bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of novel secreted fatty acids that regulate nitrogen catabolite repression in fission yeast
Authors: Sun Xiaoying , Hirai Go , Ueki Masashi , Hirota Hiroshi , Wang Qianqian , Hongo Yayoi , Nakamura Takemichi , Hitora Yuki , Takahashi Hidekazu , Sodeoka Mikiko , Osada Hiroyuki , Hamamoto Makiko , Yoshida Minoru , Yashiroda Yoko 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUptake of poor nitrogen sources such as branched-chain amino acids is repressed in the presence of high-quality nitrogen sources such as NH4+ and glutamate (Glu), which is called nitrogen catabolite repression. Amino acid auxotrophic mutants of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe were unable to grow on minimal medium containing NH4Cl or Glu even when adequate amounts of required amino acids were supplied. However, growth of these mutant cells was recovered in the vicinity of colonies of the prototrophic strain, suggesting that the prototrophic cells secrete some substances that can restore uptake of amino acids by an unknown mechanism. We identified the novel fatty acids, 10(R)-acetoxy-8(Z)-octadecenoic acid and 10(R)-hydroxy-8(Z)-octadecenoic acid, as secreted active substances, referred to as Nitrogen Signaling Factors (NSFs). Synthetic NSFs were also able to shift nitrogen source utilization from high-quality to poor nitrogen sources to allow adaptive growth of the fission yeast amino acid auxotrophic mutants in the presence of high-quality nitrogen sources. Finally, we demonstrated that the Agp3 amino acid transporter was involved in the adaptive growth. The data highlight a novel intra-species communication system for adaptation to environmental nutritional conditions in fission yeast.
On the Chemistry and Physical Properties of Flux and Floating Zone Grown SmB6 Single Crystals
Authors: Phelan W. A. , Koohpayeh S. M. , Cottingham P. , Tutmaher J. A. , Leiner J. C. , Lumsden M. D. , Lavelle C. M. , Wang X. P. , Hoffmann C. , Siegler M. A. , Haldolaarachchige N. , Young D. P. , McQueen T. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRecent theoretical and experimental findings suggest the long-known but not well understood low temperature resistance plateau of SmB6 may originate from protected surface states arising from a topologically non-trivial bulk band structure having strong Kondo hybridization. Yet others have ascribed this feature to impurities, vacancies and surface reconstructions. Given the typical methods used to prepare SmB6 single crystals, flux and floating-zone procedures, such ascriptions should not be taken lightly. We demonstrate how compositional variations and/or observable amounts of impurities in SmB6 crystals grown using both procedures affect the physical properties. From X-ray diffraction, neutron diffraction and X-ray computed tomography experiments we observe that natural isotope containing (SmB6) and doubly isotope enriched (154Sm11B6) crystals prepared using aluminum flux contain co-crystallized, epitaxial aluminum. Further, a large, nearly stoichiometric crystal of SmB6 was successfully grown using the float-zone technique; upon continuing the zone melting, samarium vacancies were introduced. These samarium vacancies drastically alter the resistance and plateauing magnitude of the low temperature resistance compared to stoichiometric SmB6. These results highlight that impurities and compositional variations, even at low concentrations, must be considered when collecting/analyzing physical property data of SmB6. Finally, a more accurate samarium-154 coherent neutron scattering length, 8.9(1) fm, is reported.
OCT-based label-free in vivo lymphangiography within human skin and areola
Authors: Baran Utku , Qin Wan , Qi Xiaoli , Kalkan Goknur , Wang Ruikang K. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractDue to the limitations of current imaging techniques, visualization of lymphatic capillaries within tissue in vivo has been challenging. Here, we present a label-free high resolution optical coherence tomography (OCT) based lymphangiography (OLAG) within human skin in vivo. OLAG enables rapid (~seconds) mapping of lymphatic networks, along with blood vessel networks, over 8 mm x 8 mm of human skin and 5 mm x 5 mm of human areola. Moreover, lymphatic system’s response to inflammation within human skin is monitored throughout an acne lesion development over 7 days. The demonstrated results promise OLAG as a revolutionary tool in the clinical research and treatment of patients with pathologic conditions such as cancer, diabetes and autoimmune diseases.
