bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fossil biting midge (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) from early Eocene Indian amber with a complex pheromone evaporator
Authors: Stebner Frauke , Szadziewski Ryszard , Rühr Peter T. , Singh Hukam , Hammel Jörg U. , Kvifte Gunnar Mikalsen , Rust Jes 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe life-like fidelity of organisms captured in amber is unique among all kinds of fossilization and represents an invaluable source for different fields of palaeontological and biological research. One of the most challenging aspects in amber research is the study of traits related to behaviour. Here, indirect evidence for pheromone-mediated mating behaviour is recorded from a biting midge (Ceratopogonidae) in 54 million-year-old Indian amber. Camptopterohelea odora n. sp. exhibits a complex, pocket shaped structure on the wings, which resembles the wing folds of certain moth flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) and scent organs that are only known from butterflies and moths (Lepidoptera) so far. Our studies suggests that pheromone releasing structures on the wings have evolved independently in biting midges and might be much more widespread in fossil as well as modern insects than known so far.
Formal nomenclature and description of cryptic species of the Encyrtus sasakii complex (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae)
Authors: Wang Ying , Zhou Qing-Song , Qiao Hui-Jie , Zhang Ai-Bing , Yu Fang , Wang Xu-Bo , Zhu Chao-Dong , Zhang Yan-Zhou 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWith the recent development of molecular approaches to species delimitation, a growing number of cryptic species have been discovered in what had previously been thought to be single morpho-species. Molecular methods, such as DNA barcoding, have greatly enhanced our knowledge of taxonomy, but taxonomy remains incomplete and needs a formal species nomenclature and description to facilitate its use in other scientific fields. A previous study using DNA barcoding, geometric morphometrics and mating tests revealed at least two cryptic species in the Encyrtus sasakii complex. (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). To describe these two new species formally (Encyrtus eulecaniumiae sp. nov. and Encyrtus rhodococcusiae sp. nov.), a detailed morphometric study of Encyrtus spp. was performed in addition to the molecular analysis and evaluation of biological data. Morphometric analyses, a multivariate ratio analysis (MRA) and a geometric morphometric analysis (GMA) revealed a great number of differences between the species, but reliable characteristics were not observed for diagnosing the cryptic species. We thus diagnosed these three Encyrtus species on the basis of the characteristics that resulted from genetic markers (mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I and nuclear 28S rRNA) and biological data. A formal nomenclature and description of cryptic species was provided on the basis of an integrated taxonomy.
Observation of a hybrid state of Tamm plasmons and microcavity exciton polaritons
Authors: Rahman SK. Shaid-Ur , Klein Thorsten , Klembt Sebastian , Gutowski Jürgen , Hommel Detlef , Sebald Kathrin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe present evidence for the existence of a hybrid state of Tamm plasmons and microcavity exciton polaritons in a II-VI material based microcavity sample covered with an Ag metal layer. The bare cavity mode shows a characteristic anticrossing with the Tamm-plasmon mode, when microreflectivity measurements are performed for different detunings between the Tamm plasmon and the cavity mode. When the Tamm-plasmon mode is in resonance with the cavity polariton four hybrid eigenstates are observed due to the coupling of the cavity-photon mode, the Tamm-plasmon mode, and the heavy- and light-hole excitons. If the bare Tamm-plasmon mode is tuned, these resonances will exhibit three anticrossings. Experimental results are in good agreement with calculations based on the transfer matrix method as well as on the coupled-oscillators model. The lowest hybrid eigenstate is observed to be red shifted by about 13 meV with respect to the lower cavity polariton state when the Tamm plasmon is resonantly coupled with the cavity polariton. This spectral shift which is caused by the metal layer can be used to create a trapping potential channel for the polaritons. Such channels can guide the polariton propagation similar to one-dimensional polariton wires.
