bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anatomy and spatial organization of Müller glia in mouse retina
Authors: Wang Jingjing , O’Sullivan Matthew L. , Mukherjee Dibyendu , Puñal Vanessa M. , Farsiu Sina , Kay Jeremy N. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMüller glia, the most abundant glia of vertebrate retina, have an elaborate morphology characterized by a vertical stalk that spans the retina and branches in each retinal layer. Müller glia play diverse, critical roles in retinal homeostasis, which are presumably enabled by their complex anatomy. However, much remains unknown, particularly in mouse, about the anatomical arrangement of Müller cells and their arbors, and how these features arise in development. Here we use membrane‐targeted fluorescent proteins to reveal the fine structure of mouse Müller arbors. We find sublayer‐specific arbor specializations within the inner plexiform layer (IPL) that occur consistently at defined laminar locations. We then characterize Müller glia spatial patterning, revealing how individual cells collaborate to form a pan‐retinal network. Müller cells, unlike neurons, are spread across the retina with homogenous density, and their arbor sizes change little with eccentricity. Using Brainbow methods to label neighboring cells in different colors, we find that Müller glia tile retinal space with minimal overlap. The shape of their arbors is irregular but nonrandom, suggesting that local interactions between neighboring cells determine their territories. Finally, we identify a developmental window at postnatal Days 6 to 9 when Müller arbors first colonize the synaptic layers beginning in stereotyped inner plexiform layer sublaminae. Together, our study defines the anatomical arrangement of mouse Müller glia and their network in the radial and tangential planes of the retina, in development and adulthood. The local precision of Müller glia organization suggests that their morphology is sculpted by specific cell to cell interactions with neurons and each other.
Diaphragm‐Regulated Growth of Nanosheet Arrays of α‐Phase Ni–Co Layered Double Hydroxides on Arbitrary Substrates for Wettability Control and Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries
Authors: Meng Xinghua , Deng Da 
Published: April 2017

AbstractRoom‐temperature synthesis of α‐phase bimetallic nickel–cobalt layered double hydroxides (Ni–Co LDHs) nanosheets in the forms of arrays grown on arbitrary substrates is still a challenging task. We demonstrate a facile diaphragm‐assisted approach to grow α‐phase Ni–Co LDHs nanosheet arrays on various substrates at room temperature. The as‐synthesized nanosheet arrays can induce high surface roughness at the microscale, achieving both superoleophobicity underwater and superhydrophobicity in air, with contact angles measured for oil at 160° and for water at 154°, respectively. The nanosheet arrays of Ni–Co LDHs formed directly on 3D nickel foam substrates can be used as binder‐free electrodes for rechargeable batteries, achieving a specific capacity of 177 mA h g−1 when tested at 2000 mA g−1. In contrast to literature reports, in which LDHs are often considered for pseudocapacitors, we suggest our electrodes are good for rechargeable alkaline secondary batteries or as battery electrodes in hybrid supercapacitors, based on battery behavior observed in our electrochemical tests. Other substrates, including titanium wires and carbon fiber papers, can be used as substrates. The as‐prepared α‐phase Ni–Co LDHs nanosheet arrays coated substrates and their derivatives (e.g., oxides, sulfides) can find many potential applications, including wastewater treatment, separation, electrochromic devices, catalysis and electrocatalysis, as well as energy storage.
