bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Torque, but not FliL, regulates mechanosensitive flagellar motor-function
Authors: Chawla Ravi , Ford Katie M. , Lele Pushkar P. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe stator-complex in the bacterial flagellar motor is responsible for surface-sensing. It remodels in response to perturbations in viscous loads, recruiting additional stator-units as the load increases. Here, we tested a hypothesis that the amount of torque generated by each stator-unit modulates its association with the rotor. To do this, we measured stator-binding to the rotor in mutants in which motors reportedly develop lower torque compared to wildtype motors. First, we employed a strain lacking fliL. Contrary to earlier reports, measurements indicated that the torque generated by motors in the fliL strain was similar to that in the wildtype, at high loads. In these motors, stator-binding was unchanged. Next, experiments with a paralyzed strain indicated that the stator-binding was measurably weaker when motors were unable to generate torque. An analytical model was developed that incorporated an exponential dependence of the unit’s dissociation rate on the force delivered to the rotor. The model provided accurate fits to measurements of stator-rotor binding over a wide range of loads. Based on these results, we propose that the binding of each stator-unit is enhanced by the force it develops. Furthermore, FliL does not play a significant role in motor function in E. coli.
Cognitive brain responses during circadian wake-promotion: evidence for sleep-pressure-dependent hypothalamic activations
Authors: Reichert Carolin F. , Maire Micheline , Gabel Virginie , Viola Antoine U. , Götz Thomas , Scheffler Klaus , Klarhöfer Markus , Berthomier Christian , Strobel Werner , Phillips Christophe , Salmon Eric , Cajochen Christian , Schmidt Christina 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe two-process model of sleep-wake regulation posits that sleep-wake-dependent homeostatic processes interact with the circadian timing system to affect human behavior. The circadian timing system is fundamental to maintaining stable cognitive performance, as it counteracts growing homeostatic sleep pressure during daytime. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we explored brain responses underlying working memory performance during the time of maximal circadian wake-promotion under varying sleep pressure conditions. Circadian wake-promoting strength was derived from the ability to sleep during an evening nap. Hypothalamic BOLD activity was positively linked to circadian wake-promoting strength under normal, but not under disproportionally high or low sleep pressure levels. Furthermore, higher hypothalamic activity under normal sleep pressure levels predicted better performance under sleep loss. Our results reappraise the two-process model by revealing a homeostatic-dose-dependent association between circadian wake-promotion and cognition-related hypothalamic activity.
Genome-wide RNA-Sequencing analysis identifies a distinct fibrosis gene signature in the conjunctiva after glaucoma surgery
Authors: Yu-Wai-Man Cynthia , Owen Nicholas , Lees Jonathan , Tagalakis Aristides D. , Hart Stephen L. , Webster Andrew R. , Orengo Christine A. , Khaw Peng T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFibrosis-related events play a part in most blinding diseases worldwide. However, little is known about the mechanisms driving this complex multifactorial disease. Here we have carried out the first genome-wide RNA-Sequencing study in human conjunctival fibrosis. We isolated 10 primary fibrotic and 7 non-fibrotic conjunctival fibroblast cell lines from patients with and without previous glaucoma surgery, respectively. The patients were matched for ethnicity and age. We identified 246 genes that were differentially expressed by over two-fold and p < 0.05, of which 46 genes were upregulated and 200 genes were downregulated in the fibrotic cell lines compared to the non-fibrotic cell lines. We also carried out detailed gene ontology, KEGG, disease association, pathway commons, WikiPathways and protein network analyses, and identified distinct pathways linked to smooth muscle contraction, inflammatory cytokines, immune mediators, extracellular matrix proteins and oncogene expression. We further validated 11 genes that were highly upregulated or downregulated using real-time quantitative PCR and found a strong correlation between the RNA-Seq and qPCR results. Our study demonstrates that there is a distinct fibrosis gene signature in the conjunctiva after glaucoma surgery and provides new insights into the mechanistic pathways driving the complex fibrotic process in the eye and other tissues.
