bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A unique corundum and refractory metal‐nugget bearing micrometeorite P117
Authors: Rudraswami N. G. , Reshma K. , Shyam Prasad M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMicrometeorites provide a large range of samples sourced from a wide variety of planetary materials, thereby providing a scope for expanding the known inventory of solar system materials. Here we report the micrometeorite AAS62‐34‐P117 having the assemblage of corundum, hibonite, unknown Al‐rich phases, FeNi metal blebs, sulfide, and phosphate embedded in Al‐rich silicate composition, and Pt‐group element nuggets dispersed throughout the micrometeorite. Here, we report the presence of corundum in micrometeorites as a major refractory phase with sizes greater than ~10 μm. The Al‐rich phases have Al2O3 ~50–70%, such high Al phases are not known from meteoritic components either in chondrules or refractory inclusions. In addition, the Ca content is extremely poor to relate it directly to known refractory inclusions, but is very high in Al. The presence of corundum in Al‐rich phases indicates the micrometeorite to be early condensate from solar nebula that later got incorporated into Si‐rich materials leading to a transformation that produced the unusual Al‐rich and Ca‐poor phases different from the average solar composition. The observed texture and mineralogy of the micrometeorite appears to have evolved in a nebular setting that has compositional reservoirs different from those of any known components of meteorites.
Trade‐off between taxon diversity and functional diversity in European lake ecosystems
Authors: Grossmann Lars , Beisser Daniela , Bock Christina , Chatzinotas Antonis , Jensen Manfred , Preisfeld Angelika , Psenner Roland , Rahmann Sven , Wodniok Sabina , Boenigk Jens 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInferring ecosystem functioning and ecosystem services through inspections of the species inventory is a major aspect of ecological field studies. Ecosystem functions are often stable despite considerable species turnover. Using metatranscriptome analyses, we analyse a thus‐far unparalleled freshwater data set which comprises 21 mainland European freshwater lakes from the Sierra Nevada (Spain) to the Carpathian Mountains (Romania) and from northern Germany to the Apennines (Italy) and covers an altitudinal range from 38 m above sea level (a.s.l) to 3110 m a.s.l. The dominant taxa were Chlorophyta and streptophytic algae, Ciliophora, Bacillariophyta and Chrysophyta. Metatranscriptomics provided insights into differences in community composition and into functional diversity via the relative share of taxa to the overall read abundance of distinct functional genes on the ecosystem level. The dominant metabolic pathways in terms of the fraction of expressed sequences in the cDNA libraries were affiliated with primary metabolism, specifically oxidative phosphorylation, photosynthesis and the TCA cycle. Our analyses indicate that community composition is a good first proxy for the analysis of ecosystem functions. However, differential gene regulation modifies the relative importance of taxa in distinct pathways. Whereas taxon composition varies considerably between lakes, the relative importance of distinct metabolic pathways is much more stable, indicating that ecosystem functioning is buffered against shifts in community composition through a functional redundancy of taxa.
Seasonal gene expression in a migratory songbird
Authors: Johnston Rachel A. , Paxton Kristina L. , Moore Frank R. , Wayne Robert K. , Smith Thomas B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe annual migration of a bird can involve thousands of kilometres of nonstop flight, requiring accurately timed seasonal changes in physiology and behaviour. Understanding the molecular mechanisms controlling this endogenous programme can provide functional and evolutionary insights into the circannual biological clock and the potential of migratory species to adapt to changing environments. Under naturally timed photoperiod conditions, we maintained captive Swainson's thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) and performed RNA sequencing (RNA‐Seq) of the ventral hypothalamus and optic chiasma to evaluate transcriptome‐wide gene expression changes of individuals in migratory condition. We found that 188 genes were differentially expressed in relation to migratory state, 86% of which have not been previously linked to avian migration. Focal hub genes were identified that are candidate variables responsible for the occurrence of migration (e.g. CRABP1). Numerous genes involved in cell adhesion, proliferation and motility were differentially expressed (including RHOJ, PAK1 and TLN1), suggesting that migration‐related changes are regulated by seasonal neural plasticity.
