bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuronal TRPV1 activation regulates alveolar bone resorption by suppressing osteoclastogenesis via CGRP
Authors: Takahashi Naoki , Matsuda Yumi , Sato Keisuke , de Jong Petrus R. , Bertin Samuel , Tabeta Koichi , Yamazaki Kazuhisa 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel is abundantly expressed in peripheral sensory neurons where it acts as an important polymodal cellular sensor for heat, acidic pH, capsaicin and other noxious stimuli. The oral cavity is densely innervated by afferent sensory neurons and is a highly specialized organ that protects against infections as well as physical, chemical and thermal stresses in its capacity as the first part of the digestive system. While the function of TRPV1 in sensory neurons has been intensively studied in other organs, its physiological role in periodontal tissues is unclear. In this study we found that Trpv1−/− mice developed severe bone loss in an experimental model of periodontitis. Chemical ablation of TRPV1-expressing sensory neurons recapitulated the phenotype of Trpv1−/− mice, suggesting a functional link between neuronal TRPV1 signaling and periodontal bone loss. TRPV1 activation in gingival nerves induced production of the neuropeptide, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and CGRP treatment inhibited osteoclastogenesis in vitro. Oral administration of the TRPV1 agonist, capsaicin, suppressed ligature-induced bone loss in mice with fewer tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive cells in alveolar bone. These results suggest that neuronal TRPV1 signaling in periodontal tissue is crucial for the regulation of osteoclastogenesis via the neuropeptide CGRP.
Construction of high-density genetic linkage map and identification of flowering-time QTLs in orchardgrass using SSRs and SLAF-seq
Authors: Zhao Xinxin , Huang Linkai , Zhang Xinquan , Wang Jianping , Yan Defei , Li Ji , Tang Lu , Li Xiaolong , Shi Tongwei 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOrchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) is one of the most economically important perennial, cool-season forage species grown and pastured worldwide. High-density genetic linkage mapping is a valuable and effective method for exploring complex quantitative traits. In this study, we developed 447,177 markers based on SLAF-seq and used them to perform a comparative genomics analysis. Perennial ryegrass sequences were the most similar (5.02%) to orchardgrass sequences. A high-density linkage map of orchardgrass was constructed using 2,467 SLAF markers and 43 SSRs, which were distributed on seven linkage groups spanning 715.77 cM. The average distance between adjacent markers was 0.37 cM. Based on phenotyping in four environments, 11 potentially significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for two target traits–heading date (HD) and flowering time (FT)–were identified and positioned on linkage groups LG1, LG3 and LG5. Significant QTLs explained 8.20–27.00% of the total phenotypic variation, with the LOD ranging from 3.85–12.21. Marker167780 and Marker139469 were associated with FT and HD at the same location (Ya’an) over two different years. The utility of SLAF markers for rapid generation of genetic maps and QTL analysis has been demonstrated for heading date and flowering time in a global forage grass.
Assembly PCR synthesis of optimally designed, compact, multi-responsive promoters suited to gene therapy application
Authors: Mohamed H. , Chernajovsky Y. , Gould D. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractGene therapy has the potential to provide innovative treatments for genetic and non-genetic diseases, with the ability to auto-regulate expression levels of therapeutic molecules so that they are produced locally and in direct response to disease activity. Generating disease responsive gene therapy vectors requires knowledge of the activation profile of transcription factors (TFs) during active disease, in order to assemble binding sites for these TFs into synthetic promoters, which can be appropriately activated by the disease process. In this study, we optimised a PCR random assembly approach to generate promoters with optimal spacing between TF binding sites (TFBSs) and their distance from the TATA box. In promoters with optimal spacing, it was possible to demonstrate activation by individual transcription pathways and either additive or synergistic promoter activation when transfected cells were treated with combined stimuli. The kinetics and sensitivity of promoter activation was further explored in transduced cells and when lentivirus was directly delivered to mouse paws a synthetic promoter demonstrated excellent activation by real-time imaging in response to local inflammation.