Correlative Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy in 3D—Scanning Electron Microscope Perspective
Authors: Franks Jonathan , Wallace Callen T. , Shibata Masateru , Suga Mitsuo , Erdman Natasha , Stolz Donna B. , Watkins Simon C. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe ability to correlate fluorescence microscopy (FM) and electron microscopy (EM) data obtained on biological (cell and tissue) specimens is essential to bridge the resolution gap between the data obtained by these different imaging techniques. In the past such correlations were limited to either EM navigation in two dimensions to the locations previously highlighted by fluorescence markers, or subsequent high‐resolution acquisition of tomographic information using a TEM. We present a novel approach whereby a sample previously investigated by FM is embedded and subjected to sequential mechanical polishing and backscatter imaging by scanning electron microscope. The resulting three dimensional EM tomogram of the sample can be directly correlated to the FM data. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Surfactant‐Free Polar‐to‐Nonpolar Phase Transfer of Exfoliated MoS2 Two‐Dimensional Colloids
Authors: Giovanelli Emerson , Castellanos‐Gomez Andres , Pérez Emilio M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractExfoliation of lamellar materials into their corresponding layers represented a breakthrough, owing to the outstanding properties arising from the nanometric thickness confinement. Among the cleavage techniques, liquid‐phase exfoliation is now on the rise because it is scalable and leads to easy‐to‐manipulate colloids. However, all appropriate exfoliating solvents exhibit strong polarity, which greatly restricts the scope of feasible functionalization or processing of the resulting flakes. Here, this scope is extended: nanosheets exfoliated in a polar medium are demonstrated to properly disperse in a nonpolar solvent. To that purpose, suspensions of molybdenum disulfide flakes were prepared in isopropanol/water and a phase transfer of the nanosheets to chloroform was developed by flocculation and redispersion/centrifugation sequences, without any assisting surfactant. The colloidal stability of the nanosheets in chloroform was found to be governed by their lateral dimensions and, although lower than in polar media, proved to be high enough to open the way to subsequent functionalization or processing of the flakes in nonpolar media.
Computational Prediction of Intrinsic Disorder in Proteins
Authors: Meng Fanchi , Uversky Vladimir , Kurgan Lukasz 
Published: April 2017

AbstractComputational prediction of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) is a mature research field. These methods predict disordered residues and regions in an input protein chain. More than 60 predictors of IDPs have been developed. This unit defines computational prediction of intrinsic disorder, summarizes major types of predictors of disorder, and provides details about three accurate and recently released methods. We demonstrate the use of these methods to predict intrinsic disorder for several illustrative proteins, provide insights into how predictions should be interpreted, and quantify and discuss predictive performance. Predictions can be freely and conveniently obtained using webservers. We point to the availability of databases that provide access to annotations of intrinsic disorder determined by structural studies and putative intrinsic disorder pre‐computed by computational methods. Lastly, we also summarize experimental methods that can be used to validate computational predictions. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
N‐Terminal Methionine Processing
Authors: Wingfield Paul T. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractProtein synthesis is initiated by methionine in eukaryotes and by formylmethionine in prokaryotes. N‐terminal methionine can be co‐translationally cleaved by the enzyme methionine aminopeptidase (MAP). When recombinant proteins are expressed in bacterial and mammalian expression systems, there is a simple universal rule that predicts whether the initiating methionine will be processed by MAP based on the size of the residue adjacent (penultimate) to the N‐methionine. In general, if the side chains of the penultimate residues have a radius of gyration of 1.29 Å or less, methionine is cleaved. © 2017 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Monitoring CD49d Receptor Occupancy: A Method to Optimize and Personalize Natalizumab Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Puñet‐Ortiz Joan , Hervás‐García José Vicente , Teniente‐Serra Aina , Cano‐Orgaz Antonio , Mansilla Maria José , Quirant‐Sánchez Bibiana , Navarro‐Barriuso Juan , Fernández‐Sanmartín Marco A. , Presas‐Rodríguez Silvia , Ramo‐Tello Cristina , Martínez‐Cáceres Eva María 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundIn natalizumab‐treated relapsing‐remitting MS (RRMS) patients, various extended interval dosing strategies are under evaluation to minimize severe treatment‐associated side effects, mainly progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy development. Up to now, it has not been presented any approach, even in form of assay design, to determine the optimal percentage of CD49d receptor occupancy (RO) associated with a favorable clinical, radiological, and immunological response.MethodsA multiparametric quantitative flow cytometry method was settled to measure CD49d RO on peripheral blood lymphocytes. The analytical protocol was tested in a 6‐month follow‐up from 19 RRMS patients treated with the natalizumab standard dosing of every 4 weeks or an extended‐interval dosing of every 6 weeks.ResultsExtended natalizumab dose schedule promoted an increase of CD49d molecules per cell surface and a reduction of CD49d RO levels. The reduction observed on CD49d RO was not only depending on dose schedule but also on individual parameters such as body mass. Interestingly, individual clinical outcome was apparently the same between the different dose schedules or even better with the extended interval dosing.ConclusionsFollowing up CD49d RO levels with a well‐regulated monitoring work scheme is crucial to further identify over‐/under‐treated patients and to define a safe, personalized natalizumab regimen. © 2017 International Clinical Cytometry Society
