bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated analysis of the involvement of nitric oxide synthesis in mitochondrial proliferation, mitochondrial deficiency and apoptosis in skeletal muscle fibres
Authors: Rodrigues Gabriela Silva , Godinho Rosely Oliveira , Kiyomoto Beatriz Hitomi , Gamba Juliana , Oliveira Acary Souza Bulle , Schmidt Beny , Tengan Célia Harumi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling messenger involved in different mitochondrial processes but only few studies explored the participation of NO in mitochondrial abnormalities found in patients with genetic mitochondrial deficiencies. In this study we verified whether NO synthase (NOS) activity was altered in different types of mitochondrial abnormalities and whether changes in mitochondrial function and NOS activity could be associated with the induction of apoptosis. We performed a quantitative and integrated analysis of NOS activity in individual muscle fibres of patients with mitochondrial diseases, considering mitochondrial function (cytochrome-c-oxidase activity), mitochondrial content, mitochondrial DNA mutation and presence of apoptotic nuclei. Our results indicated that sarcolemmal NOS activity was increased in muscle fibres with mitochondrial proliferation, supporting the relevance of neuronal NOS in the mitochondrial biogenesis process. Sarcoplasmic NOS activity was reduced in cytochrome-c-oxidase deficient fibres, probably as a consequence of the involvement of NO in the regulation of the respiratory chain. Alterations in NOS activity or mitochondrial abnormalities were not predisposing factors to apoptotic nuclei. Taken together, our results show that NO can be considered a potential molecular target for strategies to increase mitochondrial content and indicate that this approach may not be associated with increased apoptotic events.
A promising structure for fabricating high strength and high electrical conductivity copper alloys
Authors: Li Rengeng , Kang Huijun , Chen Zongning , Fan Guohua , Zou Cunlei , Wang Wei , Zhang Shaojian , Lu Yiping , Jie Jinchuan , Cao Zhiqiang , Li Tingju , Wang Tongmin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo address the trade-off between strength and electrical conductivity, we propose a strategy: introducing precipitated particles into a structure composed of deformation twins. A Cu-0.3%Zr alloy was designed to verify our strategy. Zirconium was dissolved into a copper matrix by solution treatment prior to cryorolling and precipitated in the form of Cu5Zr from copper matrix via a subsequent aging treatment. The microstructure evolutions of the processed samples were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis, and the mechanical and physical behaviours were evaluated through tensile and electrical conductivity tests. The results demonstrated that superior tensile strength (602.04 MPa) and electrical conductivity (81.4% IACS) was achieved. This strategy provides a new route for balancing the strength and electrical conductivity of copper alloys, which can be developed for large-scale industrial application.
Silver Ink Formulations for Sinter-free Printing of Conductive Films
Authors: Black Kate , Singh Jetinder , Mehta Danielle , Sung Sarah , Sutcliffe Christopher. J. , Chalker Paul. R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractInkjet printing offers an attractive method for the deposition of metal interconnects in electronic systems and enables a low-cost, environmentally friendly route to manufacture. However, virtually all current metal inkjet processes require post-deposition sintering treatments to achieve the optimum electrical conductivity, because the growth mechanism involves coalescence of discrete nanoparticles. A manufacturing process that reduces the number of steps by directly printing silver, removing the need to sinter the printed metal, would be highly advantageous. Here we describe a, sinter-free process that results in the direct printing of crystalline silver. This process exploits the chemistries developed for Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), to form the basis of a new ink formulation, which we term; Reactive Organometallic inks (ROM). These ROM ink formulations are capable of depositing low temperature, high conductivity metal films, without the need for subsequent sintering treatments. To reduce the temperature for direct formation of metallic Ag, we have added an alcohol as a catalytic reducing agent to dissociate the organometallic component. Silver films printed from our novel ROM ink, on a glass substrate at 120 °C, are electrically conductive with a typical resistivity as low as 39.2% that of bulk silver, without the need for sintering.