Magnetic anisotropy control by applying an electric field to the side surface of ferromagnetic films
Authors: Terada Hiroshi , Ohya Shinobu , Anh Le Duc , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Tanaka Masaaki 
Published: July 2017

AbstractReducing the power consumption necessary for magnetization reversal is one of the most crucial issues facing spintronics devices. Electric field control of the magnetic anisotropy of ferromagnetic thin films is a promising method to solve this problem. However, the electric field is believed to be effective only within several nanometres of the surface in ferromagnetic metals because of its short Thomas-Fermi screening length, which prevents its practical application to devices. Herein, we successfully modulate the magnetic anisotropy of the entire region of the ferromagnetic layers in the elongated mesas of vertical spin field-effect transistors with widths as large as ~500 nm by applying an electric field to the side surface of the metallic GaMnAs-based mesas through an electric double layer. Our results will open up a new pathway for spintronics devices with ultra-low power consumption.
Cellular uptake pathways of sepiolite nanofibers and DNA transfection improvement
Authors: Castro-Smirnov Fidel Antonio , Ayache Jeanne , Bertrand Jean-Rémi , Dardillac Elodie , Le Cam Eric , Piétrement Olivier , Aranda Pilar , Ruiz-Hitzky Eduardo , Lopez Bernard S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSepiolite is a nanofibrous natural silicate that can be used as a nanocarrier because it can be naturally internalized into mammalian cells, due to its nano-size dimension. Therefore, deciphering the mechanisms of sepiolite cell internalization constitutes a question interesting biotechnology, for the use of sepiolite as nanocarrier, as well as environmental and public health concerns. Though it is low, the perfectly stable and natural intrinsic fluorescence of sepiolite nanofibers allows to follow their fate into cells by specifically sensitive technics. By combining fluorescence microscopy (including confocal analysis), time-lapse video microscopy, fluorescence activated cell sorting and transmission electron microscopy, we show that sepiolite can be spontaneously internalized into mammalian cells through both non-endocytic and endocytic pathways, macropinocytosis being one of the main pathways. Interestingly, exposure of the cells to endocytosis inhibitors, such as chloroquine, two-fold increase the efficiency of sepiolite-mediated gene transfer, in addition to the 100-fold increased resulting from sepiolite sonomechanical treatment. As sepiolite is able to bind various biological molecules, this nanoparticulate silicate could be a good candidate as a nanocarrier for simultaneous vectorization of diverse biological molecules.
Investigation of the Changes in the Power Distribution in Resting-State Brain Networks Associated with Pure Conduct Disorder
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Zhou Jiansong , Lu Fengmei , Chen Liangyin , Huang Yunzhi , Chen Huafu , Xiang Yutao , Yang Gang , Yuan Zhen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractConduct disorder (CD) is a psychiatric disorder in children and adolescence. To investigate changes in the power distribution in brain networks between CD and typically developing (TD) groups, resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) data of thirty-six subjects were first recorded, and then the data were preprocessed using DPARSF and SPM8. Meanwhile, the power of the blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals of ninety brain regions was acquired using the integral of the Welch power spectral density (PSD). Additionally, the powers of the brain regions that reached significance (p < 0.05) were extracted using the bootstrap statistics, in which the standardized z-scores of the powers were used as a reference. The results of the analysis of the changes in power exhibited that there were significant power differences in some pairs of brain regions between the CD and TD groups, indicating a change in the power distribution. In addition, the results also suggest that the total power consumption of brain networks in CD patients is less than that observed in the TD group. Consequently, the study provided a paradigm for establishing quantifiable indicators via the power spectrum approach for the comparison and analysis of the BOLD signal power between CD patients and healthy controls.