Insecticide resistance mediated by an exon skipping event
Authors: Berger Madeleine , Puinean Alin Mirel , Randall Emma , Zimmer Christoph T. , Silva Wellington M. , Bielza Pablo , Field Linda M. , Hughes David , Mellor Ian , Hassani‐Pak Keywan , Siqueira Herbert A. A. , Williamson Martin S. , Bass Chris 
Published: October 2016

AbstractMany genes increase coding capacity by alternate exon usage. The gene encoding the insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) α6 subunit, target of the bio‐insecticide spinosad, is one example of this and expands protein diversity via alternative splicing of mutually exclusive exons. Here, we show that spinosad resistance in the tomato leaf miner, Tuta absoluta is associated with aberrant regulation of splicing of Taα6 resulting in a novel form of insecticide resistance mediated by exon skipping. Sequencing of the α6 subunit cDNA from spinosad selected and unselected strains of T. absoluta revealed all Taα6 transcripts of the selected strain were devoid of exon 3, with comparison of genomic DNA and mRNA revealing this is a result of exon skipping. Exon skipping cosegregated with spinosad resistance in survival bioassays, and functional characterization of this alteration using modified human nAChR α7, a model of insect α6, demonstrated that exon 3 is essential for receptor function and hence spinosad sensitivity. DNA and RNA sequencing analyses suggested that exon skipping did not result from genetic alterations in intronic or exonic cis‐regulatory elements, but rather was associated with a single epigenetic modification downstream of exon 3a, and quantitative changes in the expression of trans‐acting proteins that have known roles in the regulation of alternative splicing. Our results demonstrate that the intrinsic capacity of the α6 gene to generate transcript diversity via alternative splicing can be readily exploited during the evolution of resistance and identifies exon skipping as a molecular alteration conferring insecticide resistance.
Sinorhizobium meliloti chemotaxis to quaternary ammonium compounds is mediated by the chemoreceptor McpX
Authors: Webb Benjamin A. , Karl Compton K. , Castañeda Saldaña Rafael , Arapov Timofey D. , Keith Ray W. , Helm Richard F. , Scharf Birgit E. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryThe bacterium Sinorhizobium meliloti is attracted to seed exudates of its host plant alfalfa (Medicago sativa). Since quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) are exuded by germinating seeds, we assayed chemotaxis of S. meliloti towards betonicine, choline, glycine betaine, stachydrine and trigonelline. The wild type displayed a positive response to all QACs. Using LC–MS, we determined that each germinating alfalfa seed exuded QACs in the nanogram range. Compared to the closely related nonhost species, spotted medic (Medicago arabica), unique profiles were released. Further assessments of single chemoreceptor deletion strains revealed that an mcpX deletion strain displayed little to no response to these compounds. Differential scanning fluorimetry showed interaction of the isolated periplasmic region of McpX (McpXPR and McpX34‐306) with QACs. Isothermal titration calorimetry experiments revealed tight binding to McpXPR with dissociation constants (Kd) in the nanomolar range for choline and glycine betaine, micromolar Kd for stachydrine and trigonelline and a Kd in the millimolar range for betonicine. Our discovery of S. meliloti chemotaxis to plant‐derived QACs adds another role to this group of compounds, which are known to serve as nutrient sources, osmoprotectants and cell‐to‐cell signalling molecules. This is the first report of a chemoreceptor that mediates QACs taxis through direct binding.
Epigenetic regulation of development and pathogenesis in fungal plant pathogens
Authors: Dubey Akanksha , Jeon Junhyun 
Published: October 2016

SummaryEvidently, epigenetics is at forefront in explaining the mechanisms underlying the success of human pathogens and in the identification of pathogen‐induced modifications within host plants. However, there is a lack of studies highlighting the role of epigenetics in the modulation of the growth and pathogenicity of fungal plant pathogens. In this review, we attempt to highlight and discuss the role of epigenetics in the regulation of the growth and pathogenicity of fungal phytopathogens using Magnaporthe oryzae, a devastating fungal plant pathogen, as a model system. With the perspective of wide application in the understanding of the development, pathogenesis and control of other fungal pathogens, we attempt to provide a synthesized view of the epigenetic studies conducted on M. oryzae to date. First, we discuss the mechanisms of epigenetic modifications in M. oryzae and their impact on fungal development and pathogenicity. Second, we highlight the unexplored epigenetic mechanisms and areas of research that should be considered in the near future to construct a holistic view of epigenetic functioning in M. oryzae and other fungal plant pathogens. Importantly, the development of a complete understanding of the modulation of epigenetic regulation in fungal pathogens can help in the identification of target points to combat fungal pathogenesis.