An MRI study of the corpus callosum in monkeys: Developmental trajectories and effects of neonatal hippocampal and amygdala lesions
Authors: Payne Christa , Cirilli Laetitia , Bachevalier Jocelyne 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study provides the first characterization of early developmental trajectories of corpus callosum (CC) segments in rhesus macaques using noninvasive MRI techniques and assesses long‐term effects of neonatal amygdala or hippocampal lesions on CC morphometry. In Experiment 1, 10 monkeys (5 males) were scanned at 1 week—2 years of age; eight additional infants (4 males) were scanned once at 1–4 weeks of age. The first 8 months showed marked growth across all segments, with sustained, albeit slower, growth through 24 months. Males and females had comparable patterns of CC maturation overall, but exhibited slight differences in the anterior and posterior segments, with greater increases in the isthmus for males and greater increases in the rostrum for females. The developmental changes are likely a consequence of varying degrees of axonal myelination, redirection, and pruning. In Experiment 2, animals with neonatal lesions of the amygdala (n = 6; 3 males) or hippocampus (n = 6; 4 males) were scanned at 1.5 years post‐surgery and compared to scans of six control animals from Experiment 1. Whereas amygdala damage yielded larger rostral and posterior body segments, hippocampal damage yielded larger rostrum and isthmus. These differences demonstrate that early perturbations to one medial temporal lobe structure may produce extensive and long‐lasting repercussions in other brain areas. The current findings emphasize the complexity of neural circuitry putatively subserving neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder and Williams syndrome, which are each characterized by malformations and dysfunction of complex neural networks that include regions of the medial temporal lobe.
Sexual signals reflect telomere dynamics in a wild bird
Authors: Taff Conor Claverie , Freeman‐Gallant Corey R. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTelomere dynamics in natural populations have been linked to survival, reproduction, and energetic investment. Given their putative role in mediating life‐history trade‐offs, telomeres are also a likely candidate for maintaining honesty in sexually selected signals; few studies to date, however, have demonstrated a correlation between sexual signals and telomere dynamics. Here, we show that plumage coloration in male common yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) is correlated with both relative telomere length and with the rate of telomere loss between years. Elevated antioxidant capacity is also associated with reduced telomere loss, but only among older males. Previous work in this population has demonstrated that males with brighter plumage are in better condition, have higher reproductive success, and are more likely to survive over winter. Thus, the signal attribute associated with mate choice in this system also conveys reliable information about telomere dynamics. At present, it is unclear whether telomere maintenance plays a causal role in maintaining signal honesty or whether the correlation arises due to underlying variation in individual resources or genotypes. We suggest that subsequent work should consider the possibility that fundamental trade‐offs between signal investment and cell‐level processes that influence aging and reproductive senescence may provide a foundation for understanding the maintenance of sexual signal honesty.
Effects of light intensity on litter decomposition in a subtropical region
Authors: Ma Zhiliang , Yang Wanqin , Wu Fuzhong , Tan Bo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSunlight, as a main driver of terrestrial ecosystem process, not only runs the synthesis, but also the decomposition. In nature, soil surface might be exposed to different light intensities, but the decomposition as affected by light intensity remains unknown. A shading experiment was conducted to simulate the effects of different light intensities on decomposition of foliar litter in a subtropical region of western China. Over two‐year incubation, foliar litter mass lost 54.46–100% depending on tree species and light intensities, and 37.21–80.58% of mass losses occurred in rainy seasons. Light intensity gave strong effects on litter mass loss, but the effects varied with tree species and season. Shading treatments promoted the litter decomposition in the dry seasons, but inhibited the decomposition in the rainy seasons. Light intensity, tree species, and their interactions are the main factors regulating litter decomposition in subtropical regions.