Transcriptome Analysis of Rice Seedling Roots in Response to Potassium Deficiency
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqin , Jiang Hua , Wang Hua , Cui Jun , Wang Jiahui , Hu Jiang , Guo Longbiao , Qian Qian , Xue Dawei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractRice is one of the most important food crops in the world, and its growth, development, yield, and grain quality are susceptible to a deficiency of the macronutrient potassium (K+). The molecular mechanism for K+deficiency tolerance remains poorly understood. In this study, K+deficient conditions were employed to investigate the resulting changes in the transcriptome of rice seedling roots. Using ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-Seq) and analysis, a total of 805 differentially expressed genes were obtained, of which 536 genes were upregulated and 269 were downregulated. Gene functional classification showed that the expression of genes involved in nutrient transport, protein kinases, transcription processes, and plant hormones were particularly altered in the roots. Although these changes were significant, the expression of most genes remained constant even in K+-deficient conditions. Interestingly, when our RNA-Seq results were compared to public microarray data, we found that most of the genes that were differentially expressed in low K+conditions also exhibited changes in expression in other environmental stress conditions.
Plk1 phosphorylation of CAP-H2 triggers chromosome condensation by condensin II at the early phase of mitosis
Authors: Kagami Yuya , Ono Masaya , Yoshida Kiyotsugu 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCondensin complexes play crucial roles in chromosome condensation that is a fundamental process to establish the “rod-like” shape of chromosome structure in mitosis. Failure of the chromosome assembly causes chromosome segregation errors and subsequent genomic instability. However, a molecular mechanism that controls condensin function for the chromosomal organization has not been fully understood. Here, we show that the abundance of CAP-H2, one of the condensin II subunits, is fluctuated during the cell cycle in accordance with Plk1 kinase activity. Inhibition of Plk1 leads to Cdc20-mediated degradation of CAP-H2 in mitosis. Plk1 phosphorylation of CAP-H2 at Ser288 is required for the accumulation of CAP-H2 and accurate chromosomal condensation during prophase. These findings suggest that Plk1 phosphorylation regulates condensin II function by modulating CAP-H2 expression levels to facilitate proper mitotic chromosome organization.
Molecular mechanism of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade via anti-PD-L1 antibodies atezolizumab and durvalumab
Authors: Lee Hyun Tae , Lee Ju Yeon , Lim Heejin , Lee Sang Hyung , Moon Yu Jeong , Pyo Hyo Jeong , Ryu Seong Eon , Shin Woori , Heo Yong-Seok 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIn 2016 and 2017, monoclonal antibodies targeting PD-L1, including atezolizumab, durvalumab, and avelumab, were approved by the FDA for the treatment of multiple advanced cancers. And many other anti-PD-L1 antibodies are under clinical trials. Recently, the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with BMS-936559 and avelumab have been determined, revealing details of the antigen-antibody interactions. However, it is still unknown how atezolizumab and durvalumab specifically recognize PD-L1, although this is important for investigating novel binding sites on PD-L1 targeted by other therapeutic antibodies for the design and improvement of anti-PD-L1 agents. Here, we report the crystal structures of PD-L1 in complex with atezolizumab and durvalumab to elucidate the precise epitopes involved and the structural basis for PD-1/PD-L1 blockade by these antibodies. A comprehensive comparison of PD-L1 interactions with anti-PD-L1 antibodies provides a better understanding of the mechanism of PD-L1 blockade as well as new insights into the rational design of improved anti-PD-L1 therapeutics.