Peroxiredoxin 1 interacts with and blocks the redox factor APE1 from activating interleukin-8 expression
Authors: Nassour Hassan , Wang Zhiqiang , Saad Amine , Papaluca Arturo , Brosseau Nicolas , Affar El Bachir , Alaoui-Jamali Moulay A. , Ramotar Dindial 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAPE1 is an essential DNA repair protein that also possesses the ability to regulate transcription. It has a unique cysteine residue C65, which maintains the reduce state of several transcriptional activators such as NF-κB. How APE1 is being recruited to execute the various biological functions remains unknown. Herein, we show that APE1 interacts with a novel partner PRDX1, a peroxidase that can also prevent oxidative damage to proteins by serving as a chaperone. PRDX1 knockdown did not interfere with APE1 expression level or its DNA repair activities. However, PRDX1 knockdown greatly facilitates APE1 detection within the nucleus by indirect immunofluorescence analysis, even though APE1 level was unchanged. The loss of APE1 interaction with PRDX1 promotes APE1 redox function to activate binding of the transcription factor NF-κB onto the promoter of a target gene, the proinflammatory chemokine IL-8 involved in cancer invasion and metastasis, resulting in its upregulation. Depletion of APE1 blocked the upregulation of IL-8 in the PRDX1 knockdown cells. Our findings suggest that the interaction of PRDX1 with APE1 represents a novel anti-inflammatory function of PRDX1, whereby the association safeguards APE1 from reducing transcription factors and activating superfluous gene expression, which otherwise could trigger cancer invasion and metastasis.
Identification of cyclins A1, E1 and vimentin as downstream targets of heme oxygenase-1 in vascular endothelial growth factor-mediated angiogenesis
Authors: Bauer Andrea , Mylroie Hayley , Thornton C. Clare , Calay Damien , Birdsey Graeme M. , Kiprianos Allan P. , Wilson Garrick K. , Soares Miguel P. , Yin Xiaoke , Mayr Manuel , Randi Anna M. , Mason Justin C. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAngiogenesis is an essential physiological process and an important factor in disease pathogenesis. However, its exploitation as a clinical target has achieved limited success and novel molecular targets are required. Although heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) acts downstream of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) to modulate angiogenesis, knowledge of the mechanisms involved remains limited. We set out identify novel HO-1 targets involved in angiogenesis. HO-1 depletion attenuated VEGF-induced human endothelial cell (EC) proliferation and tube formation. The latter response suggested a role for HO-1 in EC migration and indeed HO-1 siRNA negatively affected directional migration of EC towards VEGF; a phenotype reversed by HO-1 over-expression. EC from Hmox1−/− mice behaved similarly. Microarray analysis of HO-1-depleted and control EC exposed to VEGF identified cyclins A1 and E1 as HO-1 targets. Migrating HO-1-deficient EC showed increased p27, reduced cyclin A1 and attenuated cyclin-dependent kinase 2 activity. In vivo, cyclin A1 siRNA inhibited VEGF-driven angiogenesis, a response reversed by Ad-HO-1. Proteomics identified structural protein vimentin as an additional VEGF-HO-1 target. HO-1 depletion inhibited VEGF-induced calpain activity and vimentin cleavage, while vimentin silencing attenuated HO-1-driven proliferation. Thus, vimentin and cyclins A1 and E1 represent VEGF-activated HO-1-dependent targets important for VEGF-driven angiogenesis.
Spatial k-dispersion engineering of spoof surface plasmon polaritons for customized absorption
Authors: Pang Yongqiang , Wang Jiafu , Ma Hua , Feng Mingde , Li Yongfeng , Xu Zhuo , Xia Song , Qu Shaobo 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAbsorption of electromagnetic waves in a medium is generally manipulated by controlling the frequency dispersion of constitutive parameters. However, it is still challenging to gain the desired constitutive parameters for customized absorption over a broad frequency range. Here, by virtue of spoof surface plasmonic polaritons (SPPs), we demonstrate capabilities of the spatialk-dispersion engineering for producing the customized broadband absorption. Incident waves can be efficiently converted to the spoof SPPs by plasmonic arrays and their propagation and/or absorption can be controlled by engineering the spatial dispersion ofk-vector. Based on this feature, we show how such concept is employed to achieve broadband as well as frequency-selective broadband absorptions as examples. It is expected that the proposed concept can be extended to other manipulations of propagating electromagnetic waves over a broad frequency range.
