bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Giant linear strain gradient with extremely low elastic energy in a perovskite nanostructure array
Authors: Tang Y. L. , Zhu Y. L. , Liu Y. , Wang Y. J. , Ma X. L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAlthough elastic strains, particularly inhomogeneous strains, are able to tune, enhance or create novel properties of some nanoscale functional materials, potential devices dominated by inhomogeneous strains have not been achieved so far. Here we report a fabrication of inhomogeneous strains with a linear gradient as giant as 106 per metre, featuring an extremely lower elastic energy cost compared with a uniformly strained state. The present strain gradient, resulting from the disclinations in the BiFeO3 nanostructures array grown on LaAlO3 substrates via a high deposition flux, induces a polarization of several microcoulomb per square centimetre. It leads to a large built-in electric field of several megavoltage per metre, and gives rise to a large enhancement of solar absorption. Our results indicate that it is possible to build up large-scale strain-dominated nanostructures with exotic properties, which in turn could be useful in the development of novel devices for electromechanical and photoelectric applications.
SRSF1-dependent nuclear export inhibition of C9ORF72 repeat transcripts prevents neurodegeneration and associated motor deficits
Authors: Hautbergue Guillaume M. , Castelli Lydia M. , Ferraiuolo Laura , Sanchez-Martinez Alvaro , Cooper-Knock Johnathan , Higginbottom Adrian , Lin Ya-Hui , Bauer Claudia S. , Dodd Jennifer E. , Myszczynska Monika A. , Alam Sarah M. , Garneret Pierre , Chandran Jayanth S. , Karyka Evangelia , Stopford Matthew J. , Smith Emma F. , Kirby Janine , Meyer Kathrin , Kaspar Brian K. , Isaacs Adrian M. , El-Khamisy Sherif F. , De Vos Kurt J. , Ning Ke , Azzouz Mimoun , Whitworth Alexander J. , Shaw Pamela J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHexanucleotide repeat expansions in theC9ORF72gene are the commonest known genetic cause of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal dementia. Expression of repeat transcripts and dipeptide repeat proteins trigger multiple mechanisms of neurotoxicity. How repeat transcripts get exported from the nucleus is unknown. Here, we show that depletion of the nuclear export adaptor SRSF1 prevents neurodegeneration and locomotor deficits in aDrosophilamodel of C9ORF72-related disease. This intervention suppresses cell death of patient-derived motor neuron and astrocytic-mediated neurotoxicity in co-culture assays. We further demonstrate that either depleting SRSF1 or preventing its interaction with NXF1 specifically inhibits the nuclear export of pathologicalC9ORF72transcripts, the production of dipeptide-repeat proteins and alleviates neurotoxicity inDrosophila, patient-derived neurons and neuronal cell models. Taken together, we show that repeat RNA-sequestration of SRSF1 triggers the NXF1-dependent nuclear export ofC9ORF72transcripts retaining expanded hexanucleotide repeats and reveal a novel promising therapeutic target for neuroprotection.
CTCF orchestrates the germinal centre transcriptional program and prevents premature plasma cell differentiation
Authors: Pérez-García Arantxa , Marina-Zárate Ester , Álvarez-Prado Ángel F. , Ligos Jose M. , Galjart Niels , Ramiro Almudena R. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn germinal centres (GC) mature B cells undergo intense proliferation and immunoglobulin gene modification before they differentiate into memory B cells or long-lived plasma cells (PC). GC B-cell-to-PC transition involves a major transcriptional switch that promotes a halt in cell proliferation and the production of secreted immunoglobulins. Here we show that the CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) is required for the GC reactionin vivo, whereasin vitrothe requirement for CTCF is not universal and instead depends on the pathways used for B-cell activation. CTCF maintains the GC transcriptional programme, allows a high proliferation rate, and represses the expression of Blimp-1, the master regulator of PC differentiation. Restoration of Blimp-1 levels partially rescues the proliferation defect of CTCF-deficient B cells. Thus, our data reveal an essential function of CTCF in maintaining the GC transcriptional programme and preventing premature PC differentiation.