Berberine prevents progression from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Zhang Zhiguo , Li Bo , Meng Xiangjian , Yao Shuangshuang , Jin Lina , Yang Jian , Wang Jiqiu , Zhang Huizhi , Zhang Zhijian , Cai Dongsheng , Zhang Yifei , Ning Guang 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe histological spectrum of nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD) ranges from hepatic steatosis to steatohepatitis and fibrosis. Berberine (BBR) is known for its therapeutic effect on obesity, hyperglycaemia and dyslipidaemia; however, its effect on NAFLD has yet to be thoroughly explored. Db/db mice and methionine-choline-deficient diet-fed mice were administered BBR via gavage. We found that BBR-treated mice were more resistant to steatosis in the liver than vehicle-treated mice and that BBR significantly reduced hepatic inflammation, fibrosis and lipid peroxides. The beneficial effect of BBR was associated with suppressing endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Additionally, BBR decreased the free fatty acid-induced lipid accumulation and tunicamycin-induced ER stress in primary hepatocytes and hepatocyte cell lines. We demonstrated that BBR exhibited chaperone activity, reduced protein aggregation in vitro and alleviated tunicamycin-induced triglyceride and collagen deposition in vivo. Finally, we showed that BBR could reverse ER stress-activated lipogenesis through the ATF6/SREBP-1c pathway in vitro. These results indicated that BBR may be a new therapeutic strategy against hepatic steatosis and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
Host Stress Drives Salmonella Recrudescence
Authors: Verbrugghe Elin , Dhaenens Maarten , Leyman Bregje , Boyen Filip , Shearer Neil , Van Parys Alexander , Haesendonck Roel , Bert Wim , Favoreel Herman , Deforce Dieter , Thompson Arthur , Haesebrouck Freddy , Pasmans Frank 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHost stress is well known to result in flare-ups of many bacterial, viral and parasitic infections. The mechanism by which host stress is exploited to increase pathogen loads, is poorly understood. Here we show that Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Typhimurium employs a dedicated mechanism, driven by the scsA gene, to respond to the host stress hormone cortisol. Through this mechanism, cortisol increases Salmonella proliferation inside macrophages, resulting in increased intestinal infection loads in DBA/2J mice. ScsA directs overall Salmonella virulence gene expression under conditions that mimic the intramacrophagic environment of Salmonella, and stimulates the host cytoskeletal alterations that are required for increased Salmonella proliferation inside cortisol exposed macrophages. We thus provide evidence that in a stressed host, the complex interplay between a pathogen and its host endocrine and innate immune system increases intestinal pathogen loads to facilitate pathogen dispersal.
Neuroprotection by Polynitrogen Manganese Complexes: Regulation of Reactive Oxygen Species-Related Pathways
Authors: Chen Chunxia , Cao Jing , Ma Xiaoyan , Wang Xiaobo , Chen Qiuyun , Yan Shihai , Zhao Ningwei , Geng Zhirong , Wang Zhilin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCell death in the central nervous system causes neurologic diseases, in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role by either inducing cellular oxidative stress or by increasing the cell tolerance against insult. Neurologic diseases may potentially be treated by regulating ROS levels in a certain range with small molecules. We studied preconditioning with two polynitrogen manganese complexes (1and2) to regulate intracellular ROS levels in the protection of both the differentiated rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12 cells) and neurons against H2O2-induced apoptosis. Pre-treatment with the two complexes attenuated the cell apoptosis caused by H2O2. And the ROS-related neuroprotective mechanisms were explored. Both complexes activate the hypoxia inducible factor-related pathways and increase the cell adaptation to oxidative stress. Pre-treatment with complex1eliminated intracellular ROS, which also activated antioxidase system, while short-term incubation of complex2, generated low levels of ROS leading to cell survival.