Cr(VI) induces premature senescence through ROS-mediated p53 pathway in L-02 hepatocytes
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Zhang Yiyuan , Zhong Caigao , Xiao Fang 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHexavalent Chromium [Cr(VI)], which can be found of various uses in industries such as metallurgy and textile dying, can cause a number of human disease including inflammation and cancer. Unlike previous research that focused on Cr(VI)-induced oxidative damage and apoptosis, this study placed emphasis on premature senescence that can be induced by low-dose and long-term Cr(VI) exposure. We found Cr(VI) induced premature senescence in L-02 hepatocytes, as confirmed by increase in senescence associated-β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity. Cr(VI) stabilized p53 through phosphorylation at Ser15 and increased expression of p53-transcriptional target p21. Mechanism study revealed Cr(VI) targeted and inhibited mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) I and II to enhance reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. By applying antioxidant Trolox, we also confirmed that ROS mediated p53 activation. A tetracycline-inducible lentiviral expression system containing shRNA to p53 was used to knockout p53. We found p53 could inhibit pro-survival genes B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), myeloid leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and S phase related cell cycle proteins cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2), Cyclin E to induce premature senescence, and the functional role of ROS in Cr(VI)-induced premature senescence is depend on p53. The results suggest that Cr(VI) has a role in premature senescence by promoting ROS-dependent p53 activation in L-02 hepatocytes.
Tuning Fullerene Intercalation in a Poly (thiophene) derivative by Controlling the Polymer Degree of Self-Organisation
Authors: Paternò G. M. , Skoda M. W. A. , Dalgliesh Robert , Cacialli F. , Sakai V. García 
Published: October 2016

AbstractControlling the nanoscale arrangement in polymer-fullerene organic solar cells is of paramount importance to boost the performance of such promising class of photovoltaic diodes. In this work, we use a pseudo-bilayer system made of poly(2,5-bis(3-hexadecylthiophen-2-yl)thieno[3,2-b]thiophene (PBTTT) and [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM), to acquire a more complete understanding of the diffusion and intercalation of the fullerene-derivative within the polymer layer. By exploiting morphological and structural characterisation techniques, we observe that if we increase the film solidification time the polymer develops a higher crystalline order, and, as a result, it does not allow fullerene molecules to intercalate between the polymer side-chains. Gaining insight into the detailed fullerene intercalation mechanism is important for the development of organic photovoltaic diodes (PVDs).
Triggering signaling pathways using F-actin self-organization
Authors: Colin A. , Bonnemay L. , Gayrard C. , Gautier J. , Gueroui Z. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe spatiotemporal organization of proteins within cells is essential for cell fate behavior. Although it is known that the cytoskeleton is vital for numerous cellular functions, it remains unclear how cytoskeletal activity can shape and control signaling pathways in space and time throughout the cell cytoplasm. Here we show that F-actin self-organization can trigger signaling pathways by engineering two novel properties of the microfilament self-organization: (1) the confinement of signaling proteins and (2) their scaffolding along actin polymers. Using in vitro reconstitutions of cellular functions, we found that both the confinement of nanoparticle-based signaling platforms powered by F-actin contractility and the scaffolding of engineered signaling proteins along actin microfilaments can drive a signaling switch. Using Ran-dependent microtubule nucleation, we found that F-actin dynamics promotes the robust assembly of microtubules. Our in vitro assay is a first step towards the development of novel bottom-up strategies to decipher the interplay between cytoskeleton spatial organization and signaling pathway activity.
Lichen elemental composition distinguishes anthropogenic emissions from dust storm inputs and differs among species: Evidence from Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Liu Hua-Jie , Fang Shi-Bo , Liu Si-Wa , Zhao Liang-Cheng , Guo Xiu-Ping , Jiang Yun-Jun , Hu Jian-Sen , Liu Xiao-Di , Xia Yu , Wang Yi-Dan , Wu Qing-Feng 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo test the applicability of lichens in the biomonitoring of atmospheric elemental deposition in a typical steppe zone of Inner Mongolia, China, six foliose lichens (Physcia aipolia, PA; P. tribacia, PT; Xanthoria elegans, XE; X. mandschurica, XM; Xanthoparmelia camtschadalis, XPC; and Xp. tinctina, XPT) were sampled from the Xilin River Basin, Xilinhot, Inner Mongolia, China. Twenty-five elements (Al, Ba, Cd, Ce, Cr, Cs, Cu, Fe, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Tb, Th, Ti, Tl, V and Zn) in the lichens were analysed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that Cd, Pb and Zn were mainly atmospheric in origin, whereas the other elements were predominantly of crustal origin. Compared with other studies, our data were higher in crustal element concentrations and lower in atmospheric element concentrations, matching with the frequent, severe dust storms and road traffic in the area. The elemental concentrations in lichens are both species- and element-specific, highlighting the importance of species selection for biomonitoring air pollution using lichens. We recommend PT, XE, XM and XPT for monitoring atmospheric deposition of crustal elements; XPC and XPT for Cd and Pb; PA for Cd and Zn; and PT for Cd.