Electrical gate control of spin current in van der Waals heterostructures at room temperature
Authors: Dankert André , Dash Saroj P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTwo-dimensional (2D) crystals offer a unique platform due to their remarkable and contrasting spintronic properties, such as weak spin–orbit coupling (SOC) in graphene and strong SOC in molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). Here we combine graphene and MoS2 in a van der Waals heterostructure (vdWh) to demonstrate the electric gate control of the spin current and spin lifetime at room temperature. By performing non-local spin valve and Hanle measurements, we unambiguously prove the gate tunability of the spin current and spin lifetime in graphene/MoS2 vdWhs at 300 K. This unprecedented control over the spin parameters by orders of magnitude stems from the gate tuning of the Schottky barrier at the MoS2/graphene interface and MoS2 channel conductivity leading to spin dephasing in high-SOC material. Our findings demonstrate an all-electrical spintronic device at room temperature with the creation, transport and control of the spin in 2D materials heterostructures, which can be key building blocks in future device architectures.
Insight into microtubule disassembly by kinesin-13s from the structure of Kif2C bound to tubulin
Authors: Wang Weiyi , Cantos-Fernandes Soraya , Lv Yuncong , Kuerban Hureshitanmu , Ahmad Shoeb , Wang Chunguang , Gigant Benoît 
Published: July 2017

AbstractKinesin-13s are critical microtubule regulators which induce microtubule disassembly in an ATP dependent manner. To clarify their mechanism, we report here the crystal structure of a functional construct of the kinesin-13 Kif2C/MCAK in an ATP-like state and bound to the αβ-tubulin heterodimer, a complex mimicking the species that dissociates from microtubule ends during catalytic disassembly. Our results picture how Kif2C stabilizes a curved tubulin conformation. The Kif2C α4-L12-α5 region undergoes a remarkable 25° rotation upon tubulin binding to target the αβ-tubulin hinge. This movement leads the β5a–β5b motif to interact with the distal end of β-tubulin, whereas the neck and the KVD motif, two specific elements of kinesin-13s, target the α-tubulin distal end. Taken together with the study of Kif2C mutants, our data suggest that stabilization of a curved tubulin is an important contribution to the Kif2C mechanism.
Genistein Protects Genioglossus Myoblast Against Hypoxia-induced Injury through PI3K-Akt and ERK MAPK Pathways
Authors: Ding Wanghui , Chen Xiaoyan , Li Wen , Fu Zhen , Shi Jiejun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) is a clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of obstruction of the upper airway during sleep that leads to a hypoxic condition. Genioglossus, an important pharyngeal muscle, plays an important role in maintaining an open upper airway for effective breathing. Our previous study found that genistein (a kind of phytoestrogen) protects genioglossus muscle from hypoxia-induced oxidative injury. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of hypoxia on genioglossus myoblast proliferation, viability and apoptosis, and the protective effect of genistein and its relationship with the PI3K/Akt and ERK MAPK pathways. Cell viability and Bcl-2 were reduced under hypoxic condition, while ROS generation, caspase-3, MDA, and DNA damage were increased following a hypoxia exposure. However, the effects of hypoxia were partially reversed by genistein in an Akt- and ERK- (but not estrogen receptor) dependent manner. In conclusion, genistein protects genioglossus myoblasts against hypoxia-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis independent of estrogen receptor. The PI3K-Akt and ERK1/2 MAPK signaling pathways are involved in the antioxidant and anti-apoptosis effect of genistein on genioglossus myoblasts.
Integrating nonstationary behaviors of typhoon and non-typhoon extreme rainfall events in East Asia
Authors: Son Chanyoung , Lee Taesam , Kwon Hyun-han 
Published: July 2017

AbstractExtreme rainfall events in East Asia can be derived from the two subcomponents of tropical cyclones (TC) and non-TC based rainfall (mostly summer monsoons). Critical natural hazards including floods and landslides occur repeatedly due to the heavy rainfall associated with the two subcomponents, and disaster losses are increasing because global warming has caused changes in the extreme rainfall characteristics of two subcomponents. Subsequently, the frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall have reportedly become nonstationary. The majority of literature on nonstationary frequency analyses do not account for the different behaviors (stationarity or nonstationarity) of annual maximum rainfall (AMR) from the two subcomponents (PM
TC
and PM
NTC
). To carry out a nonstationary frequency analysis considering the different behaviors of the PM
TC
and PM
NTC
series, this study proposes a novel approach of integrating the fitted PM
TC
and PM
NTC
series after modeling the nonstationarity of the PM
TC
and PM
NTC
series individually. The presented results conclude that the proposed approach provides more reliable estimates than existing nonstationary approaches by reflecting the different features of the PM
TC
and PM
NTC
series. We suggest that the proposed approach provides a reasonable design rainfall in constructing hydraulics to mitigate the different nonstationary effects of two TC and non-TC rainfall extremes.