Leaf unfolding of Tibetan alpine meadows captures the arrival of monsoon rainfall
Authors: Li Ruicheng , Luo Tianxiang , Mölg Thomas , Zhao Jingxue , Li Xiang , Cui Xiaoyong , Du Mingyuan , Tang Yanhong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau is the highest and largest pasture in the world, and its formation and distribution are mainly controlled by Indian summer monsoon effects. However, little is known about how monsoon-related cues may trigger spring phenology of the vast alpine vegetation. Based on the 7-year observations with fenced and transplanted experiments across lower to upper limits of Kobresia meadows in the central plateau (4400–5200 m), we found that leaf unfolding dates of dominant sedge and grass species synchronized with monsoon onset, regardless of air temperature. We also found similar patterns in a 22-year data set from the northeast plateau. In the monsoon-related cues for leaf unfolding, the arrival of monsoon rainfall is crucial, while seasonal air temperatures are already continuously above 0 °C. In contrast, the early-emerging cushion species generally leafed out earlier in warmer years regardless of precipitation. Our data provide evidence that leaf unfolding of dominant species in the alpine meadows senses the arrival of monsoon-season rainfall. These findings also provide a basis for interpreting the spatially variable greening responses to warming detected in the world’s highest pasture, and suggest a phenological strategy for avoiding damages of pre-monsoon drought and frost to alpine plants.
Changing expression profiles of lncRNAs, mRNAs, circRNAs and miRNAs during osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Dou Ce , Cao Zhen , Yang Bo , Ding Ning , Hou Tianyong , Luo Fei , Kang Fei , Li Jianmei , Yang Xiaochao , Jiang Hong , Xiang Junyu , Quan Hongyu , Xu Jianzhong , Dong Shiwu 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBone is a dynamic organ continuously undergoing shaping, repairing and remodeling. The homeostasis of bone is maintained by the balance between osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption. Osteoclasts (OCs) are specialized multinucleated cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or monocytes/macrophage progenitor cells. There are different stages during osteoclastogenesis, and one of the most important steps to form functional osteoclasts is realized by cell-cell fusion. In our study, microarray was performed to detect the expression profiles of lncRNA, mRNA, circRNA and miRNA at different stages during osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 cells. Often changed RNAs were selected and clustered among the four groups with Venn analysis. The results revealed that expressions of 518 lncRNAs, 207 mRNAs, 24 circRNAs and 37 miRNAs were often altered at each stage during OC differentiation. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) biological pathway analysis were performed to predict the functions of differentially expressed lncRNAs and co-expressed potential targeting genes. Co-expression networks of lncRNA-mRNA and circRNA-miRNA were constructed based on the correlation analysis between the differentially expressed RNAs. The present study provided a systematic perspective on the potential function of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) during osteoclastogenesis.
Chemical insights into the roles of nanowire cores on the growth and supercapacitor performances of Ni-Co-O/Ni(OH)2 core/shell electrodes
Authors: Yin Xuesong , Tang Chunhua , Zhang Liuyang , Yu Zhi Gen , Gong Hao 
Published: February 2016

AbstractNanostructured core/shell electrodes have been experimentally demonstrated promising for high-performance electrochemical energy storage devices. However, chemical insights into the significant roles of nanowire cores on the growth of shells and their supercapacitor behaviors still remain as a research shortfall. In this work, by substituting 1/3 cobalt in the Co3O4 nanowire core with nickel, a 61% enhancement of the specific mass-loading of the Ni(OH)2 shell, a tremendous 93% increase of the volumetric capacitance and a superior cyclability were achieved in a novel NiCo2O4/Ni(OH)2 core/shell electrode in contrast to a Co3O4/Ni(OH)2 one. A comparative study suggested that not only the growth of Ni(OH)2 shells but also the contribution of cores were attributed to the overall performances. Importantly, their chemical origins were revealed through a theoretical simulation of the core/shell interfacial energy changes. Besides, asymmetric supercapacitor devices and applications were also explored. The scientific clues and practical potentials obtained in this work are helpful for the design and analysis of alternative core/shell electrode materials.