Scaffold Hopping Toward Agomelatine: Novel 3, 4-Dihydroisoquinoline Compounds as Potential Antidepressant Agents
Authors: Yang Yang , Ang Wei , Long Haiyue , Chang Ying , Li Zicheng , Zhou Liangxue , Yang Tao , Deng Yong , Luo Youfu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA scaffold-hopping strategy toward Agomelatine based on in silico screening and knowledge analysis was employed to design novel antidepressant agents. A series of 3, 4-dihydroisoquinoline compounds were selected for chemical synthesis and biological assessment. Three compounds (6a-1, 6a-2, 6a-9) demonstrated protective effects on corticosterone-induced lesion of PC12 cells. Compound 6a-1 also displayed low inhibitory effects on the growth of HEK293 and L02 normal cells and it was further evaluated for its potential antidepressant effects in vivo. The forced swim test (FST) results revealed that compound 6a-1 remarkably reduced the immobility time of rats and the open field test (OFT) results indicated a better general locomotor activity of the rats treated with compound 6a-1 than those with Agomelatine or Fluoxetine. Mechanism studies implied that compound 6a-1 can significantly reduce PC12 cell apoptosis by up-regulation of GSH and down-regulation of ROS in corticosterone-induced lesion of PC12 cells. Meanwhile, the down-regulation of calcium ion concentration and up-regulation of BDNF level in PC12 cells may account for the neuroprotective effects. Furthermore, compound 6a-1 can increase cell survival and cell proliferation, promote cell maturation in the rat hippocampus after chronic treatment. The acute toxicity data in vivo indicated compound 6a-1 exhibited less hepatotoxicity than Agomelatine.
Evolutionary Dynamics and Complicated Genetic Transmission Network Patterns of HIV-1 CRF01_AE among MSM in Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Xiaoshan , Xue Yile , Lin Yi , Gai Jing , Zhang Lei , Cheng Hua , Ning Zhen , Zhou Leiming , Zhu Kexin , Vanham Guido , Kang Laiyi , Wang Ying , Zhuang Minghua , Pan Qichao , Zhong Ping 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo explore the evolutionary dynamics and molecular transmission patterns of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in depth among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Shanghai, we constructed phylogenetic tree and genetic transmission networks based on 1, 152 pol sequences from MSM, 282 from other risk groups and 795 references. Phylogenetic analyses identified two distinct major CRF01_AE lineages and a Shanghai-based sub-lineage. The estimated tMRCAs for lineage 1 and 2 were 1996.0 (1992.9–1999.2) and 1997.8 (1994.3–2001.4), respectively. Of the 1, 152 MSM, 681 (59.1%) were identified as belonging to 241 separate networks. Of these 681 individuals in networks, 74.2% were linked to cases diagnosed in different years, 4.3% were linked to heterosexual women, and 0.7% were linked to persons who inject drugs. A total of 71 networks including 180 individuals diagnosed in Shanghai with the same domicile were found. Recent infection (P = 0.022) and sampling year after 2011 (P < 0.001) were significantly associated with potential transmission links among the networks. Besides, a significant transmission of viruses with drug resistant mutations at V179D/E were found in the networks. Given these findings, we propose that genetic transmission analysis is a useful tool in HIV intervention strategies to curb the spread of virus and promoting public health.