Heme oxygenase-1 induction attenuates imiquimod-induced psoriasiform inflammation by negative regulation of Stat3 signaling
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xie Sijing , Su Zhonglan , Song Shiyu , Xu Hui , Chen Gang , Cao Wangsen , Yin Shasha , Gao Qian , Wang Hongwei 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHeme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a stress-inducible protein with a potential anti-inflammatory effect, plays an important role in skin injury and wound healing. However, the function of HO-1 in cutaneous inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, remains unknown. The abnormal activation of Stat3, a known transcription factor that induces inflammation and regulates cell differentiation, is directly involved in the pathogenesis and development of psoriasis. Hence, targeting Stat3 is potentially beneficial in the treatment of psoriasis. In this study, HO-1 activation significantly alleviated the disease-related pathogenesis abnormality. To determine the mechanism by which HO-1 exerts immune protection on Th17-related cytokines, IL6/IL22-induced Stat3 activation was significantly suppressed, accompanied by decreased cell proliferation and reversed abnormal cell proliferation. Importantly, HO-1-induced Stat3 suppression was mediated through the activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Overall, our study provides direct evidence indicating that HO-1 might be a useful therapeutic target for psoriasis. SHP-1-mediated suppression of Stat3 activation after HO-1 activation is a unique molecular mechanism for the regulation of Stat3 activation.
A block mixture model to map eQTLs for gene clustering and networking
Authors: Wang Ningtao , Gosik Kirk , Li Runze , Lindsay Bruce , Wu Rongling 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo study how genes function in a cellular and physiological process, a general procedure is to classify gene expression profiles into categories based on their similarity and reconstruct a regulatory network for functional elements. However, this procedure has not been implemented with the genetic mechanisms that underlie the organization of gene clusters and networks, despite much effort made to map expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) that affect the expression of individual genes. Here we address this issue by developing a computational approach that integrates gene clustering and network reconstruction with genetic mapping into a unifying framework. The approach can not only identify specific eQTLs that control how genes are clustered and organized toward biological functions, but also enable the investigation of the biological mechanisms that individual eQTLs perturb in a signaling pathway. We applied the new approach to characterize the effects of eQTLs on the structure and organization of gene clusters in Caenorhabditis elegans. This study provides the first characterization, to our knowledge, of the effects of genetic variants on the regulatory network of gene expression. The approach developed can also facilitate the genetic dissection of other dynamic processes, including development, physiology and disease progression in any organisms.
Chemical Partition of the Radiative Decay Rate of Luminescence of Europium Complexes
Authors: Lima Nathalia B. D. , Dutra José Diogo L. , Gonçalves Simone M. C. , Freire Ricardo O. , Simas Alfredo M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe spontaneous emission coefficient, Arad, a global molecular property, is one of the most important quantities related to the luminescence of complexes of lanthanide ions. In this work, by suitable algebraic transformations of the matrices involved, we introduce a partition that allows us to compute, for the first time, the individual effects of each ligand on Arad, a property of the molecule as a whole. Such a chemical partition thus opens possibilities for the comprehension of the role of each of the ligands and their interactions on the luminescence of europium coordination compounds. As an example, we applied the chemical partition to the case of repeating non-ionic ligand ternary complexes of europium(III) with DBM, TTA and BTFA, showing that it allowed us to correctly order, in an a priori manner, the non-obvious pair combinations of non-ionic ligands that led to mixed-ligand compounds with larger values of Arad.
Neural basis of uncertain cue processing in trait anxiety
Authors: Zhang Meng , Ma Chao , Luo Yanyan , Li Ji , Li Qingwei , Liu Yijun , Ding Cody , Qiu Jiang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndividuals with high trait anxiety form a non-clinical group with a predisposition for an anxiety-related bias in emotional and cognitive processing that is considered by some to be a prerequisite for psychiatric disorders. Anxious individuals tend to experience more worry under uncertainty and processing uncertain information is an important, but often overlooked factor in anxiety. So, we decided to explore the brain correlates of processing uncertain information in individuals with high trait anxiety using the learn-test paradigm. Behaviorally, the percentages on memory test and the likelihood ratios of identifying novel stimuli under uncertainty were similar to the certain fear condition, but different from the certain neutral condition. The brain results showed that the visual cortex, bilateral fusiform gyrus and right parahippocampal gyrus were active during the processing of uncertain cues. Moreover, we found that trait anxiety was positively correlated with the BOLD signal of the right parahippocampal gyrus during the processing of uncertain cues. No significant results were found in the amygdala during uncertain cue processing. These results suggest that memory retrieval is associated with uncertain cue processing, which is underpinned by over-activation of the right parahippocampal gyrus, in individuals with high trait anxiety.
