bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spinal Hb9::Cre-derived excitatory interneurons contribute to rhythm generation in the mouse
Authors: Caldeira Vanessa , Dougherty Kimberly J. , Borgius Lotta , Kiehn Ole 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRhythm generating neurons are thought to be ipsilaterally-projecting excitatory neurons in the thoracolumbar mammalian spinal cord. Recently, a subset of Shox2 interneurons (Shox2 non-V2a INs) was found to fulfill these criteria and make up a fraction of the rhythm-generating population. Here we use Hb9::Cre mice to genetically manipulate Hb9::Cre-derived excitatory interneurons (INs) in order to determine the role of these INs in rhythm generation. We demonstrate that this line captures a consistent population of spinal INs which is mixed with respect to neurotransmitter phenotype and progenitor domain, but does not overlap with the Shox2 non-V2a population. We also show that Hb9::Cre-derived INs include the comparatively small medial population of INs which continues to express Hb9 postnatally. When excitatory neurotransmission is selectively blocked by deleting Vglut2 from Hb9::Cre-derived INs, there is no difference in left-right and/or flexor-extensor phasing between these cords and controls, suggesting that excitatory Hb9::Cre-derived INs do not affect pattern generation. In contrast, the frequencies of locomotor activity are significantly lower in cords from Hb9::Cre-Vglut2Δ/Δ mice than in cords from controls. Collectively, our findings indicate that excitatory Hb9::Cre-derived INs constitute a distinct population of neurons that participates in the rhythm generating kernel for spinal locomotion.
Improved prediction of severe thunderstorms over the Indian Monsoon region using high-resolution soil moisture and temperature initialization
Authors: Osuri K. K. , Nadimpalli R. , Mohanty U. C. , Chen F. , Rajeevan M. , Niyogi D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe hypothesis that realistic land conditions such as soil moisture/soil temperature (SM/ST) can significantly improve the modeling of mesoscale deep convection is tested over the Indian monsoon region (IMR). A high resolution (3 km foot print) SM/ST dataset prepared from a land data assimilation system, as part of a national monsoon mission project, showed close agreement with observations. Experiments are conducted with (LDAS) and without (CNTL) initialization of SM/ST dataset. Results highlight the significance of realistic land surface conditions on numerical prediction of initiation, movement and timing of severe thunderstorms as compared to that currently being initialized by climatological fields in CNTL run. Realistic land conditions improved mass flux, convective updrafts and diabatic heating in the boundary layer that contributed to low level positive potential vorticity. The LDAS run reproduced reflectivity echoes and associated rainfall bands more efficiently. Improper representation of surface conditions in CNTL run limit the evolution boundary layer processes and thereby failed to simulate convection at right time and place. These findings thus provide strong support to the role land conditions play in impacting the deep convection over the IMR. These findings also have direct implications for improving heavy rain forecasting over the IMR, by developing realistic land conditions.
On the Fractality of Complex Networks: Covering Problem, Algorithms and Ahlfors Regularity
Authors: Wang Lihong , Wang Qin , Xi Lifeng , Chen Jin , Wang Songjing , Bao Liulu , Yu Zhouyu , Zhao Luming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIn this paper, we revisit the fractality of complex network by investigating three dimensions with respect to minimum box-covering, minimum ball-covering and average volume of balls. The first two dimensions are calculated through the minimum box-covering problem and minimum ball-covering problem. For minimum ball-covering problem, we prove its NP-completeness and propose several heuristic algorithms on its feasible solution, and we also compare the performance of these algorithms. For the third dimension, we introduce the random ball-volume algorithm. We introduce the notion of Ahlfors regularity of networks and prove that above three dimensions are the same if networks are Ahlfors regular. We also provide a class of networks satisfying Ahlfors regularity.
