bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nuclear PTEN functions as an essential regulator of SRF-dependent transcription to control smooth muscle differentiation
Authors: Horita Henrick , Wysoczynski Christina L. , Walker Lori A. , Moulton Karen S. , Li Marcella , Ostriker Allison , Tucker Rebecca , McKinsey Timothy A. , Churchill Mair E. A. , Nemenoff Raphael A. , Weiser-Evans Mary C. M. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractVascular disease progression is associated with marked changes in vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype and function. SMC contractile gene expression and, thus differentiation, is under direct transcriptional control by the transcription factor, serum response factor (SRF); however, the mechanisms dynamically regulating SMC phenotype are not fully defined. Here we report that the lipid and protein phosphatase, PTEN, has a novel role in the nucleus by functioning as an indispensible regulator with SRF to maintain the differentiated SM phenotype. PTEN interacts with the N-terminal domain of SRF and PTEN–SRF interaction promotes SRF binding to essential promoter elements in SM-specific genes. Factors inducing phenotypic switching promote loss of nuclear PTEN through nucleo-cytoplasmic translocation resulting in reduced myogenically active SRF, but enhanced SRF activity on target genes involved in proliferation. Overall decreased expression of PTEN was observed in intimal SMCs of human atherosclerotic lesions underlying the potential clinical importance of these findings.
Elemental superdoping of graphene and carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Yuan , Shen Yuting , Sun Litao , Li Jincheng , Liu Chang , Ren Wencai , Li Feng , Gao Libo , Chen Jie , Liu Fuchi , Sun Yuanyuan , Tang Nujiang , Cheng Hui-Ming , Du Youwei 
Published: March 2016

AbstractDoping of low-dimensional graphitic materials, including graphene, graphene quantum dots and single-wall carbon nanotubes with nitrogen, sulfur or boron can significantly change their properties. We report that simple fluorination followed by annealing in a dopant source can superdope low-dimensional graphitic materials with a high level of N, S or B. The superdoping results in the following doping levels: (i) for graphene, 29.82, 17.55 and 10.79 at% for N-, S- and B-doping, respectively; (ii) for graphene quantum dots, 36.38 at% for N-doping; and (iii) for single-wall carbon nanotubes, 7.79 and 10.66 at% for N- and S-doping, respectively. As an example, the N-superdoping of graphene can greatly increase the capacitive energy storage, increase the efficiency of the oxygen reduction reaction and induce ferromagnetism. Furthermore, by changing the degree of fluorination, the doping level can be tuned over a wide range, which is important for optimizing the performance of doped low-dimensional graphitic materials.
Metagenomic evidence for taxonomic dysbiosis and functional imbalance in the gastrointestinal tracts of children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Manor Ohad , Levy Roie , Pope Christopher E. , Hayden Hillary S. , Brittnacher Mitchell J. , Carr Rogan , Radey Matthew C. , Hager Kyle R. , Heltshe Sonya L. , Ramsey Bonnie W. , Miller Samuel I. , Hoffman Lucas R. , Borenstein Elhanan 
Published: March 2016

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) results in inflammation, malabsorption of fats and other nutrients, and obstruction in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, yet the mechanisms linking these disease manifestations to microbiome composition remain largely unexplored. Here we used metagenomic analysis to systematically characterize fecal microbiomes of children with and without CF, demonstrating marked CF-associated taxonomic dysbiosis and functional imbalance. We further showed that these taxonomic and functional shifts were especially pronounced in young children with CF and diminished with age. Importantly, the resulting dysbiotic microbiomes had significantly altered capacities for lipid metabolism, including decreased capacity for overall fatty acid biosynthesis and increased capacity for degrading anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. Notably, these functional differences correlated with fecal measures of fat malabsorption and inflammation. Combined, these results suggest that enteric fat abundance selects for pro-inflammatory GI microbiota in young children with CF, offering novel strategies for improving the health of children with CF-associated fat malabsorption.