Extracellular Forces Cause the Nucleus to Deform in a Highly Controlled Anisotropic Manner
Authors: Haase Kristina , Macadangdang Joan K. L. , Edrington Claire H. , Cuerrier Charles M. , Hadjiantoniou Sebastian , Harden James L. , Skerjanc Ilona S. , Pelling Andrew E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPhysical forces arising in the extra-cellular environment have a profound impact on cell fate and gene regulation; however the underlying biophysical mechanisms that control this sensitivity remain elusive. It is hypothesized that gene expression may be influenced by the physical deformation of the nucleus in response to force. Here, using 3T3s as a model, we demonstrate that extra-cellular forces cause cell nuclei to rapidly deform (<1 s) preferentially along their shorter nuclear axis, in an anisotropic manner. Nuclear anisotropy is shown to be regulated by the cytoskeleton within intact cells, with actin and microtubules resistant to orthonormal strains. Importantly, nuclear anisotropy is intrinsic, and observed in isolated nuclei. The sensitivity of this behaviour is influenced by chromatin organization and lamin-A expression. An anisotropic response to force was also highly conserved amongst an array of examined nuclei from differentiated and undifferentiated cell types. Although the functional purpose of this conserved material property remains elusive, it may provide a mechanism through which mechanical cues in the microenvironment are rapidly transmitted to the genome.
Association of long-term blood pressure variability and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity: a retrospective study from the APAC cohort
Authors: Wang Yang , Yang Yuling , Wang Anxin , An Shasha , Li Zhifang , Zhang Wenyan , Liu Xuemei , Ruan Chunyu , Liu Xiaoxue , Guo Xiuhua , Zhao Xingquan , Wu Shouling 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe investigated associations between long-term blood pressure variability (BPV) and brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV). Within the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community (APAC) study, we retrospectively collected long-term BPV and baPWV measures. Long-term BPV was calculated using the mean and standard deviation of systolic blood pressure (SBP) across 4 years based on annual values of SBP. In total, 3,994 subjects (2,284 men) were eligible for inclusion in this study. We stratified the study population into four SBP quartiles. Left and right baPWV was higher in participants with long-term SBPV in the fourth quartile compared with the first quartile (left: 1,725 ± 488 vs. 1,461 ± 340 [p < 0.001]; right: 1,722 ± 471 vs. 1,455 ± 341 [p < 0.001], respectively). We obtained the same result for total baPWV (fourth vs. first quartile: 1,772 ± 429 vs. 1,492 ± 350 [p < 0.001]). Furthermore, there was a trend for gradually increased baPWV (≥1,400 cm/s) with increased SBPV (p < 0.001). After multivariable adjustment, baPWV was positively correlated with long-term BPV (p < 0.001). In conclusion, long-term BPV is significantly associated with arterial stiffness as assessed by baPWV.
Weak localization effect in topological insulator micro flakes grown on insulating ferrimagnet BaFe12O19
Authors: Zheng Guolin , Wang Ning , Yang Jiyong , Wang Weike , Du Haifeng , Ning Wei , Yang Zhaorong , Lu Hai-Zhou , Zhang Yuheng , Tian Mingliang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMany exotic physics anticipated in topological insulators require a gap to be opened for their topological surface states by breaking time reversal symmetry. The gap opening has been achieved by doping magnetic impurities, which however inevitably create extra carriers and disorder that undermine the electronic transport. In contrast, the proximity to a ferromagnetic/ferrimagnetic insulator may improve the device quality, thus promises a better way to open the gap while minimizing the side-effects. Here, we grow thin single-crystal Sb1.9Bi0.1Te3 micro flakes on insulating ferrimagnet BaFe12O19 by using the van der Waals epitaxy technique. The micro flakes show a negative magnetoresistance in weak perpendicular fields below 50 K, which can be quenched by increasing temperature. The signature implies the weak localization effect as its origin, which is absent in intrinsic topological insulators, unless a surface state gap is opened. The surface state gap is estimated to be 10 meV by using the theory of the gap-induced weak localization effect. These results indicate that the magnetic proximity effect may open the gap for the topological surface attached to BaM insulating ferrimagnet. This heterostructure may pave the way for the realization of new physical effects as well as the potential applications of spintronics devices.