Primary Human Placental Trophoblasts are Permissive for Zika Virus (ZIKV) Replication
Authors: Aagaard Kjersti M. , Lahon Anismrita , Suter Melissa A. , Arya Ravi P. , Seferovic Maxim D. , Vogt Megan B. , Hu Min , Stossi Fabio , Mancini Michael A. , Harris R. Alan , Kahr Maike , Eppes Catherine , Rac Martha , Belfort Michael A. , Park Chun Shik , Lacorazza Daniel , Rico-Hesse Rebecca 
Published: January 2017

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) is an emerging mosquito-borne (Aedes genus) arbovirus of the Flaviviridae family. Although ZIKV has been predominately associated with a mild or asymptomatic dengue-like disease, its appearance in the Americas has been accompanied by a multi-fold increase in reported incidence of fetal microcephaly and brain malformations. The source and mode of vertical transmission from mother to fetus is presumptively transplacental, although a causal link explaining the interval delay between maternal symptoms and observed fetal malformations following infection has been missing. In this study, we show that primary human placental trophoblasts from non-exposed donors (n = 20) can be infected by primary passage ZIKV-FLR isolate, and uniquely allowed for ZIKV viral RNA replication when compared to dengue virus (DENV). Consistent with their being permissive for ZIKV infection, primary trophoblasts expressed multiple putative ZIKV cell entry receptors, and cellular function and differentiation were preserved. These findings suggest that ZIKV-FLR strain can replicate in human placental trophoblasts without host cell destruction, thereby serving as a likely permissive reservoir and portal of fetal transmission with risk of latent microcephaly and malformations.
Sensory and autonomic function and structure in footpads of a diabetic mouse model
Authors: Liu Ying , Sebastian Blessan , Liu Ben , Zhang Yiyue , Fissel John A. , Pan Baohan , Polydefkis Michael , Farah Mohamed H. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSensory and autonomic neuropathy affects the majority of type II diabetic patients. Clinically, autonomic evaluation often focuses on sudomotor function yet this is rarely assessed in animal models. We undertook morphological and functional studies to assess large myelinated and small unmyelinated axons in the db/db type II diabetes mouse model. We observed that autonomic innervation of sweat glands in the footpads was significantly reduced in db/db mice compared to control db/+ mice and this deficit was greater compared to reductions in intraepidermal sensory innervation of adjacent epidermis. Additionally, db/db mice formed significantly fewer sweat droplets compared to controls as early as 6 weeks of age, a time when no statistical differences were observed electrophysiologically between db/db and db/+ mice studies of large myelinated sensory and motor nerves. The rate of sweat droplet formation was significantly slower and the sweat droplet size larger and more variable in db/db mice compared to controls. Whereas pilocarpine and glycopyrrolate increased and decreased sweating, respectively, in 6 month-old controls, db/db mice did not respond to pharmacologic manipulations. Our findings indicate autonomic neuropathy is an early and prominent deficit in the db/db model and have implications for the development of therapies for peripheral diabetic neuropathy.
The spleen microenvironment influences disease transformation in a mouse model of KITD816V-dependent myeloproliferative neoplasm
Authors: Pelusi Natalie , Kosanke Maike , Riedt Tamara , Rösseler Corinna , Seré Kristin , Li Jin , Gütgemann Ines , Zenke Martin , Janzen Viktor , Schorle Hubert 
Published: January 2017

AbstractActivating mutations leading to ligand-independent signaling of the stem cell factor receptor KIT are associated with several hematopoietic malignancies. One of the most common alterations is the D816V mutation. In this study, we characterized mice, which conditionally express the humanized KITD816V receptor in the adult hematopoietic system to determine the pathological consequences of unrestrained KIT signaling during blood cell development. We found that KITD816V mutant animals acquired a myeloproliferative neoplasm similar to polycythemia vera, marked by a massive increase in red blood cells and severe splenomegaly caused by excessive extramedullary erythropoiesis. Moreover, we found mobilization of stem cells from bone marrow to the spleen. Splenectomy prior to KITD816V induction prevented expansion of red blood cells, but rapidly lead to a state of aplastic anemia and bone marrow fibrosis, reminiscent of post polycythemic myeloid metaplasia, the spent phase of polycythemia vera. Our results show that the extramedullary hematopoietic niche microenvironment significantly influences disease outcome in KITD816V mutant mice, turning this model a valuable tool for studying the interplay between functionally abnormal hematopoietic cells and their microenvironment during development of polycythemia vera-like disease and myelofibrosis.