Ectodysplasin target gene Fgf20 regulates mammary bud growth and ductal invasion and branching during puberty
Authors: Elo Teresa , Lindfors Päivi H. , Lan Qiang , Voutilainen Maria , Trela Ewelina , Ohlsson Claes , Huh Sung-Ho , Ornitz David M. , Poutanen Matti , Howard Beatrice A. , Mikkola Marja L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMammary gland development begins with the appearance of epithelial placodes that invaginate, sprout, and branch to form small arborized trees by birth. The second phase of ductal growth and branching is driven by the highly invasive structures called terminal end buds (TEBs) that form at ductal tips at the onset of puberty. Ectodysplasin (Eda), a tumor necrosis factor-like ligand, is essential for the development of skin appendages including the breast. In mice, Eda regulates mammary placode formation and branching morphogenesis, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) receptors have a recognized role in mammary ductal development and stem cell maintenance, but the ligands involved are ill-defined. Here we report that Fgf20 is expressed in embryonic mammary glands and is regulated by the Eda pathway. Fgf20 deficiency does not impede mammary gland induction, but compromises mammary bud growth, as well as TEB formation, ductal outgrowth and branching during puberty. We further show that loss of Fgf20 delays formation of Eda-induced supernumerary mammary buds and normalizes the embryonic and postnatal hyperbranching phenotype of Eda overexpressing mice. These findings identify a hitherto unknown function for Fgf20 in mammary budding and branching morphogenesis.
A Transcription Activator-Like Effector Tal7 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola Activates Rice Gene Os09g29100 to Suppress Rice Immunity
Authors: Cai Lulu , Cao Yanyan , Xu Zhengyin , Ma Wenxiu , Zakria Muhammad , Zou Lifang , Cheng Zaiquan , Chen Gongyou 
Published: July 2017

AbstractXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzicola(Xoc) andX.oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo) cause bacterial leaf streak (BLS) and bacterial leaf blight (BLB) in rice, respectively. UnlikeXoo, endogenous avirulence-resistance (avr-R) gene interactions have not been identified in theXoc-rice pathosystem; however, both pathogens possess transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) that are known to modulateRorSgenes in rice. The transfer of individualtalgenes fromXocRS105 (hypervirulent) intoXocYNB0-17 (hypovirulent) led to the identification oftal7, which suppressedavrXa7-Xa7mediated defense in rice containing anXa7 Rgene. Mobility shift and microscale thermophoresis assays showed that Tal7 bound two EBE sites in the promoters of two rice genes,Os09g29100andOs12g42970, which encode predicted Cyclin-D4-1 and GATA zinc finger family protein, respectively. Assays using designer TALEs and a TALE-free strain ofXoorevealed thatOs09g29100was the biologically relevant target of Tal7. Tal7 activates the expression of rice geneOs09g29100that suppressesavrXa7-Xa7mediated defense in Rice. TALEN editing of the Tal7-binding site in theOs09g29100gene promoter further enhanced resistance to the pathogenXocRS105. The suppression of effector-trigger immunity (ETI) is a phenomenon that may contribute to the scarcity of BLS resistant cultivars.
Injectable hybrid system for strontium local delivery promotes bone regeneration in a rat critical-sized defect model
Authors: Henriques Lourenço Ana , Neves Nuno , Ribeiro-Machado Cláudia , Sousa Susana R. , Lamghari Meriem , Barrias Cristina C. , Trigo Cabral Abel , Barbosa Mário A. , Ribeiro Cristina C. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractStrontium (Sr) has been described as having beneficial influence in bone strength and architecture. However, negative systemic effects have been reported on oral administration of Sr ranelate, leading to strict restrictions in clinical application. We hypothesized that local delivery of Sr improves osteogenesis without eliciting detrimental side effects. Therefore, the in vivo response to an injectable Sr-hybrid system composed of RGD-alginate hydrogel cross-linked in situ with Sr and reinforced with Sr-doped hydroxyapatite microspheres, was investigated. The system was injected in a critical-sized bone defect model and compared to a similar Sr-free material. Micro-CT results show a trend towards higher new bone formed in Sr-hybrid group and major histological differences were observed between groups. Higher cell invasion was detected at the center of the defect of Sr-hybrid group after 15 days with earlier bone formation. Higher material degradation with increase of collagen fibers and bone formation in the center of the defect after 60 days was observed as opposed to bone formation restricted to the periphery of the defect in the control. These histological findings support the evidence of an improved response with the Sr enriched material. Importantly, no alterations were observed in the Sr levels in systemic organs or serum.