Comparative genomics and functional analysis of the 936 group of lactococcal Siphoviridae phages
Authors: Murphy James , Bottacini Francesca , Mahony Jennifer , Kelleher Philip , Neve Horst , Zomer Aldert , Nauta Arjen , van Sinderen Douwe 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGenome sequencing and comparative analysis of bacteriophage collections has greatly enhanced our understanding regarding their prevalence, phage-host interactions as well as the overall biodiversity of their genomes. This knowledge is very relevant to phages infecting Lactococcus lactis, since they constitute a significant risk factor for dairy fermentations. Of the eighty four lactococcal phage genomes currently available, fifty five belong to the so-called 936 group, the most prevalent of the ten currently recognized lactococcal phage groups. Here, we report the genetic characteristics of a new collection of 936 group phages. By combining these genomes to those sequenced previously we determined the core and variable elements of the 936 genome. Genomic variation occurs across the 936 phage genome, such as genetic elements that (i) lead to a +1 translational frameshift resulting in the formation of additional structures on the phage tail, (ii) specify a double neck passage structure, and (iii) encode packaging module-associated methylases. Hierarchical clustering of the gene complement of the 936 group phages and nucleotide alignments allowed grouping of the ninety 936 group phages into distinct clusters, which in general appear to correspond with their geographical origin.
Elevated pulmonary artery pressure and brain natriuretic peptide in high altitude pulmonary edema susceptible non-mountaineers
Authors: Gupta Rajinder K. , Himashree G. , Singh Krishan , Soree Poonam , Desiraju Koundinya , Agrawal Anurag , Ghosh Dishari , Dass Deepak , Reddy Prassana K. , Panjwani Usha , Singh Shashi Bala 
Published: February 2016

AbstractExaggerated pulmonary pressor response to hypoxia is a pathgonomic feature observed in high altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE) susceptible mountaineers. It was investigated whether measurement of basal pulmonary artery pressure (Ppa) and brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) could improve identification of HAPE susceptible subjects in a non-mountaineer population. We studied BNP levels, baseline hemodynamics and the response to hypoxia (FIo2 = 0.12 for 30 min duration at sea level) in 11 HAPE resistant (no past history of HAPE, Control) and 11 HAPE susceptible (past history of HAPE, HAPE-S) subjects. Baseline Ppa (19.31 ± 3.63 vs 15.68 ± 2.79 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and plasma BNP levels (52.39 ± 32.9 vs 15.05 ± 9.6 pg/ml, p < 0.05) were high and stroke volume was less (p < 0.05) in HAPE-S subjects compared to control. Acute hypoxia produced an exaggerated increase in heart rate (p < 0.05), mean arterial pressure (p < 0.05) and Ppa (28.2 ± 5.8 vs 19.33 ± 3.74 mm Hg, p < 0.05) and fall in peripheral oxygen saturation (p < 0.05) in HAPE-S compared to control. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves showed that Ppa response to acute hypoxia was the best variable to identify HAPE susceptibility (AUC 0.92) but BNP levels provided comparable information (AUC 0.85). BNP levels are easy to determine and may represent an important marker for the determination of HAPE susceptibility.