Effect of Flow and Particle-Plastron Collision on the Longevity of Superhydrophobicity
Authors: Hokmabad Babak Vajdi , Ghaemi Sina 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAmong diverse methods for drag reduction, superhydrophobicity has shown considerable promise because it can produce a shear-free boundary without energy input. However, the plastron experiences a limited lifetime due to the dissolution of trapped air from surface cavities, into the surrounding water. The underwater longevity of the plastron, as it is influenced by environmental conditions, such as fine particles suspended in the water, must be studied in order to implement superhydrophobicity in practical applications. We present a proof-of-concept study on the kinetics of air loss from a plastron subjected to a canonical laminar boundary layer at Reδ = 1400 and 1800 (based on boundary layer thickness) with and without suspending 2 micron particles with density of 4 Kg/m3. To monitor the air loss kinetics, we developed an in situ non-invasive optical technique based on total internal reflection at the air-water interface. The shear flow at the wall is characterized by high resolution particle image velocimetry technique. Our results demonstrate that the flow-induced particle-plastron collision shortens the lifetime of the plastron by ~50%. The underlying physics are discussed and a theoretical analysis is conducted to further characterize the mass transfer mechanisms.
RNA helicase DDX3 maintains lipid homeostasis through upregulation of the microsomal triglyceride transfer protein by interacting with HNF4 and SHP
Authors: Tsai Tsung-Yuan , Wang Wei-Ting , Li Hao-Kang , Chen Wei-Ju , Tsai Yu-Hong , Chao Chi-Hong , Wu Lee Yan-Hwa 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMultifunctional RNA helicase DDX3 participates in HCV infection, one of the major causes of hepatic steatosis. Here, we investigated the role of DDX3 in hepatic lipid metabolism. We found that HCV infection severely reduced DDX3 expression. Analysis of intracellular triglyceride and secreted ApoB indicated that lipid accumulations were increased while ApoB secretion were decreased in DDX3 knockdown HuH7 and HepG2 cell lines. Down-regulation of DDX3 significantly decreased protein and transcript expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP), a key regulator of liver lipid homeostasis. Moreover, DDX3 interacted with hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) and small heterodimer partner (SHP), and synergistically up-regulated HNF4-mediated transactivation of MTP promoter via its ATPase activity. Further investigation revealed that DDX3 interacted with CBP/p300 and increased the promoter binding affinity of HNF4 by enhancing HNF4 acetylation. Additionally, DDX3 partially relieved the SHP-mediated suppression on MTP promoter by competing with SHP for HNF4 binding which disrupted the inactive HNF4/SHP heterodimer while promoted the formation of the active HNF4 homodimer. Collectively, these results imply that DDX3 regulates MTP gene expression and lipid homeostasis through interplay with HNF4 and SHP, which may also reveal a novel mechanism of HCV-induced steatosis.
Design and fabrication of a passive droplet dispenser for portable high resolution imaging system
Authors: Kamal Tahseen , Watkins Rachel , Cen Zijian , Rubinstein Jaden , Kong Gary , Lee Woei Ming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMoldless lens manufacturing techniques using standard droplet dispensing technology often require precise control over pressure to initiate fluid flow and control droplet formation. We have determined a series of interfacial fluid parameters optimised using standard 3D printed tools to extract, dispense and capture a single silicone droplet that is then cured to obtain high quality lenses. The dispensing process relies on the recapitulation of liquid dripping action (Rayleigh-Plateau instability) and the capturing method uses the interplay of gravitational force, capillary forces and liquid pinning to control the droplet shape. The key advantage of the passive lens fabrication approach is rapid scale-up using 3D printing by avoiding complex dispensing tools. We characterise the quality of the lenses fabricated using the passive approach by measuring wavefront aberration and high resolution imaging. The fabricated lenses are then integrated into a portable imaging system; a wearable thimble imaging device with a detachable camera housing, that is constructed for field imaging. This paper provides the full exposition of steps, from lens fabrication to imaging platform, necessary to construct a standalone high resolution imaging system. The simplicity of our methodology can be implemented using a regular desktop 3D printer and commercially available digital imaging systems.