Zinc-modified titanium surface enhances osteoblast differentiation of dental pulp stem cells in vitro
Authors: Yusa Kazuyuki , Yamamoto Osamu , Takano Hiroshi , Fukuda Masayuki , Iino Mitsuyoshi 
Published: July 2016

AbstractZinc is an essential trace element that plays an important role in differentiation of osteoblasts and bone modeling. This in vitro study aimed to evaluate the osteoblast differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) on zinc-modified titanium (Zn-Ti) that releases zinc ions from its surface. Based on real-time PCR, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and Western blot analysis data, we investigated osteoblast differentiation of DPSCs cultured on Zn-Ti and controls. DPSCs cultured on Zn-Ti exhibited significantly up-regulated gene expression levels of osteoblast-related genes of type I collagen (Col I), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), osteopontin (OPN) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF A), as compared with controls. We also investigated extracellular matrix (ECM) mineralization by Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining and found that Zn-Ti significantly promoted ECM mineralization when compared with controls. These findings suggest that the combination of Zn-Ti and DPSCs provides a novel approach for bone regeneration therapy.
Mie Resonance-Modulated Spatial Distributions of Photogenerated Carriers in Poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)/Silicon Nanopillars
Authors: Kim Eunah , Cho Yunae , Sohn Ahrum , Hwang Heewon , Lee Y. U. , Kim Kyungkon , Park Hyeong-Ho , Kim Joondong , Wu J. W. , Kim Dong-Wook 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOrganic/silicon hybrid solar cells have great potential as low-cost, high-efficiency photovoltaic devices. The superior light trapping capability, mediated by the optical resonances, of the organic/silicon hybrid nanostructure-based cells enhances their optical performance. In this work, we fabricated Si nanopillar (NP) arrays coated with organic semiconductor, poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl), layers. Experimental and calculated optical properties of the samples showed that Mie-resonance strongly concentrated incoming light in the NPs. Spatial mapping of surface photovoltage, i.e., changes in the surface potential under illumination, using Kelvin probe force microscopy enabled us to visualize the local behavior of the photogenerated carriers in our samples. Under red light, surface photovoltage was much larger (63 meV) on the top surface of a NP than on a planar sample (13 meV), which demonstrated that the confined light in the NPs produced numerous carriers within the NPs. Since the silicon NPs provide pathways for efficient carrier transportation, high collection probability of the photogenerated carriers near the NPs can be expected. This suggests that the optical resonance in organic/silicon hybrid nanostructures benefits not only broad-band light trapping but also efficient carrier collection.
Fabricating of high-performance functional graphene fibers for micro-capacitive energy storage
Authors: Fan Tianju , Zhao Chunyan , Xiao Zhuangqing , Guo Fangjun , Cai Kaiyu , Lin Hai , Liu Yidong , Meng Hong , Min Yong , Epstein Arthur J. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAlthough graphene is a typical two dimensional materials, it has converted to multi-dimensional materials with many unique properties. As an example, the one dimensional graphene fiber is fabricated by utilizing ionic liquid as coagulation and functional diamines as cross-linkers to connect graphene oxide layers. The fibers show excellent mechanical properties and superior electrical performance. The tensile strength of the resultant fibers reaches ~729 MPa after a super high temperature thermal annealing treatment at 2800 °C. Additionally, quasi-solid-state flexible micro-capacitors are fabricated with promising result on energy storage. The device show a specific volumetric capacity as high as ~225 F/cm3 (measured at 103.5 mA cm−3 in a three-electrode cell), as well as a long cycle life of 2000 times. The initial results indicate that these fibers will be a good candidate to replace energy storage devices for miniaturized portable electronic applications.
Local food web management increases resilience and buffers against global change effects on freshwaters
Authors: Urrutia-Cordero Pablo , Ekvall Mattias K. , Hansson Lars-Anders 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA major challenge for ecological research is to identify ways to improve resilience to climate-induced changes in order to secure the ecosystem functions of natural systems, as well as ecosystem services for human welfare. With respect to aquatic ecosystems, interactions between climate warming and the elevated runoff of humic substances (brownification) may strongly affect ecosystem functions and services. However, we hitherto lack the adaptive management tools needed to counteract such global-scale effects on freshwater ecosystems. Here we show, both experimentally and using monitoring data, that predicted climatic warming and brownification will reduce freshwater quality by exacerbating cyanobacterial growth and toxin levels. Furthermore, in a model based on long-term data from a natural system, we demonstrate that food web management has the potential to increase the resilience of freshwater systems against the growth of harmful cyanobacteria and thereby that local efforts offer an opportunity to secure our water resources against some of the negative impacts of climate warming and brownification. This allows for novel policy action at a local scale to counteract effects of global-scale environmental change, thereby providing a buffer period and a safer operating space until climate mitigation strategies are effectively established.