CDK5-mediated phosphorylation of XBP1s contributes to its nuclear translocation and activation in MPP+-induced Parkinson’s disease model
Authors: Jiao Feng-Juan , Wang Qing-Zhi , Zhang Pei , Yan Jian-Guo , Zhang Zheng , He Feng , Zhang Qian , Lv Ze-Xi , Peng Xiang , Cai Hong-Wei , Tian Bo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractParkinson’s disease (PD) is an irreversible and progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra pars compacta. Growing evidence indicates that endoplasmic reticulum stress is a hallmark of PD; however, its exact contribution to the disease process remains poorly understood. Here, we used molecular biology methods and RNA-Seq analysis to explored an unexpected role of spliced X-Box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) in the nervous system. In this study, we determined that the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway is activated in MPP+-treated neurons. Furthermore, XBP1s was identified as a substrate of CDK5 and that the phosphorylation of XBP1s at the Ser61 residue enhances its nuclear migration, whereas mutation of the residue to alanine substantially reduces its nuclear translocation and activity. Importantly, phosphorylated XBP1s acts as a nuclear transcription factor for multiple target genes, including metabolic-related genes, FosB, and non-coding RNAs. Our findings confirm that the IRE1α/XBP1 pathway is activated in PD, and reveal a novel role of XBP1s in the pathogenesis of PD. This pathway may be a new therapeutic strategy for PD.
Elemental compositions of lichens from Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China: Origin, road effect and species difference
Authors: Liu Hua-Jie , Wang Jing-Gong , Xia Yu , Yang Meng-Jie , Liu Si-Wa , Zhao Liang-Cheng , Guo Xiu-Ping , Jiang Yun-Jun , Li Xin , Wu Qing-Feng , Fang Shi-Bo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractTo assess the response of lichen elemental compositions to road traffic and species difference in the context of high dust input and anthropogenic emissions, two foliose epiphytic lichens (Phaeophyscia hirtuosa, PHh; Candelaria fibrosa, CAf) were sampled near a road adjacent to Dolon Nor Town (Duolun County, Inner Mongolia, China). Twenty elements (Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sr, Ti, V and Zn) in lichen and surface soil samples were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results demonstrate that lichen elemental compositions are highly influenced by both their natural environment and anthropogenic input. Windblown dust associated with sand dunes and degraded/desertified steppes represents the predominant source of lichen elements. Road traffic can enhance the lichen elemental burden by increasing the number of soil particles. Anthropogenic emissions from the town and road traffic have also led to the enrichment of Cd and Zn in lichens. PHh was higher than CAf in concentrations of 14 terrigenous metals. Both lichens are applicable to biomonitoring of atmospheric element deposition and, in most cases, yield comparable results.
Epithelial cell specific Raptor is required for initiation of type 2 mucosal immunity in small intestine
Authors: Aladegbami Bola , Barron Lauren , Bao James , Colasanti Jason , Erwin Christopher R. , Warner Brad W. , Guo Jun 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntestinal tuft cells are one of 4 secretory cell linages in the small intestine and the source of IL-25, a critical initiator of the type 2 immune response to parasite infection. When Raptor, a critical scaffold protein for mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), was acutely deleted in intestinal epithelium via Tamoxifen injection in Tritrichomonas muris (Tm) infected mice, tuft cells, IL-25 in epithelium and IL-13 in the mesenchyme were significantly reduced, but Tm burden was not affected. When Tm infected mice were treated with rapamycin, DCLK1 and IL-25 expression in enterocytes and IL-13 expression in mesenchyme were diminished. After massive small bowel resection, tuft cells and Tm were diminished due to the diet used postoperatively. The elimination of Tm and subsequent re-infection of mice with Tm led to type 2 immune response only in WT, but Tm colonization in both WT and Raptor deficient mice. When intestinal organoids were stimulated with IL-4, tuft cells and IL-25 were induced in both WT and Raptor deficient organoids. In summary, our study reveals that enterocyte specific Raptor is required for initiating a type 2 immune response which appears to function through the regulation of mTORC1 activity.
