bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomic-level structural correlations across the morphotropic phase boundary of a ferroelectric solid solution: xBiMg1/2Ti1/2O3-(1 − x)PbTiO3
Authors: Datta Kaustuv , Neder Reinhard B. , Chen Jun , Neuefeind Joerg C. , Mihailova Boriana 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRevelation of unequivocal structural information at the atomic level for complex systems is uniquely important for deeper and generic understanding of the structure property connections and a key challenge in materials science. Here we report an experimental study of the local structure by applying total elastic scattering and Raman scattering analyses to an important non-relaxor ferroelectric solid solution exhibiting the so-called composition-induced morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), where concomitant enhancement of physical properties have been detected. The powerful combination of static and dynamic structural probes enabled us to derive direct correspondence between the atomic-level structural correlations and reported properties. The atomic pair distribution functions obtained from the neutron total scattering experiments were analysed through big-box atom-modelling implementing reverse Monte Carlo method, from which distributions of magnitudes and directions of off-centred cationic displacements were extracted. We found that an enhanced randomness of the displacement-directions for all ferroelectrically active cations combined with a strong dynamical coupling between the A- and B-site cations of the perovskite structure, can explain the abrupt amplification of piezoelectric response of the system near MPB. Altogether this provides a more fundamental basis in inferring structure-property connections in similar systems including important implications in designing novel and bespoke materials.
Identification of small molecule inhibitors of Interleukin-18
Authors: Krumm Brian , Meng Xiangzhi , Xiang Yan , Deng Junpeng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInterleukin-18 (IL-18) is a pleiotropic pro-inflammatory cytokine belonging to the IL-1 superfamily. IL-18 plays an important role in host innate and adaptive immune defense but its aberrant activities are also associated with inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. IL-18 activity is modulated in vivo by its naturally occurring antagonist, IL-18 Binding Protein (IL-18BP). Recent crystal structures of human IL-18 (hIL-18) in complex with its antagonists or cognate receptor(s) have revealed a conserved binding interface on hIL-18. Through virtual screening of the National Cancer Institute Diversity Set II and in vitro competitive ELISA we have identified three compounds (NSC201631, NSC80734, and NSC61610) that disrupt hIL-18 binding to the ectromelia virus IL-18BP. Through cell-based bioassay, we show that NSC80734 inhibits IL-18-induced production of IFN-γ in a dose-dependent manner with an EC50 of ~250 nM. Our results and methodology presented here demonstrate the feasibility of developing small molecule inhibitors that specifically target the rather large interface of IL-18 that is involved in extensive protein-protein interactions with both IL-18BP and its cognate receptor(s). Our data therefore provide the basis for an approach by which small molecules can be identified that modulate IL-18 activity.
Recruitment of Lyn from endomembranes to the plasma membrane through calcium-dependent cell-cell interactions upon polarization of inducible Lyn-expressing MDCK cells
Authors: Morinaga Takao , Yanase Sayuri , Okamoto Aya , Yamaguchi Noritaka , Yamaguchi Naoto 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSrc-family kinases, expressed in a wide variety of cell types, are anchored to cellular membranes through posttranslational lipid modifications and involved in diverse cellular signalling. In epithelial cells, Src-family kinases are localized at the plasma membrane and participate in epithelial functions. Epithelial cell polarity is achieved through dynamic reorganization of protein trafficking. To examine the trafficking of Src-family kinases between polarized and non-polarized epithelial cells, we generated an MDCK cell line that can inducibly express a protein of interest in a polarized state at any time. We show here that Lyn, a member of Src-family kinases, mainly localizes to the plasma membrane in polarized MDCK cells and to endomembranes in non-polarized MDCK cells. Cell-cell interactions between adjacent MDCK cells recruit Lyn from endomembranes to the plasma membrane even without cell attachment to extracellular matrix scaffolds, and loss of cell-cell interactions by calcium deprivation relocates Lyn from the plasma membrane to endomembranes through Rab11-mediated recycling. Therefore, using our MDCK cells expressing inducible Lyn, we reveal that calcium-dependent cell-cell interactions play a critical role in plasma membrane localization of Lyn in polarized MDCK cells.