Characterizing the scent and chemical composition of Panthera leo marking fluid using solid-phase microextraction and multidimensional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry-olfactometry
Authors: Soso Simone B. , Koziel Jacek A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractLions (Panthera leo) use chemical signaling to indicate health, reproductive status, and territorial ownership. To date, no study has reported on both scent and composition of marking fluid (MF) fromP. leo. The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop a novel method for simultaneous chemical and scent identification of lion MF in its totality (urine + MF), 2) identify characteristic odorants responsible for the overall scent of MF as perceived by human panelists, and 3) compare the existing library of known odorous compounds characterized as eliciting behaviors in animals in order to understand potential functionality in lion behavior. Solid-phase microextraction and simultaneous chemical-sensory analyses with multidimensional gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry-olfactometry improved separating, isolating, and identifying mixed (MF, urine) compounds versus solvent-based extraction and chemical analyses. 2,5-Dimethylpyrazine, 4-methylphenol, and 3-methylcyclopentanone were isolated and identified as the compounds responsible for the characteristic odor of lion MF. Twenty-eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from MF were identified, adding a new list of compounds previously unidentified in lion urine. New chemicals were identified in nine compound groups: ketones, aldehydes, amines, alcohols, aromatics, sulfur-containing compounds, phenyls, phenols, and volatile fatty acids. Twenty-three VOCs are known semiochemicals that are implicated in attraction, reproduction, and alarm-signaling behaviors in other species.
The energy disruptor metformin targets mitochondrial integrity via modification of calcium flux in cancer cells
Authors: Loubiere Camille , Clavel Stephan , Gilleron Jerome , Harisseh Rania , Fauconnier Jeremy , Ben-Sahra Issam , Kaminski Lisa , Laurent Kathiane , Herkenne Stephanie , Lacas-Gervais Sandra , Ambrosetti Damien , Alcor Damien , Rocchi Stephane , Cormont Mireille , Michiels Jean-François , Mari Bernard , Mazure Nathalie M. , Scorrano Luca , Lacampagne Alain , Gharib Abdallah , Tanti Jean-François , Bost Frederic 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMitochondrial integrity is critical for the regulation of cellular energy and apoptosis. Metformin is an energy disruptor targeting complex I of the respiratory chain. We demonstrate that metformin induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, calcium release from the ER and subsequent uptake of calcium into the mitochondria, thus leading to mitochondrial swelling. Metformin triggers the disorganization of the cristae and inner mitochondrial membrane in several cancer cells and tumors. Mechanistically, these alterations were found to be due to calcium entry into the mitochondria, because the swelling induced by metformin was reversed by the inhibition of mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU). We also demonstrated that metformin inhibits the opening of mPTP and induces mitochondrial biogenesis. Altogether, the inhibition of mPTP and the increase in mitochondrial biogenesis may account for the poor pro-apoptotic effect of metformin in cancer cells.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)-associated bacterial community affected by American foulbrood: detection of Paenibacillus larvae via microbiome analysis
Authors: Erban Tomas , Ledvinka Ondrej , Kamler Martin , Nesvorna Marta , Hortova Bronislava , Tyl Jan , Titera Dalibor , Markovic Martin , Hubert Jan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHoneybee (Apis mellifera L.) workers act as passive vectors of Paenibacillus larvae spores, which cause the quarantine disease American foulbrood (AFB). We assessed the relative proportions of P. larvae within the honeybee microbiome using metabarcoding analysis of the 16 S rRNA gene. The microbiome was analyzed in workers outside of the AFB zone (control - AFB0), in workers from asymptomatic colonies in an AFB apiary (AFB1), and in workers from colonies exhibiting clinical AFB symptoms (AFB2). The microbiome was processed for the entire community and for a cut-off microbiome comprising pathogenic/environmental bacteria following the removal of core bacterial sequences; varroosis levels were considered in the statistical analysis. No correlation was observed between AFB status and varroosis level, but AFB influenced the worker bee bacterial community, primarily the pathogenic/environmental bacteria. There was no significant difference in the relative abundance of P. larvae between the AFB1 and AFB0 colonies, but we did observe a 9-fold increase in P. larvae abundance in AFB2 relative to the abundance in AFB1. The relative sequence numbers of Citrobacter freundii and Hafnia alvei were higher in AFB2 and AFB1 than in AFB0, whereas Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella oxytoca, Spiroplasma melliferum and Morganella morganii were more abundant in AFB0 and AFB1 than in AFB2.