ComB proteins expression levels determine Helicobacter pylori competence capacity
Authors: Corbinais Christopher , Mathieu Aurélie , Damke Prashant P. , Kortulewski Thierry , Busso Didier , Prado-Acosta Mariano , Radicella J. Pablo , Marsin Stéphanie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHelicobacter pylori chronically colonises half of the world’s human population and is the main cause of ulcers and gastric cancers. Its prevalence and the increase in antibiotic resistance observed recently reflect the high genetic adaptability of this pathogen. Together with high mutation rates and an efficient DNA recombination system, horizontal gene transfer through natural competence makes of H. pylori one of the most genetically diverse bacteria. We show here that transformation capacity is enhanced in strains defective for recN, extending previous work with other homologous recombination genes. However, inactivation of either mutY or polA has no effect on DNA transformation, suggesting that natural competence can be boosted in H. pylori by the persistence of DNA breaks but not by enhanced mutagenesis. The transformation efficiency of the different DNA repair impaired strains correlates with the number of transforming DNA foci formed on the cell surface and with the expression of comB8 and comB10 competence genes. Overexpression of the comB6-B10 operon is sufficient to increase the transformation capacity of a wild type strain, indicating that the ComB complex, present in the bacterial wall and essential for DNA uptake, can be a limiting factor for transformation efficiency.
Photodegradation of octylisothiazolinone and semi-field emissions from facade coatings
Authors: Bollmann Ulla E. , Minelgaite Greta , Schlüsener Michael , Ternes Thomas A. , Vollertsen Jes , Bester Kai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAmongst others, 2-octyl-isothiazol-3(2 H)-one (OIT) is used as film preservative in water-based polymer resin paints and renders to prevent the growth of moulds and bacteria. It is known that biocides leach from facades with rainwater and end up in the environment via stormwater runoff. In the present study the leaching and fate of OIT used in facade coatings was determined under natural conditions. Potential phototransformation products were initially identified in laboratory experiments using UV-light. Afterwards, the leaching of OIT and seven degradation products were studied on artificial walls equipped with organic top coatings formulated with OIT. A mass balance, including the leached and remaining amounts of OIT and its seven transformation products, can explain up to 40% of the initial amount of OIT. The OIT remaining in the material after 1.5 yr is by far the largest fraction. The study shows that in the assessment of biocides in coating material, transformation products need to be taken into account both in leachate and remaining in the material. Furthermore, in case of volatile degradation products, the emissions to air might be relevant.
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate preferentially induces aggregation of amyloidogenic immunoglobulin light chains
Authors: Hora Manuel , Carballo-Pacheco Martin , Weber Benedikt , Morris Vanessa K. , Wittkopf Antje , Buchner Johannes , Strodel Birgit , Reif Bernd 
Published: January 2017

AbstractAntibody light chain amyloidosis is a rare disease caused by fibril formation of secreted immunoglobulin light chains (LCs). The huge variety of antibody sequences puts a serious challenge to drug discovery. The green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is known to interfere with fibril formation in general. Here we present solution- and solid-state NMR studies as well as MD simulations to characterise the interaction of EGCG with LC variable domains. We identified two distinct EGCG binding sites, both of which include a proline as an important recognition element. The binding sites were confirmed by site-directed mutagenesis and solid-state NMR analysis. The EGCG-induced protein complexes are unstructured. We propose a general mechanistic model for EGCG binding to a conserved site in LCs. We find that EGCG reacts selectively with amyloidogenic mutants. This makes this compound a promising lead structure, that can handle the immense sequence variability of antibody LCs.