Precise Tuning of the Nanostructured Surface leading to the Luminescence Enhancement in SrAl2O4 Based Core/Shell Structure
Authors: Rojas-Hernandez Rocío Estefanía , Rubio-Marcos Fernando , Serrano Aida , Del Campo Adolfo , Fernandez José Francisco 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntensive research has been focused on the synthesis of long-lasting SrAl2O4:EuDy in luminescent materials field. Traditionally, SrAl2O4:EuDy is synthesized in bulk form by solid state. However, their development remains restrained due to this technique is not compatible with large-scale production, sustainability and nanometer-scale requirements. Despite nano-range particles have been obtained by chemical routes, photoluminescence response decreases and application became unpractical. It remains a challenge to synthesize nonrare-earth (RE) phosphors with high photoluminescence. One major challenge for the luminescent materials community is to devise methods to deliver innovative, sustainable and cost effective solutions for the reduction of RE because of the lack of RE availability. Here, we suggest a solution based on molten salts, obtaining nanosheets or micro/nanostructured SrAl2O4:Eu, Dy particles with core-shell structure, employing only 50% of standard amounts of RE. Core-size and shell thickness and crystallinity can be tuned by post-thermal treatment, through which can be modulated the Eu+2 fraction. We find that our methodology leads the functional features of the analogous micron counterpart. These results can be considered a great achievement to scale-up the process. Besides, the harmful collateral effect of nanotechnology must be addressed by using new safe by design core-shell nanostructures.
Hydrogen sulfide ameliorates chronic renal failure in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through ROS/MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways
Authors: Wu Dongdong , Luo Ning , Wang Lianqu , Zhao Zhijun , Bu Hongmin , Xu Guoliang , Yan Yongjun , Che Xinping , Jiao Zhiling , Zhao Tengfu , Chen Jingtao , Ji Ailing , Li Yanzhang , Lee Garrick D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractChronic renal failure (CRF) is a major public health problem worldwide. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) plays important roles in renal physiological and pathophysiological processes. However, whether H2S could protect against CRF in rats remains unclear. In this study, we found that H2S alleviated gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in normal rat kidney-52E cells. We demonstrated that H2S significantly improved the kidney structure and function of CRF rats. We found that H2S decreased the protein levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and Cleaved-caspase-3, but increased the expression of Bcl-2. Treatment with H2S reduced the levels of malondialdehyde and ROS and increased the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. H2S significantly abolished the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, and p38 in the kidney of CRF rats. Furthermore, H2S decreased the expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, as well as the protein levels of p50, p65, and p-p65 in the kidney of CRF rats. In conclusion, H2S could ameliorate adenine-induced CRF in rats by inhibiting apoptosis and inflammation through ROS/mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappa B signaling pathways.
Protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 deficiency in podocytes attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced proteinuria
Authors: Hsu Ming-Fo , Bettaieb Ahmed , Ito Yoshihiro , Graham James , Havel Peter J. , Haj Fawaz G. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPodocytes are specialized epithelial cells that play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the glomerular filtration barrier and preventing urinary protein leakage. We investigated the contribution of protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced renal injury. We report increased Shp2 expression in murine kidneys and cultured podocytes following an LPS challenge. To determine the role of podocyte Shp2in vivo, we generated podocyte-specific Shp2 knockout (pod-Shp2 KO) mice. Following administration of LPS, pod-Shp2 KO mice exhibited lower proteinuria and blood urea nitrogen concentrations than controls indicative of preserved filter integrity. In addition, renal mRNA and serum concentrations of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNFα, INFγ and IL-12 p70 were significantly decreased in LPS-treated knockout mice compared with controls. Moreover, the protective effects of podocyte Shp2 deficiency were associated with decreased LPS-induced NF-κB and MAPK activation, nephrin phosphorylation and attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress. These effects were recapitulated in differentiated E11 murine podocytes with lentiviral-mediated Shp2 knockdown. Furthermore, Shp2 deficient podocytes displayed reduced LPS-induced migration in a wound healing assay. These findings identify Shp2 in podocytes as a significant contributor to the signaling events following LPS challenge and suggest that inhibition of Shp2 in podocytes may present a potential therapeutic target for podocytopathies.