Oral Immunization of Rabbits with S. enterica Typhimurium Expressing Neisseria gonorrhoeae Filamentous Phage Φ6 Induces Bactericidal Antibodies Against N. gonorrhoeae
Authors: Piekarowicz Andrzej , Kłyż Aneta , Majchrzak Michał , Stein Daniel C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAllNeisseria gonorrhoeaestrains whose DNA sequences have been determined possess filamentous phage DNA sequences. To ascertain if phage encoded proteins could form the basis of a gonococcal vaccine, rabbits were orally infected withS. entericaTyphimuriumstrain χ3987 harboring phagemid NgoΦ6 fm. The elicited sera contained large quantities of anti-phage IgG and IgA antibodies that bound to the surface ofN. gonorrhoeaecells, as shown by indirect fluorescent analysis and flow cytometry. The elicited sera was able to bind to several phage proteins. The sera also had bactericidal activity. These data demonstrate thatN. gonorrhoeaefilamentous phage can induce antibodies with anti-gonococcal activity and that phage proteins may be a candidate for vaccine development.
Dietary components and risk of total, cancer and cardiovascular disease mortality in the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trials cohort in China
Authors: Wang Jian-Bing , Fan Jin-Hu , Dawsey Sanford M. , Sinha Rashmi , Freedman Neal D. , Taylor Philip R. , Qiao You-Lin , Abnet Christian C. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractAlthough previous studies have shown that dietary consumption of certain food groups is associated with a lower risk of cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality in western populations, limited prospective data are available from China. We prospectively examined the association between dietary intake of different food groups at baseline and risk of total, cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality outcomes in the Linxian Nutrition Intervention Trials(NIT) cohort. In 1984–1991, 2445 subjects aged 40–69 years from the Linxian NIT cohort completed a food frequency questionnaire. Deaths from esophageal and gastric cancer, heart disease and stroke were identified through up to 26 years of follow-up. We used Cox proportional hazard models to calculate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for associations between intake of groups of food items and these mortality endpoints. We concluded that higher intake of certain food groups was associated with lower risk of gastric cancer, heart disease and stroke mortality in a prospective cohort in rural China. Our findings provide additional evidence that increasing intake of grains, vegetables, beans, fruits and nuts may help reduce mortality from these diseases.
Mevalonate-derived quinonemethide triterpenoid from in vitro roots of Peritassa laevigata and their localization in root tissue by MALDI imaging
Authors: Pina Edieidia S. , Silva Denise B. , Teixeira Simone P. , Coppede Juliana S. , Furlan Maysa , França Suzelei C. , Lopes Norberto P. , Pereira Ana Maria S. , Lopes Adriana A. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractBiosynthetic investigation of quinonemethide triterpenoid 22β-hydroxy-maytenin (2) from in vitro root cultures of Peritassa laevigata (Celastraceae) was conducted using 13C-precursor. The mevalonate pathway in P. laevigata is responsible for the synthesis of the quinonemethide triterpenoid scaffold. Moreover, anatomical analysis of P. laevigata roots cultured in vitro and in situ showed the presence of 22β-hydroxy-maytenin (2) and maytenin (1) in the tissues from transverse or longitudinal sections with an intense orange color. MALDI-MS imaging confirmed the distribution of (2) and (1) in the more distal portions of the root cap, the outer cell layers and near the vascular cylinder of P. laevigata in vitro roots suggesting a role in plant defense against infection by microorganisms as well as in the root exudation processes.
Dragon kings of the deep sea: marine particles deviate markedly from the common number-size spectrum
Authors: Bochdansky Alexander B. , Clouse Melissa A. , Herndl Gerhard J. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractParticles are the major vector for the transfer of carbon from the upper ocean to the deep sea. However, little is known about their abundance, composition and role at depths greater than 2000 m. We present the first number-size spectrum of bathy- and abyssopelagic particles to a depth of 5500 m based on surveys performed with a custom-made holographic microscope. The particle spectrum was unusual in that particles of several millimetres in length were almost 100 times more abundant than expected from the number spectrum of smaller particles, thereby meeting the definition of “dragon kings.” Marine snow particles overwhelmingly contributed to the total particle volume (95–98%). Approximately 1/3 of the particles in the dragon-king size domain contained large amounts of transparent exopolymers with little ballast, which likely either make them neutrally buoyant or cause them to sink slowly. Dragon-king particles thus provide large volumes of unique microenvironments that may help to explain discrepancies in deep-sea biogeochemical budgets.