Benthic primary producers are key to sustain the Wadden Sea food web: stable carbon isotope analysis at landscape scale
Authors: Christianen M. J. A. , Middelburg J. J. , Holthuijsen S. J. , Jouta J. , Compton T. J. , van der Heide T. , Piersma T. , Sinninghe Damsté J. S. , van der Veer H. W. , Schouten S. , Olff H. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCoastal food webs can be supported by local benthic or pelagic primary producers and by the import of organic matter. Distinguishing between these energy sources is essential for our understanding of ecosystem functioning. However, the relative contribution of these components to the food web at the landscape scale is often unclear, as many studies lack good taxonomic and spatial resolution across large areas. Here, using stable carbon isotopes, we report on the primary carbon sources for consumers and their spatial variability across one of the world's largest intertidal ecosystems (Dutch Wadden Sea; 1460 km2 intertidal surface area), at an exceptionally high taxonomic (178 species) and spatial resolution (9,165 samples from 839 locations). The absence of overlap in δ13C values between consumers and terrestrial organic matter suggests that benthic and pelagic producers dominate carbon input into this food web. In combination with the consistent enrichment of benthic primary producers (δ13C −16.3‰) relative to pelagic primary producers (δ13C −18.8) across the landscape, this allowed the use of a two‐food‐source isotope‐mixing model. This spatially resolved modelling revealed that benthic primary producers (microphytobenthos) are the most important energy source for the majority of consumers at higher trophic levels (worms, molluscs, crustaceans, fish, and birds), and thus to the whole food web. In addition, we found large spatial heterogeneity in the δ13C values of benthic primary producers (δ13C −19.2 to −11.5‰) and primary consumers (δ13C −25.5 to −9.9‰), emphasizing the need for spatially explicit sampling of benthic and pelagic primary producers in coastal ecosystems. Our findings have important implications for our understanding of the functioning of ecological networks and for the management of coastal ecosystems.
Keystone predation and molecules of keystone significance
Authors: Zimmer Richard K. , Ferrier Graham A. , Kim Steven J. , Ogorzalek Loo Rachel R. , Zimmer Cheryl Ann , Loo Joseph A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractKeystone species structure ecological communities and are major determinants of biodiversity. A synthesis of research on keystone species is nonetheless missing a critical component – the sensory mechanisms for behavioral interactions that determine population‐ and community‐wide attributes. Here, we establish the chemosensory basis for keystone predation by sea stars (Pisaster ochraceus) on mussels. This consumer‐resource interaction is prototypic of top‐down driven trophic cascades. Each mussel species (Mytilus californianus and M. galloprovincialis) secretes a glycoprotein orthologue (29.6 and 28.1 kDa, respectively) that acts, singularly, to evoke the sea star predatory response. The orthologues (named “KEYSTONEin”) are localized in the epidermis, extrapallial fluid, and organic shell coating (periostracum) of live, intact mussels. Thus, KEYSTONEin contacts chemosensory receptors on tube feet as sea stars crawl over rocky surfaces in search of prey. The complete nucleotide sequences reveal that KEYSTONEin shares 87% (M. californianus) or 98% (M. galloprovincialis) homology with a calcium‐binding protein in the shell matrix of a closely related congener, M. edulis. All three molecules cluster tightly within the Complement Component 1 Domain Containing (C1qDC) protein family; each exhibits a large globular domain, low complexity region(s), coiled coil, and at least four of five histidine‐aspartic acid tandem motifs. Collective results support the hypothesis that KEYSTONEin evolved ancestrally in immunological, and later, in biomineralization roles. More recently, the substance has become exploited by sea stars as a contact cue for prey recognition. As the first identified compound to evoke keystone predation, KEYSTONEin provides valuable sensory information, promotes biodiversity, and shapes community structure and function. Without this molecule, there would be no predation by sea stars on mussels.