Genome sequencing and analysis of Talaromyces pinophilus provide insights into biotechnological applications
Authors: Li Cheng-Xi , Zhao Shuai , Zhang Ting , Xian Liang , Liao Lu-Sheng , Liu Jun-Liang , Feng Jia-Xun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSpecies from the genus Talaromyces produce useful biomass-degrading enzymes and secondary metabolites. However, these enzymes and secondary metabolites are still poorly understood and have not been explored in depth because of a lack of comprehensive genetic information. Here, we report a 36.51-megabase genome assembly of Talaromyces pinophilus strain 1–95, with coverage of nine scaffolds of eight chromosomes with telomeric repeats at their ends and circular mitochondrial DNA. In total, 13,472 protein-coding genes were predicted. Of these, 803 were annotated to encode enzymes that act on carbohydrates, including 39 cellulose-degrading and 24 starch-degrading enzymes. In addition, 68 secondary metabolism gene clusters were identified, mainly including T1 polyketide synthase genes and nonribosomal peptide synthase genes. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that T. pinophilus 1–95 harbors more biomass-degrading enzymes and secondary metabolites than other related filamentous fungi. The prediction of the T. pinophilus 1–95 secretome indicated that approximately 50% of the biomass-degrading enzymes are secreted into the extracellular environment. These results expanded our genetic knowledge of the biomass-degrading enzyme system of T. pinophilus and its biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, facilitating the cultivation of T. pinophilus for high production of useful products.
Microbial community and metabolic pathway succession driven by changed nutrient inputs in tailings: effects of different nutrients on tailing remediation
Authors: Zhang Mingjiang , Liu Xingyu , Li Yibin , Wang Guangyuan , Wang Zining , Wen Jiankang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTo solve the competition problem of acidophilic bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria in the practical application of mine tailing bioremediation, research into the mechanisms of using different nutrients to adjust the microbial community was conducted. Competition experiments involving acidophilic bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria were performed by supplementing the media with yeast extract, tryptone, lactate, and glucose. The physiochemical properties were determined, and the microbial community structure and biomass were investigated using MiSeq sequencing and qRT-PCR, respectively. Four nutrients had different remediation mechanisms and yielded different remediation effects. Yeast extract and tryptone (more than 1.6 g/L) promoted sulfate-reducing bacteria and inhibited acidophilic bacteria. Lactate inhibited both sulfate-reducing and acidophilic bacteria. Glucose promoted acidophilic bacteria more than sulfate-reducing bacteria. Yeast extract was the best choice for adjusting the microbial community and bioremediation, followed by tryptone. Lactate kept the physiochemical properties stable or made slight improvements; however, glucose was not suitable for mine tailing remediation. Different nutrients had significant effects on the abundance of the second enzyme of the sulfate-reducing pathway (p < 0.05), which is the rate-limiting step of sulfate-reducing pathways. Nutrients changed the remediation effects effectively by adjusting the microbial community and the abundance of the sulfate-reducing rate-limiting enzyme.
Long-term electrical stimulation at ear and electro-acupuncture at ST36-ST37 attenuated COX-2 in the CA1 of hippocampus in kainic acid-induced epileptic seizure rats
Authors: Liao En-Tzu , Tang Nou-Ying , Lin Yi-Wen , Liang Hsieh Ching 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSeizures produce brain inflammation, which in turn enhances neuronal excitability. Therefore, anti-inflammation has become a therapeutic strategy for antiepileptic treatment. Cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) plays a critical role in postseizure brain inflammation and neuronal hyperexcitability. Our previous studies have shown that both electrical stimulation (ES) at the ear and electro-acupuncture (EA) at the Zusanli and Shangjuxu acupoints (ST36–ST37) for 6 weeks can reduce mossy fiber sprouting, spike population, and high-frequency hippocampal oscillations in kainic acid (KA)-induced epileptic seizure rats. This study further investigated the effect of long-term ear ES and EA at ST36–ST37 on the inflammatory response in KA-induced epileptic seizure rats. Both the COX-2 levels in the hippocampus and the number of COX-2 immunoreactive cells in the hippocampal CA1 region were increased after KA-induced epileptic seizures, and these were reduced through the 6-week application of ear ES or EA at ST36–ST37. Thus, long-term ear ES or long-term EA at ST36–ST37 have an anti-inflammatory effect, suggesting that they are beneficial for the treatment of epileptic seizures.