Age-associated metabolic dysregulation in bone marrow-derived macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Fei Fan , Lee Keith M. , McCarry Brian E. , Bowdish Dawn M. E. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMacrophages are major contributors to age-associated inflammation. Metabolic processes such as oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis and the urea cycle regulate inflammatory responses by macrophages. Metabolic profiles changes with age; therefore, we hypothesized that dysregulation of metabolic processes could contribute to macrophage hyporesponsiveness to LPS. We examined the intracellular metabolome of bone marrow-derived macrophages from young (6–8 wk) and old (18–22 mo) mice following lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and tolerance. We discovered known and novel metabolites that were associated with the LPS response of macrophages from young mice, which were not inducible in macrophages from old mice. Macrophages from old mice were largely non-responsive towards LPS stimulation and we did not observe a shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. The critical regulatory metabolites succinate, γ-aminobutyric acid, arginine, ornithine and adenosine were increased in LPS-stimulated macrophages from young mice, but not macrophages from old mice. A shift between glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation was not observed during LPS tolerance in macrophages from either young or old mice. Metabolic bottlenecks may be one of the mechanisms that contribute to the dysregulation of LPS responses with age.
Action-space coding in social contexts
Authors: Ciardo Francesca , Lugli Luisa , Nicoletti Roberto , Rubichi Sandro , Iani Cristina 
Published: March 2016

AbstractIn two behavioural experiments we tested whether performing a spatial task along with another agent changes space representation by rendering some reference frames more/less salient than others. To this end, we used a Simon task in which stimuli were presented in four horizontal locations thus allowing for spatial coding according to multiple frames of reference. In Experiment 1 participants performed a go/no-go Simon task along another agent, each being in charge of one response. In Experiment 2 they performed a two-choice Simon task along another agent, each being in charge of two responses. Results showed that when participants were in charge of only one response, stimulus position was coded only with reference to the centre of the screen hence suggesting that the co-actor’s response, or the position of the co-actor, was represented and used as a reference for spatial coding. Differently, when participants were in charge of two responses, no effect of the social context emerged and spatial coding relied on multiple frames of reference, similarly to when the Simon task is performed individually. These findings provide insights on the influence played by the interaction between the social context (i.e. the presence of others) and task features on individual performance.
Giant Controllable Magnetization Changes Induced by Structural Phase Transitions in a Metamagnetic Artificial Multiferroic
Authors: Bennett S. P. , Wong A. T. , Glavic A. , Herklotz A. , Urban C. , Valmianski I. , Biegalski M. D. , Christen H. M. , Ward T. Z. , Lauter V. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe realization of a controllable metamagnetic transition from AFM to FM ordering would open the door to a plethora of new spintronics based devices that, rather than reorienting spins in a ferromagnet, harness direct control of a materials intrinsic magnetic ordering. In this study FeRh films with drastically reduced transition temperatures and a large magneto-thermal hysteresis were produced for magnetocaloric and spintronics applications. Remarkably, giant controllable magnetization changes (measured to be as high has ~25%) are realized by manipulating the strain transfer from the external lattice when subjected to two structural phase transitions of BaTiO3 (001) single crystal substrate. These magnetization changes are the largest seen to date to be controllably induced in the FeRh system. Using polarized neutron reflectometry we reveal how just a slight in plane surface strain change at ~290C results in a massive magnetic transformation in the bottom half of the film clearly demonstrating a strong lattice-spin coupling in FeRh. By means of these substrate induced strain changes we show a way to reproducibly explore the effects of temperature and strain on the relative stabilities of the FM and AFM phases in multi-domain metamagnetic systems. This study also demonstrates for the first time the depth dependent nature of a controllable magnetic order using strain in an artificial multiferroic heterostructure.