Random mutagenesis analysis and identification of a novel C2H2-type transcription factor from the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora
Authors: Jiang Dewei , Zhou Jing , Bai Guizhen , Xing Xinjing , Tang Liyan , Yang Xuewei , Li Juan , Zhang Ke-Qin , Yang Jinkui 
Published: July 2017

AbstractArthrobotrys oligospora is a typical nematode-trapping fungus. In this study, 37 transformants of A. oligospora were obtained by REMI (restriction enzyme mediated integration) method and phenotypic properties of nine transformants were analyzed. The nine transformants showed differences in growth, conidiation, trap formation, stress tolerance, and/or pathogenicity among each other and with those of the parental wild-type strain (WT). The insertional sites of the hph cassette were identified in transformants X5 and X13. In X5, the cassette was inserted in the non-coding region between AOL_s00076g273 (76g273) and AOL_s00076g274 (76g274) and the transcription of 76g274, but not 76g273, was enhanced in X5. 76g274p had two conserved domains and was predicted as a nucleoprotein, which we confirmed by its nuclear localization in Saccharomyces cerevisiae using the green fluorescent protein-fused 76g274p. The transcription of 76g274 was stimulated or inhibited by several environmental factors. The sporulation yields of 76g274-deficient mutants were decreased by 70%, and transcription of several sporulation-related genes was severely diminished compared to the WT during the conidiation. In summary, a method for screening mutants was established in A. oligospora and using the method, we identified a novel C2H2-type transcription factor that positively regulates the conidiation of A. oligospora.
Interocular contrast difference drives illusory 3D percept
Authors: Reynaud Alexandre , Hess Robert F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAny processing delay between the two eyes can result in illusory 3D percepts for moving objects because of either changes in the pure disparities over time for disparity sensors or by changes to sensors that encode motion/disparity conjointly. This is demonstrated by viewing a fronto-parallel pendulum through a neutral density (ND) filter placed over one eye, resulting in the illusory 3D percept of the pendulum following an elliptical orbit in depth, the so-called Pulfrich phenomenon. Here we use a paradigm where a cylinder rotating in depth, defined by moving Gabor patches is presented at different interocular phases, generating strong to ambiguous depth percepts. This paradigm allows one to manipulate independently the contrast and the luminance of the patches to determine their influence on perceived motion-in-depth. Thus we show psychophysically that an interocular contrast difference can itself result in a similar illusory 3D percept of motion-in-depth. We argue that contrast, like luminance (ND filter) can modify the dynamics of visual neurons resulting in an interocular processing delay or an interocular velocity difference.
Highly-stable black phosphorus field-effect transistors with low density of oxide traps
Authors: Illarionov Yu. Yu. , Waltl M. , Rzepa G. , Knobloch T. , Kim J.-S. , Akinwande D. , Grasser T. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBlack phosphorus is considered a very promising semiconductor for two-dimensional field-effect transistors. Initially, the main disadvantage of this material was thought to be its poor air stability. However, recent studies have shown that this problem can be solved by suitable encapsulation. As such, long-term studies of the outstanding properties of black phosphorus devices have become possible. In particular, here we examine highly-stable black phosphorus field-effect transistors and demonstrate that they can exhibit reproducible characteristics for at least 17 months. Furthermore, we notice some improvement in the performance of black phosphorus devices after this long time, i.e., positive aging. Although our black phosphorus devices are stable at room temperature, we show that their performance is affected by thermally activated charge trapping by oxide traps into the adjacent SiO2 substrate layer. Aiming to analyze the dynamics of these defects in detail, we perform an accurate mapping of oxide traps with different time constants using the ‘extended incremental hysteresis sweep method’. Our results show that at room temperature the extracted oxide trap densities are (i) few orders of magnitude lower than for MoS2/SiO2 transistors and (ii) close to those reported for more mature Si/SiO2 devices (~1017 cm−3 eV−1). Taking into account the novelty of black phosphorus and recent issues with its stability, these values must be considered unexpectedly low.
Ätiologie in ihrer Bedeutung heute
Authors: Gnaiger-Rathmanner Jutta 
Published: July 2017

ZusammenfassungÄtiologie als „causa externa“ wird klar von der Grundursache im Sinne von „causa prima" unterschieden. Es werden Bezüge zur Miasmenlehre Hahnemanns und zum Verständnis der Unterdrückung einerseits sowie zum psychischen Trauma und dem Menschenbild der Traumatheorie andererseits hergestellt.