A Tissue Engineered Model of Aging: Interdependence and Cooperative Effects in Failing Tissues
Authors: Acun A. , Vural D. C. , Zorlutuna P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAging remains a fundamental open problem in modern biology. Although there exist a number of theories on aging on the cellular scale, nearly nothing is known about how microscopic failures cascade to macroscopic failures of tissues, organs and ultimately the organism. The goal of this work is to bridge microscopic cell failure to macroscopic manifestations of aging. We use tissue engineered constructs to control the cellular-level damage and cell-cell distance in individual tissues to establish the role of complex interdependence and interactions between cells in aging tissues. We found that while microscopic mechanisms drive aging, the interdependency between cells plays a major role in tissue death, providing evidence on how cellular aging is connected to its higher systemic consequences.
Human Platelet Lysate versus Fetal Calf Serum: These Supplements Do Not Select for Different Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Fernandez-Rebollo Eduardo , Mentrup Birgit , Ebert Regina , Franzen Julia , Abagnale Giulio , Sieben Torsten , Ostrowska Alina , Hoffmann Per , Roux Pierre-François , Rath Björn , Goodhardt Michele , Lemaitre Jean-Marc , Bischof Oliver , Jakob Franz , Wagner Wolfgang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCulture medium of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) is usually supplemented with either human platelet lysate (HPL) or fetal calf serum (FCS). Many studies have demonstrated that proliferation and cellular morphology are affected by these supplements – it is therefore important to determine if they favor outgrowth of different subpopulations and thereby impact on the heterogeneous composition of MSCs. We have isolated and expanded human bone marrow-derived MSCs in parallel with HPL or FCS and demonstrated that HPL significantly increases proliferation and leads to dramatic differences in cellular morphology. Remarkably, global DNA-methylation profiles did not reveal any significant differences. Even at the transcriptomic level, there were only moderate changes in pairwise comparison. Furthermore, the effects on proliferation, cytoskeletal organization, and focal adhesions were reversible by interchanging to opposite culture conditions. These results indicate that cultivation of MSCs with HPL or FCS has no systematic bias for specific cell types.
Effects of sediment smothering on the sponge holobiont with implications for dredging management
Authors: Pineda Mari-Carmen , Strehlow Brian , Sternel Miriam , Duckworth Alan , Haan Joost den , Jones Ross , Webster Nicole S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOne of the ways dredging can affect benthic habitats is through high levels of sediment deposition, which has the potential to smother sessile organisms such as sponges. In order to provide pressure-response values to sedimentation and tease apart the different cause-effect pathways of high turbidity, 5 sponge species, including heterotrophic and phototrophic nutritional modes, were exposed for up to 30 d to multiple sediment deposition events, each of which resulted in an initial covering of 80–100% of the surface of the sponges in a layer ~0.5 mm thick. The response of the sponges was examined using a suite of different response variables including growth, respiration, lipid content, community composition of the microbial symbionts, and maximum quantum yield and chlorophyll content of the phototrophic symbionts. Different species showed different mechanisms of sediment rejection and different patterns of sediment clearance. All species survived the treatments, were able to tolerate high levels of partial covering of their surfaces, and for most species the treatment did not alter the health of the sponge holobiont. Results from this study will guide interpretation of experiments examining the combined effects of all three dredging-related pressures, and aid the development of water quality thresholds for impact prediction purposes.