Investigating the dynamics of surface-immobilized DNA nanomachines
Authors: Dunn Katherine E. , Trefzer Martin A. , Johnson Steven , Tyrrell Andy M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractSurface-immobilization of molecules can have a profound influence on their structure, function and dynamics. Toehold-mediated strand displacement is often used in solution to drive synthetic nanomachines made from DNA, but the effects of surface-immobilization on the mechanism and kinetics of this reaction have not yet been fully elucidated. Here we show that the kinetics of strand displacement in surface-immobilized nanomachines are significantly different to those of the solution phase reaction and we attribute this to the effects of intermolecular interactions within the DNA layer. We demonstrate that the dynamics of strand displacement can be manipulated by changing strand length, concentration and G/C content. By inserting mismatched bases it is also possible to tune the rates of the constituent displacement processes (toehold-binding and branch migration) independently and information can be encoded in the time-dependence of the overall reaction. Our findings will facilitate the rational design of surface-immobilized dynamic DNA nanomachines, including computing devices and track-based motors.
FGF21 ameliorates the neurocontrol of blood pressure in the high fructose-drinking rats
Authors: He Jian-Li , Zhao Miao , Xia Jing-Jun , Guan Jian , Liu Yang , Wang Lu-Qi , Song Dong-Xue , Qu Mei-Yu , Zuo Meng , Wen Xin , Yu Xue , Huo Rong , Pan Zhen-Wei , Ban Tao , Zhang Yan , Zhu Jiu-Xin , Shou Weinian , Qiao Guo-Fen , Li Bai-Yan 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF21) is closely related to various metabolic and cardiovascular disorders. However, the direct targets and mechanisms linking FGF21 to blood pressure control and hypertension are still elusive. Here we demonstrated a novel regulatory function of FGF21 in the baroreflex afferent pathway (the nucleus tractus solitarii, NTS; nodose ganglion, NG). As the critical co-receptor of FGF21, β-klotho (klb) significantly expressed on the NTS and NG. Furthermore, we evaluated the beneficial effects of chronic intraperitoneal infusion of recombinant human FGF21 (rhFGF21) on the dysregulated systolic blood pressure, cardiac parameters, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and hyperinsulinemia in the high fructose-drinking (HFD) rats. The BRS up-regulation is associated with Akt-eNOS-NO signaling activation in the NTS and NG induced by acute intravenous rhFGF21 administration in HFD and control rats. Moreover, the expressions of FGF21 receptors were aberrantly down-regulated in HFD rats. In addition, the up-regulated peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ and -α (PPAR-γ/-α) in the NTS and NG in HFD rats were markedly reversed by chronic rhFGF21 infusion. Our study extends the work of the FGF21 actions on the neurocontrol of blood pressure regulations through baroreflex afferent pathway in HFD rats.
A noise model for the evaluation of defect states in solar cells
Authors: Landi G. , Barone C. , Mauro C. , Neitzert H. C. , Pagano S. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractA theoretical model, combining trapping/detrapping and recombination mechanisms, is formulated to explain the origin of random current fluctuations in silicon-based solar cells. In this framework, the comparison between dark and photo-induced noise allows the determination of important electronic parameters of the defect states. A detailed analysis of the electric noise, at different temperatures and for different illumination levels, is reported for crystalline silicon-based solar cells, in the pristine form and after artificial degradation with high energy protons. The evolution of the dominating defect properties is studied through noise spectroscopy.