Outer membrane vesicles from flagellin-deficient Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium induce cross-reactive immunity and provide cross-protection against heterologous Salmonella challenge
Authors: Liu Qiong , Liu Qing , Yi Jie , Liang Kang , Hu Bo , Zhang Xiangmin , Curtiss Roy , Kong Qingke 
Published: October 2016

AbstractOuter membrane vesicles (OMVs) isolated from Salmonella Typhimurium are potentially useful for developing subunit vaccines because of high immunogenicity and protective efficacy. However, flagella might remain in OMV pellets following OMV purification, resulting in non-essential immune responses and counteraction of bacterial protective immune responses when developing a vaccine against infection of multiple serotypes Salmonella. In this study, a flagellin-deficient S. Typhimurium mutant was constructed. Lipopolysaccharide profiles, protein profiles and cryo-electron microscopy revealed that there were no significant differences between the wild-type and mutant OMVs, with the exception of a large amount of flagellin in the wild-type OMVs. Neither the wild-type OMVs nor the non-flagellin OMVs were toxic to macrophages. Mice immunized with the non-flagellin OMVs produced high concentrations of IgG. The non-flagellin OMVs elicited strong mucosal antibody responses in mice when administered via the intranasal route in addition to provoking higher cross-reactive immune responses against OMPs isolated from S. Choleraesuis and S. Enteritidis. Both intranasal and intraperitoneal immunization with the non-flagellin OMVs provided efficient protection against heterologous S. Choleraesuis and S. Enteritidis challenge. Our results indicate that the flagellin-deficient OMVs may represent a new vaccine platform that could be exploited to facilitate the production of a broadly protective vaccine.
Gene expression alterations related to mania and psychosis in peripheral blood of patients with a first episode of psychosis
Authors: Gouvea E S , Ota V K , Noto C , Santoro M L , Spindola L M , Moretti P N , Carvalho C M , Xavier G , Rios A C , Sato J R , Hayashi M A F , Brietzke E , Gadelha A , Bressan R A , Cordeiro Q , Belangero S I 
Published: October 2016

AbstractPsychotic disorders affect ~3% of the general population and are among the most severe forms of mental diseases. In early stages of psychosis, clinical aspects may be difficult to distinguish from one another. Undifferentiated psychopathology at the first-episode of psychosis (FEP) highlights the need for biomarkers that can improve and refine differential diagnosis. We investigated gene expression differences between patients with FEP–schizophrenia spectrum (SCZ; N=53) or FEP–Mania (BD; N=16) and healthy controls (N=73). We also verified whether gene expression was correlated to severity of psychotic, manic, depressive symptoms and/or functional impairment. All participants were antipsychotic-naive. After the psychiatric interview, blood samples were collected and the expression of 12 psychotic-disorder-related genes was evaluated by quantitative PCR. AKT1 and DICER1 expression levels were higher in BD patients compared with that in SCZ patients and healthy controls, suggesting that expression of these genes is associated more specifically to manic features. Furthermore, MBP and NDEL1 expression levels were higher in SCZ and BD patients than in healthy controls, indicating that these genes are psychosis related (independent of diagnosis). No correlation was found between gene expression and severity of symptoms or functional impairment. Our findings suggest that genes related to neurodevelopment are altered in psychotic disorders, and some might support the differential diagnosis between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, with a potential impact on the treatment of these disorders.
Impaired GABA synthesis, uptake and release are associated with depression-like behaviors induced by chronic mild stress
Authors: Ma K , Xu A , Cui S , Sun M-R , Xue Y-C , Wang J-H 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMajor depression is a prevalent emotion disorder. Chronic stressful life in genetically susceptible individuals is presumably a major etiology that leads to neuron and synapse atrophy in the limbic system. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pathological changes remain elusive. Mice were treated by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) until they demonstrated depression-like behavior. GABA release in the medial prefrontal cortex was evaluated by cell electrophysiology and imaging. Molecular profiles related to GABA synthesis and uptake were investigated by the high-throughput sequencings of microRNAs and mRNAs as well as western blot analysis in this cortical area. In CUMS-induced depression mice, there appear the decreases in the innervation and function of GABAergic axons and in the levels of mRNAs and proteins of glutamate decarboxylase-67, vesicular GABA transporter and GABA transporter-3. miRNA-15b-5p, miRNA-144-3p, miRNA-582-5p and miRNA-879-5p that directly downregulate such mRNAs increase in this cortex. Our results suggest that chronic mild stress impairs GABA release and uptake by upregulating miRNAs and downregulating mRNAs and proteins, which may constitute the subcellular and molecular mechanisms for the lowered GABA tone in major depression.