Host‐induced gene silencing compromises Verticillium wilt in tomato and Arabidopsis
Authors: Song Yin , Thomma Bart P. H. J. 
Published: October 2016

SummaryVerticillium wilt, caused by soil‐borne fungi of the genus Verticillium, is an economically important disease that affects a wide range of host plants. Unfortunately, host resistance against Verticillium wilts is not available for many plant species, and the disease is notoriously difficult to combat. Host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an RNA interference (RNAi)‐based process in which small RNAs are produced by the host plant to target parasite transcripts. HIGS has emerged as a promising strategy for the improvement of plant resistance against pathogens by silencing genes that are essential for these pathogens. Here, we assessed whether HIGS can be utilized to suppress Verticillium wilt disease by silencing three previously identified virulence genes of V. dahliae (encoding Ave1, Sge1 and NLP1) through the host plants tomato and Arabidopsis. In transient assays, tomato plants were agroinfiltrated with Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) constructs to target V. dahliae transcripts. Subsequent V. dahliae inoculation revealed the suppression of Verticillium wilt disease on treatment with only one of the three TRV constructs. Next, expression of RNAi constructs targeting transcripts of the same three V. dahliae virulence genes was pursued in stable transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana plants. In this host, V. dahliae inoculation revealed reduced Verticillium wilt disease in two of the three targets. Thus, our study suggests that, depending on the target gene chosen, HIGS against V. dahliae is operational in tomato and A. thaliana plants and may be exploited to engineer resistance in Verticillium wilt‐susceptible crops.
BDNF modulates intestinal barrier integrity through regulating the expression of tight junction proteins
Authors: Yu Y.‐B. , Zhao D.‐Y. , Qi Q.‐Q. , Long X. , Li X. , Chen F.‐X. , Zuo X.‐L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundBrain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a vital role in the homeostatic regulation of intestinal barrier integrity. We aimed to investigate the physiological role of BDNF in maintaining the intestinal epithelial barrier using postinflammatory irritable bowel syndrome (PI‐IBS) mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms using intestinal epithelial cells in vitro.MethodsPostinflammatory‐IBS mice were induced by intrarectal administration of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid and allowed to recover for 28 days. Frequency of defecation, fecal water content, colonic epithelial integrity and expressions of BDNF and tight junction (TJ) proteins (occludin, ZO‐1, claudin‐1, claudin‐2) of the PI‐IBS mice were investigated. Based on the results of animal studies, we further performed RT‐PCR and Western blots to assess how BDNF stimulation and BDNF knockdown impacted TJ proteins in the ht‐29 intestinal epithelial cells.Key ResultsWater content of stools was significantly increased in the PI‐IBS mice compared with controls. Colonic mucosa from the PI‐IBS mice displayed epithelial barrier defects and exhibited increased protein expressions of BDNF and claudin‐2 and decreased protein expressions of occludin, ZO‐1 and claudin‐1. Furthermore, a siRNA against BDNF in the ht‐29 cells could effectively suppress BDNF gene and protein expressions, and subsequently reduce TJ gene and protein levels. When the ht‐29 cells were incubated with different doses of exogenous BDNF, significant increases of occludin, ZO‐1 and claudin‐1 and decreases of claudin‐2 protein were observed.Conclusions & InferencesBDNF may play a role in regulating intestinal epithelial barrier via affecting the expression of TJ proteins.
Eosinophilic sialodochitis: redefinition of ‘allergic parotitis’ and ‘sialodochitis fibrinosa’
Authors: Baer AN , Okuhama A , Eisele DW , Tversky JR , Gniadek TJ 
Published: October 2016

Sialodochitis fibrinosa and allergic parotitis have described rare patients with recurrent salivary gland swelling and mucus plugs, often with atopy. We have evaluated three patients with atopic disease, recurrent salivary gland swelling, and an eosinophilic sialodochitis. Two had eosinophil‐rich mucus plugs. Fifty‐six additional cases were identified in a medical literature database search, each defined by recurrent salivary gland swelling associated with eosinophil‐rich mucus plugs or sialodochitis with periductal eosinophilic infiltration. The majority (78%) were reported from Japan. Females were predominantly affected (F:M = 2.3) with a median age of 47 years at evaluation. The parotid and submandibular glands were involved, respectively, in 71% and 46%. Allergic symptoms were present in 66%, atopic disease in 63% of those with reported allergy testing, and blood eosinophilia in 71%. Contrast sialography and other imaging modalities documented ductal dilatation in 82%. Treatments included anti‐allergic medications (58%), systemic glucocorticoids (25%), duct cannulation with irrigation, steroid injection, and/or duct dilatation (36%), and glandular resection (19%). We recommend the diagnosis ‘eosinophilic sialodochitis’ be applied to patients who meet this case definition. The disease is a unique cause of chronic recurrent salivary gland swelling. Its likely allergic etiology may be amenable to current or future biologic therapies.
