of vegetative differentiation, oxidative stress response, secondary metabolism, and virulence in Curvularia lunata
Authors: Gao Jin-Xin , Yu Chuan-Jin , Wang Meng , Sun Jia-Nan , Li Ya-Qian , Chen Jie 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe ortholog ofAspergillus nidulansVelB, which is known as ClVelB, was studied to gain a broader insight into the functions of a velvet protein inCurvularia lunata. With the expected common and specific functions of ClVelB, the deletion ofclvelBresults in similar though not identical phenotypes. The pathogenicity assays revealed that ΔClVelB was impaired in colonizing the host tissue, which corresponds to the finding that ClVelB controls the production of conidia and the methyl 5-(hydroxymethyl) furan-2-carboxylate toxin inC. lunata. However, the deletion ofclvelBled to the increase in aerial hyphae and melanin formation. In addition, ΔClVelB showed a decreased sensitivity to iprodione and fludioxonil fungicides and a decreased resistance to cell wall-damaging agents and osmotic stress and tolerance to H2O2. The ultrastructural analysis indicated that the cell wall of ΔClVelB became thinner, which agrees with the finding that the accumulated level of glycerol in ΔClVelB is lower than the wild-type. Furthermore, the interaction of ClVelB with ClVeA and ClVosA was identified in the present research through the yeast two-hybrid and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays. Results indicate that ClVelB plays a vital role in the regulation of various cellular processes inC. lunata.
Association of C-Type Lectin Mincle with FcεRIβγ Subunits Leads to Functional Activation of RBL-2H3 Cells through Syk
Authors: Honjoh Chisato , Chihara Kazuyasu , Yoshiki Hatsumi , Yamauchi Shota , Takeuchi Kenji , Kato Yuji , Hida Yukio , Ishizuka Tamotsu , Sada Kiyonao 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMacrophage-inducible C-type lectin (Mincle) interacts with the γ-subunit of high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRIγ) and activates Syk by recognizing its specific ligand, trehalose-6,6′-dimycolate, a glycolipid produced byMycobacterium tuberculosis. It has been suggested that mast cells participate in the immune defense against pathogenic microbes includingM. tuberculosis, although the functions are still uncertain. In this study, we examined the Mincle-mediated signaling pathway and cellular responses using RBL-2H3 cells. Mincle formed a protein complex with not only FcεRIγ but also FcεRIβ in a stable cell line expressing myc-tagged Mincle. In addition, engagement of Mincle increased the levels of protein tyrosine phosphorylation and ERK phosphorylation. A pull-down assay demonstrated that cross-linking of Mincle induced binding of FcεRIβγ subunits to the Src homology 2 domain of Syk. Pharmacological and genetic studies indicated that activation of Syk was critical for Mincle-mediated activation of phospholipase Cγ2, leading to the activation of ERK and nuclear factor of activated T cells. Moreover, engagement of Mincle efficiently induced up-regulation of characteristic mast cell genes in addition to degranulation. Taken together, our present results suggest that mast cells contribute to Mincle-mediated immunity through Syk activation triggered by association with the FcεRIβγ complex.
Constructing Ecological Networks Based on Habitat Quality Assessment: A Case Study of Changzhou, China
Authors: Gao Yu , Ma Lei , Liu Jiaxun , Zhuang Zhuzhou , Huang Qiuhao , Li Manchun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractFragmentation and reduced continuity of habitat patches threaten the environment and biodiversity. Recently, ecological networks are increasingly attracting the attention of researchers as they provide fundamental frameworks for environmental protection. This study suggests a set of procedures to construct an ecological network. First, we proposed a method to construct a landscape resistance surface based on the assessment of habitat quality. Second, to analyze the effect of the resistance surface on corridor simulations, we used three methods to construct resistance surfaces: (1) the method proposed in this paper, (2) the entropy coefficient method, and (3) the expert scoring method. Then, we integrated habitat patches and resistance surfaces to identify potential corridors using graph theory. These procedures were tested in Changzhou, China. Comparing the outputs of using different resistance surfaces demonstrated that: (1) different landscape resistance surfaces contribute to how corridors are identified, but only slightly affect the assessment of the importance of habitat patches and potential corridors; (2) the resistance surface, which is constructed based on habitat quality, is more applicable to corridor simulations; and (3) the assessment of the importance of habitat patches is fundamental for ecological network optimization in the conservation of critical habitat patches and corridors.