Light-evoked hyperpolarization and silencing of neurons by conjugated polymers
Authors: Feyen Paul , Colombo Elisabetta , Endeman Duco , Nova Mattia , Laudato Lucia , Martino Nicola , Antognazza Maria Rosa , Lanzani Guglielmo , Benfenati Fabio , Ghezzi Diego 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe ability to control and modulate the action potential firing in neurons represents a powerful tool for neuroscience research and clinical applications. While neuronal excitation has been achieved with many tools, including electrical and optical stimulation, hyperpolarization and neuronal inhibition are typically obtained through patch-clamp or optogenetic manipulations. Here we report the use of conjugated polymer films interfaced with neurons for inducing a light-mediated inhibition of their electrical activity. We show that prolonged illumination of the interface triggers a sustained hyperpolarization of the neuronal membrane that significantly reduces both spontaneous and evoked action potential firing. We demonstrate that the polymeric interface can be activated by either visible or infrared light and is capable of modulating neuronal activity in brain slices and explanted retinas. These findings prove the ability of conjugated polymers to tune neuronal firing and suggest their potential application for the in-vivo modulation of neuronal activity.
Analysis of passive intermodulation generated by broadband signals
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhang Xupu , Yang Dacheng 
Published: March 2016

A simple model is developed for predicting the power rise of the passive intermodulation in the first zone generated by broadband signals compared with the 2‐tone test, followed by an experimental validation. The calculated results agree well with the measurements, having a mean difference of 0.6 dB.
Effect of an electric field on copper sulphide deposition in oil‐impregnated power transformers
Authors: Hu Ende , Yang Lijun , Liao Rui Jin , Liu Yilu , Yuan Yuan 
Published: March 2016

Copper sulphide deposition on insulating paper in oil‐impregnated power transformers affects the characteristics of oil‐paper insulation. Although several external factors, including electric field, contribute to the formation of deposition, the specific effect of electric field on copper sulphide deposition is still not well understood. This study presents an experimental research about the effect of an electric field on copper sulphide deposition. Paper pig‐tail wrapped copper winding were used, and 1.5 kV AC voltage at 130°C was applied on the winding for accelerated electric‐thermal ageing. The influence of partial discharge on deposition was investigated further. Results showed that the weight of copper sulphide depositions increased because of the presence of an electric field. Interestingly, this corrosion became serious under partial discharge effect. The electrochemical erosion and high temperature generated by partial discharge were considered as the main reasons for this phenomenon. The acid generated by the ageing of oil‐paper insulation further contributed to the acceleration of chemical reaction. The electric field aggravates Cu corrosion, which eventually leads to thermally induced dielectric breakdown of the insulating systems in transformers.
Reconstruction of Continuity Defects of the Mandible with Non-vascularized Bone Grafts. Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Akinbami BabatundeOlayemi 
Published: March 2016

Background The use of NVBG for mandibular defects seems to be gradually giving way for more advanced reconstructive techniques but it has the advantages of shorter operating time and lesser amount of blood loss. The aim of this study was to review the available data on the success and failure rates of use of NVBG and factors associated with failure. Method Studies published from 1978 to 2014 regarding the use of NVBG were searched. Most important information was graft success and failure outcomes. Information on graft success with particular focus on large defects was extracted and the quality of papers was rated. Defects > 6cm were considered long defects. Results Twenty publications were included in this review. The quality of the studies was low and there was high heterogeneity. All articles reported high graft success rates ranging from 67 to 100%. Success in defects > 6cm was considerable, the range was 72–100%. Three main factors were associated with failure; these were defect length, fixation method and infection. Infection contributed the highest complication rate which was 48.2%. Conclusion NVBG seems to be appropriate for mandible reconstruction when there is vascular recipient bed and sufficient soft tissue cover and mucosal lining are achievable.
Sialic acid-modified antigens impose tolerance via inhibition of T-cell proliferation and de novo induction of regulatory T cells
Authors: Perdicchio Maurizio , Ilarregui Juan M. , Verstege Marleen I. , Cornelissen Lenneke A. M. , Schetters Sjoerd T. T. , Engels Steef , Ambrosini Martino , Kalay Hakan , Veninga Henrike , den Haan Joke M. M. , van Berkel Lisette A. , Samsom Janneke N. , Crocker Paul R. , Sparwasser Tim , Berod Luciana , Garcia-Vallejo Juan J. , van Kooyk Yvette , Unger Wendy W. J. 