Design of a multicentre randomized controlled trial to assess the safety and efficacy of dose titration by specialized nurses in patients with heart failure. ETIFIC study protocol
Authors: Oyanguren Juana , García‐Garrido LLuisa , Nebot Margalef Magdalena , Lekuona Iñaki , Comin‐Colet Josep , Manito Nicolás , Roure Julia , Ruiz Rodriguez Pilar , Enjuanes Cristina , Latorre Pedro , Torcal Laguna Jesús , García‐Gutiérrez Susana ,   on behalf of the ETIFIC research group
Published: April 2017

AbstractAimsHeart failure (HF) is associated with many hospital admissions and relatively high mortality, rates decreasing with administration of beta‐blockers (BBs), angiotensin‐converting‐enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists. The effect is dose dependent, suboptimal doses being common in clinical practice. The 2012 European guidelines recommend close monitoring and dose titration by HF nurses. Our main aim is to compare BB doses achieved by patients after 4 months in intervention (HF nurse‐managed) and control (cardiologist‐managed) groups. Secondary aims include comparing doses of the other aforementioned drugs achieved after 4 months, adverse events, and outcomes at 6 months in the two groups.MethodsWe have designed a multicentre (20 hospitals) non‐inferiority randomized controlled trial, including patients with new‐onset HF, left ventricular ejection fraction ≤40%, and New York Heart Association class II–III, with no contraindications to BBs. We will also conduct qualitative analysis to explore potential barriers to and facilitators of dose titration by HF nurses. In the intervention group, HF nurses will implement titration as prescribed by cardiologists, following a protocol. In controls, cardiologists will both prescribe and titrate doses. The study variables are doses of each of the drugs after 4 months relative to the target dose (%), New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction, N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide levels, 6 min walk distance, comorbidities, renal function, readmissions, mortality, quality of life, and psychosocial characteristics.ConclusionsThe trial seeks to assess whether titration by HF nurses of drugs recommended in practice guidelines is safe and not inferior to direct management by cardiologists. The results could have an impact on clinical practice.
A Novel Biomimetic Hydrogen Peroxide Biosensor Based on Pt Flowers‐decorated Fe3O4/Graphene Nanocomposite
Authors: Zhao Xueling , Li Zhanhong , Chen Cheng , Wu Yihua , Zhu Zhigang , Zhao Hongli , Lan Minbo 
Published: April 2017

AbstractA sensitive and selective amperometric H2O2 biosensor was obtained by utilizing the electrodeposition of Pt flowers on iron oxide‐reduced graphene oxide (Fe3O4/rGO) nanocomposite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The morphology of Fe3O4/rGO and Pt/Fe3O4/rGO was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The step‐wise modification and the electrochemical characteristics of the resulting biosensor were characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry methods. Thanks to the fast electron transfer at the Pt/Fe3O4/rGO electrode interface, the developed biosensor exhibits a fast and linear amperometric response upon H2O2. The linear range of Pt/Fe3O4/rGO is 0.1∼2.4 mM (R2=0.998), with a sensitivity of 6.875 μA/mM and a detection limit of 1.58 μM (S/N=3). In addition, the prepared biosensor also provides good anti‐interferent ability and long‐term stability due to the favorable biocompatibility of the electrode interface. The proposed sensor will become a reliable and effective tool for monitoring and sensing the H2O2 in complicate environment.
An Electrochemical Sensor Based on Gold Nanoparticles Incorporated in Mesoporous MFI Zeolite for Determination of Purine Bases in DNA
Authors: Song Huixian , Huo Shijie , Dong Junping , Xu Jiaqiang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAn electrochemical sensor was developed based on gold nanoparticles incorporated in mesoporous MFI zeolite for the determination of purine bases. Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) were incorporated into the mesoporous MFI zeolite (AuNPs/m‐MFI) by post‐grafting reaction. The composite materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and electrochemical methods. Au nanoparticles with a size of 5‐20 nm are uniformly dispersed in the pores of mesoporous MFI zeolite. And the morphology of MFI zeolite can be perfectly kept after pore expansion and Au nanoparticles incorporation. The electrocatalytic oxidation of purine bases (guanine and adenine in DNA) is investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The surface‐confined Au nanoparticles provide the good catalytic activity for oxidation of purine bases. The simultaneous detection of guanine and adenine can be achieved at AuNPs/m‐MFI composites modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The electrochemical sensor based on AuNPs/m‐MFI exhibits wide linear range of 0.5–500 μM and 0.8–500 μM with detection limit of 0.25 and 0.29 μM for guanine and adenine, respectively. Moreover, the electrochemical sensor is applied to evaluation of guanine and adenine in herring sperm DNA samples with satisfactory results.