Landscape response to progressive tectonic and climatic forcing in NW Borneo: Implications for geological and geomorphic controls on flood hazard
Authors: Menier David , Mathew Manoj , Pubellier Manuel , Sapin François , Delcaillau Bernard , Siddiqui Numair , Ramkumar Mu. , Santosh M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEmpirical models have simulated the consequences of uplift and orographic-precipitation on the evolution of orogens whereas the effects of these forcings on ridgelines and consequent topography of natural landscapes remain equivocal. Here we demonstrate the feedback of a terrestrial landscape in NW Borneo subject to uplift and precipitation gradient owing to orographic effect, and leading to less-predictable flooding and irreversible damages to life and property. Disequilibrium in a large catchment recording the lowest rainfall rates in Borneo, and adjacent drainage basins as determined through χ, a proxy for steady–state channel elevation, is shown to result in dynamic migration of water divide from the windward-side of the orogen towards the leeward-side to attain equilibrium. Loss of drainage area in the leeward-side reduces erosion rates with progressive shortening resulting in an unstable landscape with tectonic uplift, gravity faults and debris flows.14C dating of exhumed cut-and-fill terraces reveal a Mid–Pleistocene age, suggesting tectonic events in the trend of exhumation rates (>7 mm a−1) estimated by thermochronology, and confirmed by morphotectonic and sedimentological analyses. Our study suggests that divide migration leads to lowered erosion rates, channel narrowing, and sediment accretion in intermontane basins on the leeward-side ultimately resulting in enhanced flooding.
Entropic Origin of Pseudogap Physics and a Mott-Slater Transition in Cuprates
Authors: Markiewicz R. S. , Buda I. G. , Mistark P. , Lane C. , Bansil A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWe propose a new approach to understand the origin of the pseudogap in the cuprates, in terms of bosonic entropy. The near-simultaneous softening of a large number of different q-bosons yields an extended range of short-range order, wherein the growth of magnetic correlations with decreasing temperature T is anomalously slow. These entropic effects cause the spectral weight associated with the Van Hove singularity (VHS) to shift rapidly and nearly linearly toward half filling at higher T, consistent with a picture of the VHS driving the pseudogap transition at a temperature ~T*. As a byproduct, we develop an order-parameter classification scheme that predicts supertransitions between families of order parameters. As one example, we find that by tuning the hopping parameters, it is possible to drive the cuprates across a transition between Mott and Slater physics, where a spin-frustrated state emerges at the crossover.
Anthropogenic shift of planktonic food web structure in a coastal lagoon by freshwater flow regulation
Authors: Hemraj Deevesh A. , Hossain A. , Ye Qifeng , Qin Jian G. , Leterme Sophie C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAnthropogenic modification of aquatic systems has diverse impacts on food web interactions and ecosystem states. To reverse the adverse effects of modified freshwater flow, adequate management of discharge is required, especially due to higher water requirements and abstractions for human use. Here, we look at the effects of anthropogenically controlled freshwater flow regimes on the planktonic food web of a Ramsar listed coastal lagoon that is under recovery from degradation. Our results show shifts in water quality and plankton community interactions associated to changes in water flow. These shifts in food web interactions represent modifications in habitat complexity and water quality. At high flow, phytoplankton-zooplankton interactions dominate the food web. Conversely, at low flow, bacteria, viruses and nano/picoplankton interactions are more dominant, with a substantial switch of the food web towards heterotrophy. This switch can be associated with excess organic matter loading, decomposition of dead organisms, and synergistic and antagonistic interactions. We suggest that a lower variability in flow amplitude could be beneficial for the long-term sustaining of water quality and food web interactions, while improving the ecosystem health of systems facing similar stresses as the Coorong.
Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type-1 Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Inhibit Cytomegalovirus Inflammation through Interleukin-27 and B7-H4
Authors: Garg Ankita , Trout Rodney , Spector Stephen A. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHIV/CMV co-infected persons despite prolonged viral suppression often experience persistent immune activation, have an increased frequency of myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSC) and are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease. We examined how HIV MDSC control CD4+ T cell IFNγ response to a CMVpp65 peptide pool (CMVpp65). We show that HIV/CMV co-infected persons with virologic suppression and recovered CD4+ T cells compared to HIV(−)/CMV(+) controls exhibit an increase in CD4+CX3CR1+IFNγ+ cells in response to CMVpp65; MDSC depletion further augmented CD4+CX3CR1+IFNγ+ cells and IFNγ production. IL-2 and IFNγ in response to CMVpp65 were enhanced with depletion of MDSC expanded in presence of HIV (HIV MDSC), but decreased with culture of HIV MDSC with autologous PBMCs. CMVpp65 specific CD4+CX3CR1+IFNγ+ cells were also decreased in presence of HIV MDSC. HIV MDSC overexpressed B7-H4 and silencing B7-H4 increased the production of IL-2 and IFNγ from autologous cells; a process mediated through increased phosphorylated (p)-Akt upon stimulation with CMVpp65. Additionally, IL-27 regulated the expression of B7-H4 on HIV MDSC, and controlled CMV-specific T cell activity by limiting CMVpp65-IFNγ production and expanding CD4+IL-10+ regulatory T cells. These findings provide new therapeutic targets to control the chronic immune activation and endothelial cell inflammation observed in HIV-infected persons.
Candidate loci involved in domestication and improvement detected by a published 90K wheat SNP array
Authors: Gao Lifeng , Zhao Guangyao , Huang Dawei , Jia Jizeng 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSelection is one of the most important forces in crop evolution. Common wheat is a major world food crop and a typical allopolyploid with a huge and complex genome. We applied four approaches to detect loci selected in wheat during domestication and improvement. A total of 7,984 candidate loci were detected, accounting for 23.3% of all 34,317 SNPs analysed, a much higher proportion than estimated in previous reports. We constructed a first generation wheat selection map which revealed the following new insights on genome-wide selection: (1) diversifying selection acted by increasing, decreasing or not affecting gene frequencies; (2) the number of loci under selection during domestication was much higher than that during improvement; (3) the contribution to wheat improvement by the D sub-genome was relatively small due to the bottleneck of hexaploidisation and diversity can be expanded by using synthetic wheat and introgression lines; and (4) clustered selection regions occur throughout the wheat genome, including the centromere regions. This study will not only help future wheat breeding and evolutionary studies, but will also accelerate study of other crops, especially polyploids.
Ginsenoside Rb1 protects against ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury via energy metabolism regulation mediated by RhoA signaling pathway
Authors: Cui Yuan-Chen , Pan Chun-Shui , Yan Li , Li Lin , Hu Bai-He , Chang Xin , Liu Yu-Ying , Fan Jing-Yu , Sun Kai , -Li Quan , Han Jing-Yan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCardiac ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) injury remains a challenge for clinicians. Ginsenoside Rb1 (Rb1) has been reported to have the ability to attenuate I/R injury, but its effect on energy metabolism during cardiac I/R and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. In this study, we detected the effect of Rb1 on rat myocardial blood flow, myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, velocity of venule red blood cell, myocardial structure and apoptosis, energy metabolism and change in RhoA signaling pathway during cardiac I/R injury. In addition, the binding affinity of RhoA to Rb1 was detected using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Results showed that Rb1 treatment at 5 mg/kg/h protected all the cardiac injuries induced by I/R, including damaged myocardial structure, decrease in myocardial blood flow, impaired heart function and microcirculation, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardial infarction and release of myocardial cTnI. Rb1 also inhibited the activation of RhoA signaling pathway and restored the production of ATP during cardiac I/R. Moreover, SPR assay showed that Rb1 was able to bind to RhoA in a dose-dependent manner. These results indicate that Rb1 may prevent I/R-induced cardiac injury by regulation of RhoA signaling pathway, and may serve as a potential regime to improve percutaneous coronary intervention outcome.