Published: March 2016

SignificanceSialic acids are terminal glycan structures present on cellular glycoproteins and often overexpressed on certain pathogens and tumors. Sialic acids interact with sialic acid-binding Ig-type lectin (siglec) receptors, suggesting a potential regulatory role in homeostasis or pathology-mediated immune modulation. Here, we show that modification of antigens with sialic acids alters their immunogenicity. Sialylated antigens impose a regulatory program on dendritic cells (DCs) via Siglec-E. DCs loaded with sialylated antigens induce de novo regulatory T (Treg) cells and inhibit the generation of new effector T cells as well as the function of existing ones. This dual tolerogenic DC function is maintained under inflammatory conditions and, therefore, sialylation of antigens could provide a novel way to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance to treat patients who suffer from autoimmunity and allergies.
Phosphorylated testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 4 may phosphorylate Crem at Ser-117
Authors: Fu Guolong , Wei Youheng , Wang Xiaoli , Yu Long 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
We aimed to investigate the internal existence status of testis-specific serine/threonine kinase 4 (Tssk4) and the interaction of Tssk4 and Cre-responsive element modulator (Crem). The internal existence status of Tssk4 in testis of mice was detected using western blotting and dephosphorylation method. The interaction of Tssk4 and Crem was analyzed by western blotting, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, in vitro co-immunoprecipitation assays, and in vitro kinase assay. The results revealed that Tssk4 existed in testis both in phosphorylation and unphosphorylation status by a temporal manner with the development of testis. Immunofluorescence results showed that Tssk4 had identical distribution pattern with Crem in testis, which was utterly different to the localization of Cre-responsive element binding (Creb). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that phosphorylated Tssk4 might participate in testis genes expressions by phosphorylating Crem at Ser-117.
Inhibitory effect of Phalaenopsis orchid extract on WNT1-induced immature melanocyte precursor differentiation in a novel in vitro solar lentigo model
Authors: Yamada Takaaki , Hasegawa Seiji , Inoue Yu , Kunita Mayumi , Ohsumi Kazuhisa , Sakaida Tsutomu , Yashiro Youichi , Nakata Satoru 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
Recently, it has been reported that increased expression of WNT1 accelerates the differentiation of melanocyte stem cells (McSCs) in solar lentigines (SLs), hyperpigmented maculae commonly seen on sun-exposed areas of the skin. In this study, to establish an in vitro SL model, human epidermal squamous carcinoma cell line HSC-1, which expresses higher levels of WNT1 than normal human epidermal keratinocytes, was co-cultured with early passage normal human epidermal melanocytes (NHEMs) as an in vitro McSC model. As a result, mRNA expression levels of melanocyte differentiation-related genes MITF and TYR in NHEMs were significantly increased by co-culturing with HSC-1 cells. Furthermore, Phalaenopsis orchid extract (Phex) inhibited McSCs differentiation by suppressing WNT1 expression via down-regulation of DLX2, a transcriptional activator of WNT1, in HSC-1 cells. Therefore, our finding suggested that extracts such as Phex, which suppresses WNT1 expression, may be useful as a novel treatment of SLs.
Physiological function and ecological aspects of fatty acid-amino acid conjugates in insects†
Authors: Yoshinaga Naoko 
Published: March 2016

Abstract
In tritrophic interactions, plants recognize herbivore-produced elicitors and release a blend of volatile compounds (VOCs), which work as chemical cues for parasitoids or predators to locate their hosts. From detection of elicitors to VOC emissions, plants utilize sophisticated systems that resemble the plant–microbe interaction system. Fatty acid–amino acid conjugates (FACs), a class of insect elicitors, resemble compounds synthesized by microbes in nature. Recent evidence suggests that the recognition of insect elicitors by an ancestral microbe-associated defense system may be the origin of tritrophic interactions mediated by FACs. Here we discuss our findings in light of how plants have customized this defense to be effective against insect herbivores, and how some insects have successfully adapted to these defenses.