Polar Spinel-Perovskite Interfaces: an atomistic study of Fe3O4(111)/SrTiO3(111) structure and functionality
Authors: Gilks Daniel , McKenna Keith P. , Nedelkoski Zlatko , Kuerbanjiang Balati , Matsuzaki Kosuke , Susaki Tomofumi , Lari Leonardo , Kepaptsoglou Demie , Ramasse Quentin , Tear Steve , Lazarov Vlado K. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractAtomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy loss spectroscopy combined with ab initio electronic calculations are used to determine the structure and properties of the Fe3O4(111)/SrTiO3(111) polar interface. The interfacial structure and chemical composition are shown to be atomically sharp and of an octahedral Fe/SrO3 nature. Band alignment across the interface pins the Fermi level in the vicinity of the conduction band of SrTiO3. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate very high spin-polarization of Fe3O4 in the interface vicinity which suggests that this system may be an excellent candidate for spintronic applications.
Chloroquine enhanced the anticancer capacity of VNP20009 by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxin , Xu Qiaoqiao , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Cheng Wei , Cao Wenmin , Jiang Chizhou , Han Chao , Li Jiahuang , Hua Zichun 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBacteria-based living anticancer agents have emerged as promising therapeutics. However, the functional role of autophagy in bacterial cancer therapy has been little investigated. In this study, Salmonella VNP20009 induced autophagy in B16F10 cells, which is an unfavorable factor in bacterial cancer therapy. Inhibiting the induction of autophagy by chloroquine or siRNA in bacterial cancer therapy dose- and time-dependently promoted cell death. The combined therapy of VNP20009 and chloroquine not only enhanced the bacterial tumor targeting ability but also facilitated the infiltration of immune cells into the tumor. Our results showed that the combined therapy of VNP20009 and chloroquine could significantly inhibit tumor growth and prolong mouse survival time. This study provides a novel strategy for improving the anti-cancer efficacy of bacterial cancer therapy.
Men increase contributions to a public good when under sexual competition
Authors: Tognetti Arnaud , Dubois Dimitri , Faurie Charlotte , Willinger Marc 
Published: July 2016

AbstractWhy humans cooperate in large groups and with non-kin remains a puzzle for researchers across the natural and social sciences. Investigating whether cooperation is sexually selected could contribute to an understanding of the evolution of human cooperation. Competition for access to mates could indeed select for cooperation. Using controlled laboratory experiments, we analyse whether and how the sex composition of a social environment, testosterone level and relationship status affect contributions to a public good. The results show that variation in sex composition alters the amount of money that single men (but not men in a couple or women) contribute to a public good. Notably, in line with the competitive helping hypothesis, awareness of the presence of a woman leads to larger contributions by single men, most likely by triggering their competitiveness to be the most cooperative man in the group. However, we find no link between basal testosterone level and cooperativeness. We argue that men, notably single men, adopt cooperative behaviours as a signalling strategy in the context of mate choice and hence that cooperation is partly sexually selected. Our findings highlight the need to consider sexual selection as an additional mechanism for cooperation.
AP-1/σ1A and AP-1/σ1B adaptor-proteins differentially regulate neuronal early endosome maturation via the Rab5/Vps34-pathway
Authors: Candiello Ermes , Kratzke Manuel , Wenzel Dirk , Cassel Dan , Schu Peter 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe σ1 subunit of the AP-1 clathrin-coated-vesicle adaptor-protein complex is expressed as three isoforms. Tissues express σ1A and one of the σ1B and σ1C isoforms. Brain is the tissue with the highest σ1A and σ1B expression. σ1B-deficiency leads to severe mental retardation, accumulation of early endosomes in synapses and fewer synaptic vesicles, whose recycling is slowed down. AP-1/σ1A and AP-1/σ1B regulate maturation of these early endosomes into multivesicular body late endosomes, thereby controlling synaptic vesicle protein transport into a degradative pathway. σ1A binds ArfGAP1 and with higher affinity brain-specific ArfGAP1, which bind Rabex-5. AP-1/σ1A-ArfGAP1-Rabex-5 complex formation leads to more endosomal Rabex-5 and enhanced, Rab5GTP-stimulated Vps34 PI3-kinase activity, which is essential for multivesicular body endosome formation. Formation of AP-1/σ1A-ArfGAP1-Rabex-5 complexes is prevented by σ1B binding of Rabex-5 and the amount of endosomal Rabex-5 is reduced. AP-1 complexes differentially regulate endosome maturation and coordinate protein recycling and degradation, revealing a novel molecular mechanism by which they regulate protein transport besides their established function in clathrin-coated-vesicle formation.