Obsessive–compulsive symptoms in a large population-based twin-family sample are predicted by clinically based polygenic scores and by genome-wide SNPs
Authors: den Braber A , Zilhão N R , Fedko I O , Hottenga J-J , Pool R , Smit D J A , Cath D C , Boomsma D I 
Published: February 2016

AbstractVariation in obsessive–compulsive symptoms (OCS) has a heritable basis, with genetic association studies starting to yield the first suggestive findings. We contribute to insights into the genetic basis of OCS by performing an extensive series of genetic analyses in a homogeneous, population-based sample from the Netherlands. First, phenotypic and genetic longitudinal correlations over a 6-year period were estimated by modeling OCS data from twins and siblings. Second, polygenic risk scores (PRS) for 6931 subjects with genotype and OCS data were calculated based on meta-analysis results from IOCDF-GC, to investigate their predictive value. Third, the contribution of measured single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to the heritability was estimated using random-effects modeling. Last, we performed an exploratory genome-wide association study (GWAS) of OCS, testing for SNP- and for gene-based associations. Stability in OCS (test–retest correlation 0.63) was mainly explained by genetic stability. The PRS based on clinical samples predicted OCS in our population-based twin-family sample. SNP-based heritability was estimated at 14%. GWAS revealed one SNP (rs8100480), located within the MEF2BNB gene, associated with OCS (P=2.56 × 10−8). Additional gene-based testing resulted in four significantly associated genes, which are located in the same chromosomal region on chromosome 19p13.11: MEF2BNB, RFXANK, MEF2BNB-MEF2B and MEF2B. Thus, common genetic variants explained a significant proportion of OCS trait variation. Genes significantly associated with OCS are expressed in the brain and involved in development and control of immune system functions (RFXANK) and regulation of gene expression of muscle-specific genes (MEF2BNB). MEF2BNB also showed a suggestive association with OCD in an independent case–control study, suggesting a role for this gene in the development of OCS.
Galactokinase promiscuity: a question of flexibility?
Authors: McAuley Megan , Kristiansson Helena , Huang Meilan , Pey Angel L. , Timson David J. 
Published: February 2016

Galactokinase catalyses the first committed step of the Leloir pathway, i.e. the ATP-dependent phosphorylation of α-D-galactose at C1-OH. Reduced galactokinase activity results in the inherited metabolic disease type II galactosaemia. However, inhibition of galactokinase is considered a viable approach to treating more severe forms of galactosaemia (types I and III). Considerable progress has been made in the identification of high affinity, selective inhibitors. Although the structure of galactokinase from a variety of species is known, its catalytic mechanism remains uncertain. Although the bulk of evidence suggests that the reaction proceeds via an active site base mechanism, some experimental and theoretical studies contradict this. The enzyme has potential as a biocatalyst in the production of sugar 1-phosphates. This potential is limited by its high specificity. A variety of approaches have been taken to identify galactokinase variants which are more promiscuous. These have broadened galactokinase's specificity to include a wide range of D- and L-sugars. Initial studies suggest that some of these alterations result in increased flexibility at the active site. It is suggested that modulation of protein flexibility is at least as important as structural modifications in determining the success or failure of enzyme engineering.
Sulfatases and radical SAM enzymes: emerging themes in glycosaminoglycan metabolism and the human microbiota
Authors: Benjdia Alhosna , Berteau Olivier 
Published: February 2016

Humans live in a permanent association with bacterial populations collectively called the microbiota. In the last 10 years, major advances in our knowledge of the microbiota have shed light on its critical roles in human physiology. The microbiota has also been shown to be a major factor in numerous pathologies including obesity or inflammatory disorders. Despite tremendous progresses, our understanding of the key functions of the human microbiota and the molecular basis of its interactions with the host remain still poorly understood. Among the factors involved in host colonization, two enzymes families, sulfatases and radical S-adenosyl-L-methionine enzymes, have recently emerged as key enzymes.
Type III phosphatidylinositol 4 kinases: structure, function, regulation, signalling and involvement in disease
Authors: Dornan Gillian L. , McPhail Jacob A. , Burke John E. 
Published: February 2016

Many important cellular functions are regulated by the selective recruitment of proteins to intracellular membranes mediated by specific interactions with lipid phosphoinositides. The enzymes that generate lipid phosphoinositides therefore must be properly positioned and regulated at their correct cellular locations. Phosphatidylinositol 4 kinases (PI4Ks) are key lipid signalling enzymes, and they generate the lipid species phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PI4P), which plays important roles in regulating physiological processes including membrane trafficking, cytokinesis and organelle identity. PI4P also acts as the substrate for the generation of the signalling phosphoinositides phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) and phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3). PI4Ks also play critical roles in a number of pathological processes including mediating replication of a number of pathogenic RNA viruses, and in the development of the parasite responsible for malaria. Key to the regulation of PI4Ks is their regulation by a variety of both host and viral protein-binding partners. We review herein our current understanding of the structure, regulatory interactions and role in disease of the type III PI4Ks.