Novel role of Vav1-Rac1 pathway in actin cytoskeleton regulation in interleukin-13-induced minimal change-like nephropathy
Authors: Chan Chang-Yien , Ng Kar-Hui , Chen Jinmiao , Lu Jinhua , Lee Caroline Guat-Lay , Tan Puay-Hoon , Jordan Stanley C. , He Henry Yang , Yap Hui-Kim 
Published: October 2016

Our established interleukin-13 (IL-13) overexpression rat model of minimal change-like nephropathy provided a platform to study the molecular signalling pathways in T-helper 2 (Th2) cytokine associated minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS). We hypothesized that IL-13 may act directly on podocytes, causing podocyte foot process effacement and hence proteinuria in our rat model of minimal change-like nephropathy. The present study aimed firstly to delineate the glomerular ‘gene signature’ associated with IL-13-mediated dysregulation of podocyte-related proteins, and subsequently to investigate the role of the differentially regulated genes (DEGs) in IL-13-mediated podocyte injury. Glomerular transcriptional profile of IL-13-overexpressed rats showed characteristic features of podocyte injury with 87% of podocyte-related genes being significantly down-regulated. Gene expression of Vav1 was shown to be highly up-regulated in the glomeruli of IL-13-overexpressed rats and pathway analysis of the DEGs suggested a possible novel role of Vav1 in podocyte cytoskeleton remodelling. Immunofluorescence examination demonstrated glomerular expression of Vav1 in rats which co-localized with synaptopodin, confirming podocyte expression. However, positive staining for the phosphorylated form of Vav1 (p-Vav1) was only seen in IL-13-overexpressed rats. Moreover, in vitro IL-13 stimulation of human podocytes resulted in phosphorylation of Vav1. This was associated with Rac1 activation and actin cytoskeleton rearrangement, which was abrogated in Vav1 knockdown podocytes. In conclusion, we have demonstrated the role of Vav1-Rac1 pathway characterized by phosphorylation of Vav1, activation of Rac1 and the subsequent actin cytoskeleton rearrangement in IL-13-induced podocyte injury, possibly explaining the podocyte foot process effacement seen in our IL-13 overexpression rat model.
Large-scale recovery of an endangered amphibian despite ongoing exposure to multiple stressors
Authors: Knapp Roland A. , Fellers Gary M. , Kleeman Patrick M. , Miller David A. W. , Vredenburg Vance T. , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Briggs Cheryl J. 
Published: October 2016

SignificanceHuman influences are causing the disappearance of species at a rate unprecedented in millions of years. Amphibians are being particularly affected, and extinctions of many species may be inevitable. The Sierra Nevada yellow-legged frog (Rana sierrae) was once common in the mountains of California (United States), but human impacts have driven it near extinction. Repeated surveys of thousands of water bodies in Yosemite National Park show that the decline ofR. sierraehas recently reversed and that population abundance is now increasing markedly in part because of reduced influence of stressors, including disease and introduced fish. These results suggest that some amphibians may be more resilient than is assumed, and with appropriate management, declines of such species may be reversible.
Multiscale implementation of infinite-swap replica exchange molecular dynamics
Authors: Yu Tang-Qing , Lu Jianfeng , Abrams Cameron F. , Vanden-Eijnden Eric 
Published: October 2016

Significance
Efficiently sampling the conformational space of complex molecular systems is a difficult problem that frequently arises in the context of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Here we present a modification of replica exchange MD (REMD) that is as simple to implement and parallelize as standard REMD but is shown to perform better in terms of sampling efficiency. The method is used here to investigate the multifunnel structure of the C-terminal β-hairpin of protein G in explicit solvent, which to date has required much longer REMD simulations to produce converged predictions of conformational statistics. In particular, we identify a potentially important folded β structure previously undetected by other importance sampling methods.
Designing steep, sharp patterns on uniformly ion-bombarded surfaces
Authors: Perkinson Joy C. , Aziz Michael J. , Brenner Michael P. , Holmes-Cerfon Miranda 
Published: October 2016

Significance
Large-amplitude, steep structures are of interest for a variety of applications from micromechanics to data storage. Many such structures must be manufactured via effort-intensive direct engraving. Here, we present and experimentally test a method for designing simple structures that will evolve into a desired steep structure under uniform ion irradiation. This process is based on the mathematics of shock waves, a theory originally developed to understand fluids and gases. We show that the dynamics of uniformly bombarded surfaces are controlled by special, so-called undercompressive shocks, which manifest as steep parts of the surface that arise spontaneously and move predictably. Their evolution equation requires only one parameter that is easily measured. The proposed process is scalable with promise for high-throughput manufacturing.