Hydrophobic bile acids relax rat detrusor contraction via inhibiting the opening of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger
Authors: Zhu Jingzhen , Dong Xingyou , Liu Qian , Wu Chao , Wang Qingqing , Long Zhou , Li Longkun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHydrophobic bile acids (BAs) are thought to inhibit smooth muscle contractility in several organs. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of hydrophobic BAs on the detrusor contractility of rat bladder and to explore the possible mechanism. Lithocholic acid (LCA) treatment increased the micturition interval and induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of bladder detrusor strips. In addition, LCA reduced the concentration of intracellular free Ca2+([Ca2+]i) and inhibited both the outward and inward Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) current (INCX) in primary isolated smooth muscle cells (SMCs). To further investigate the mechanism of action of LCA, several pharmacologic agents were used. We found that the NCX inhibitor 3′,4′-Dichlorobenzamil (DCB) can significantly inhibit the relaxation of detrusor strips and a reduction of the [Ca2+]i induced by LCA, while the antagonist of muscarinic receptor and the agonist of the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) had no effect. In conclusion, these data suggest that the relaxation of rat detrusor induced by hydrophobic BAs is mediated by NCX. Further research is needed to carry out to demonstrate the possible pathway and provide a potential new strategy to investigation for the treatment of the low urinary tract syndromes.
Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 induces dendritic cell maturation and enhances the immune response against inactivated avian influenza virus
Authors: Huang Lulu , Qin Tao , Yin YinYan , Gao Xue , Lin Jian , Yang Qian , Yu Qinghua 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the stimulatory effects of Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SQR9 on dendritic cells (DCs) and to verify its ability to enhance the immune response by modulating DC maturation. The results demonstrated that B. amyloliquefaciens SQR9 can adhere to the nasal epithelium and be taken up by DCs in the nasal mucosa, thereby inducing DC maturation and resulting in increased CD80, CD86, CD40 and MHCII expression and cytokine secretion. The frequencies of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and CD69+ memory T cells were increased in spleens after nasal immunization with virus plus B. amyloliquefaciens SQR9 compared to immunization with inactivated H9N2 AIV alone. Moreover, the levels of sIgA in the nasal cavity, the trachea, and the lung and the levels of IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a in serum were significantly increased in mice administered WIV plus SQR9 compared to mice administered H9N2 WIV alone. The results of this study demonstrated that B. amyloliquefaciens SQR9 can stimulate DC maturation to effectively induce an immune response. In conclusion, an effective immune response may result from the uptake of H9N2 by DCs in the nasal mucosa, thereby stimulating DC maturation and migration to cervical lymph nodes to initiate immune response.
Low-energy, Mobile Grain Boundaries in Magnesium
Authors: Liu Xiangli , Wang Jian 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe strong basal texture that is commonly developed during the rolling of magnesium alloy and can even increase during annealing motivates atomic-level study of dislocation structures of both <0001> tilt and twist grain boundaries (GBs) in Magnesium. Both symmetrical tilt and twist GBs over the entire range of rotation angles θ between 0° and 60° are found to have an ordered atomic structure and can be described with grain boundary dislocation models. In particular, 30° tilt and twist GBs are corresponding to energy minima. The 30° tilt GB is characterized with an array of Shockley partial dislocations bp:- bp on every basal plane and the 30° twist GB is characterized with a stacking faulted structure. More interesting, molecular dynamics simulations explored that both 30° tilt and twist GBs are highly mobile associated with collective glide of Shockley partial dislocations. This could be responsible for the formation of the strong basal texture and a significant number of 30° misorientation GBs in Mg alloy during grain growth.
The Influence of Structure Heights and Opening Angles of Micro- and Nanocones on the Macroscopic Surface Wetting Properties
Authors: Schneider Ling , Laustsen Milan , Mandsberg Nikolaj , Taboryski Rafael 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe discuss the influence of surface structure, namely the height and opening angles of nano- and microcones on the surface wettability. We show experimental evidence that the opening angle of the cones is the critical parameter on sample superhydrophobicity, namely static contact angles and roll-off angles. The textured surfaces are fabricated on silicon wafers by using a simple one-step method of reactive ion etching at different processing time and gas flow rates. By using hydrophobic coating or hydrophilic surface treatment, we are able to switch the surface wettability from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic without altering surface structures. In addition, we show examples of polymer replicas (polypropylene and poly(methyl methacrylate) with different wettability, fabricated by injection moulding using templates of the silicon cone-structures.