Cellular softening mediates leukocyte demargination and trafficking, thereby increasing clinical blood counts
Authors: Fay Meredith E. , Myers David R. , Kumar Amit , Turbyfield Cory T. , Byler Rebecca , Crawford Kaci , Mannino Robert G. , Laohapant Alvin , Tyburski Erika A. , Sakurai Yumiko , Rosenbluth Michael J. , Switz Neil A. , Sulchek Todd A. , Graham Michael D. , Lam Wilbur A. 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Clinical hematologists have long known that antiinflammatory glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone and blood pressure-supporting catecholamines such as epinephrine cause leukocytes to demarginate from the vascular wall and microvasculature into the main circulation, significantly elevating the effective white blood cell count. Canonically, this has been attributed to down-regulation of adhesion molecules such as selectins, but we show that a purely mechanical phenomenon caused by leukocyte softening plays a major role as well. Our work provides an answer to an old hematological problem and reveals a mechanism in which the immune system simply alters leukocyte stiffness to regulate leukocyte trafficking. This has clinically relevant implications for the inflammatory process overall as well as for hematopoietic stem cell mobilization and homing.
Measuring the value of groundwater and other forms of natural capital
Authors: Fenichel Eli P. , Abbott Joshua K. , Bayham Jude , Boone Whitney , Haacker Erin M. K. , Pfeiffer Lisa 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Economists have long argued, with recent acceptance from the science and policy community, that natural resources are capital assets. Pricing of natural capital has remained elusive, with the result that its value is often ignored, and expenditures on conservation are treated as costs rather than investments. This neglect stems from a lack of a valuation framework to enable apples to apples comparisons with traditional forms of capital. We develop such an approach and demonstrate it on Kansas’ groundwater stock. Between 1996 and 2005, groundwater withdrawal reduced Kansas’ wealth approximately $110 million per year. Wealth lost through groundwater depletion in Kansas is large, but in a range where offsetting investments may be feasible.
Cockroaches traverse crevices, crawl rapidly in confined spaces, and inspire a soft, legged robot
Authors: Jayaram Kaushik , Full Robert J. 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Cockroaches intrude everywhere by exploiting their soft-bodied, shape-changing ability. We discovered that cockroaches traversed horizontal crevices smaller than a quarter of their height in less than a second by compressing their bodies’ compliant exoskeletons in half. Once inside vertically confined spaces, cockroaches still locomoted rapidly at 20 body lengths per second using an unexplored mode of locomotion—body-friction legged crawling. Using materials tests, we found that the compressive forces cockroaches experience when traversing the smallest crevices were 300 times body weight. Cockroaches withstood forces nearly 900 times body weight without injury, explaining their robustness to compression. Cockroach exoskeletons provided inspiration for a soft, legged search-and-rescue robot that may penetrate rubble generated by tornados, earthquakes, or explosions.
Isotopic evidence for primordial molecular cloud material in metal-rich carbonaceous chondrites
Authors: Van Kooten Elishevah M. M. E. , Wielandt Daniel , Schiller Martin , Nagashima Kazuhide , Thomen Aurélien , Larsen Kirsten K. , Olsen Mia B. , Nordlund Åke , Krot Alexander N. , Bizzarro Martin 
Published: February 2016

Significance
Comets are pristine, volatile-rich objects formed beyond the orbits of the gas giants and, thus, thought to preserve a record of the primordial molecular cloud material parental to our Solar System. We use magnesium and chromium isotopes to show that a class of pristine chondrites, the metal-rich carbonaceous chondrites, has a signature distinct from most inner Solar System planets and asteroids. This signature is consistent with that predicted for unprocessed primordial molecular cloud material, suggesting that—similar to comets—metal-rich carbonaceous chondrites are samples of asteroids that accreted in the outer Solar System. Therefore, these objects may provide a direct window into the formation history of the outer Solar System.