RNA sequencing of synaptic and cytoplasmic Upf1-bound transcripts supports contribution of nonsense-mediated decay to epileptogenesis
Authors: Mooney Claire M. , Jimenez-Mateos Eva M. , Engel Tobias , Mooney Catherine , Diviney Mairead , Venø Morten T. , Kjems Jørgen , Farrell Michael A. , O’Brien Donncha F. , Delanty Norman , Henshall David C. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe nonsense mediated decay (NMD) pathway is a critical surveillance mechanism for identifying aberrant mRNA transcripts. It is unknown, however, whether the NMD system is affected by seizuresin vivoand whether changes confer beneficial or maladaptive responses that influence long-term outcomes such the network alterations that produce spontaneous recurrent seizures. Here we explored the responses of the NMD pathway to prolonged seizures (status epilepticus) and investigated the effects of NMD inhibition on epilepsy in mice. Status epilepticus led to increased protein levels of Up-frameshift suppressor 1 homolog (Upf1) within the mouse hippocampus. Upf1 protein levels were also higher in resected hippocampus from patients with intractable temporal lobe epilepsy. Immunoprecipitation of Upf1-bound RNA from the cytoplasmic and synaptosomal compartments followed by RNA sequencing identified unique populations of NMD-associated transcripts and altered levels after status epilepticus, including known substrates such asArcas well as novel targets includingInhbaandNpas4. Finally, long-term video-EEG recordings determined that pharmacologic interference in the NMD pathway after status epilepticus reduced the later occurrence of spontaneous seizures in mice. These findings suggest compartment-specific recruitment and differential loading of transcripts by NMD pathway components may contribute to the process of epileptogenesis.
Association between underweight and tooth loss among Korean adults
Authors: Song In-Seok , Han Kyungdo , Ryu Jae-Jun , Park Jun-Beom 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThere is growing interest in the relationship between body mass index and oral health. Previous study showed that being underweight was significantly associated with having lower masticatory performance. This study was performed to assess the relationship between an underweight body mass index lower than 18.5 and the number of natural teeth using nationally representative data. Initially, a total of 25,534 individuals were candidates in the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The analysis in this study was confined to 17,870 subjects who were 19 years or older and without missing values for outcome variables. Body mass index and number of natural teeth were evaluated. Multiple regression analysis was used to evaluate the risk of tooth loss in relation to body mass index. Adjusted odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for chewing discomfort in individuals who were underweight, normal, overweight, obese, and extremely obese were 1.712(1.156–2.535), 1.111(0.939–1.315), 1(reference), 0.949(0.798–1.128), and 1.172(0.807–1.700), respectively, after adjustment. The association between underweight and tooth loss was proven by multiple logistic regression analyses after adjusting for confounding factors. Underweight may be considered a potential risk indicator for tooth loss in Korean adults.
Emergent Properties of Giant Vesicles Formed by a Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly (PISA) Reaction
Authors: Albertsen Anders N. , Szymański Jan K. , Pérez-Mercader Juan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGiant micrometer sized vesicles are of obvious interest to the natural sciences as well as engineering, having potential application in fields ranging from drug delivery to synthetic biology. Their formation often requires elaborate experimental techniques and attempts to obtain giant vesicles from chemical media in a one-pot fashion have so far led to much smaller nanoscale structures. Here we show that a tailored medium undergoing controlled radical polymerization is capable of forming giant polymer vesicles. Using a protocol which allows for an aqueous reaction under mild conditions, we observe the macroscale consequences of amphiphilic polymer synthesis and the resulting molecular self-assembly using fluorescence microscopy. The polymerization process is photoinitiated by blue light granting complete control of the reaction, including on the microscope stage. The self-assembly process leads to giant vesicles with radii larger than 10 microns, exhibiting several emergent properties, including periodic growth and collapse as well as phototaxis.