Moderate Sedation Reduces Lab Time Compared to General Anesthesia during Cryoballoon Ablation for AF Without Compromising Safety or Long‐Term Efficacy
Authors: WASSERLAUF JEREMIAH , KNIGHT BRADLEY P. , LI ZHI , ANDREI ADIN‐CRISTIAN , ARORA RISHI , CHICOS ALEXANDRU B. , GOLDBERGER JEFFREY J. , KIM SUSAN S. , LIN ALBERT C. , VERMA NISHANT , BOHN MARTHA M. , PASSMAN ROD S. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundCryoballoon ablation (CBA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (pAF) can be performed under general anesthesia (GA) or moderate sedation (MS). Our objective was to compare the effectiveness, safety, procedure duration, and time spent in the electrophysiology (EP) laboratory for CBA performed under GA and MS.MethodsPatients undergoing a first CBA for pAF were identified. Patients received either GA administered by an anesthesiologist or MS with midazolam and fentanyl administered by EP laboratory staff. Total time in laboratory (sum of procedure and nonprocedure time); fluoroscopy time; freedom from documented AF, atrial flutter, and atrial tachycardia (FFAF); acute pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) rate; and 30‐day complication rate were assessed.ResultsA total of 55 patients received GA and 119 patients received MS. PVI success rate was 100% in GA and 98.1% in MS (P = 0.04). Total laboratory time was longer for GA (280.4 ± 54.1 minutes vs 245.5 ± 54.7 minutes; P < 0.001), related to longer nonprocedure time (92.2 ± 28.8 minutes GA vs 71.0 ± 30.0 minutes MS; P < 0.001), but not procedure time (188.3 ± 49.3 minutes GA vs 174.5 ± 50.2 minutes MS; P = 0.09). FFAF was not significantly different over a median follow‐up duration of 0.9 (interquartile range 0.4–1.9) years (61.8% GA vs 63.0% MS; log‐rank P = 0.90). There was no significant difference in complication rate.ConclusionCompared to GA, MS during CBA for pAF was independently associated with shorter total EP laboratory time without compromising FFAF or complication rates.
Pretransplant paranasal sinus disease is associated with a high incidence of transplant‐related mortality in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for children and adolescents
Authors: Kishimoto Kenji , Kobayashi Ryoji , Hori Daiki , Sano Hirozumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Yasuda Kazue , Kobayashi Kunihiko 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTo determine whether pretransplant PSD affects the clinical outcomes in HSCT, a retrospective cohort analysis of 73 pediatric and adolescent patients who underwent HSCT was performed. Pretransplant PSD was defined as the presence of a fluid level or mucosal swelling or total opacity on sinus X‐ray or CT examination performed before HSCT. Pretransplant PSD was observed in 21 (29%) patients. The probability of 2‐year OS after HSCT was 42% in patients with pretransplant PSD (PSD group), and 64% in those without (non‐PSD group) (P=.012). The cumulative incidence of 2‐year TRM was 48% in the PSD group, and 17% in the non‐PSD group (P=.005). The cumulative incidences of pulmonary complications and respiratory failure at 2 years after HSCT were significantly higher in the PSD group (41% vs 15%, P=.022; 44% vs 14%, P=.009, respectively). PSD at the time of HSCT should be recognized as an additional potential risk factor for mortality. Further investigation is required to clarify the reasons for the present findings to improve the outcomes of patients with pretransplant PSD.
Disentangling the photochemical salinity tolerance in Aster tripolium L.: connecting biophysical traits with changes in fatty acid composition
Authors: Duarte B. , Cabrita M. T. , Gameiro C. , Matos A. R. , Godinho R. , Marques J. C. , Caçador I. 
Published: October 2016

Abstract

A profound analysis of A. tripolium photochemical traits under salinity exposure is lacking in the literature, with very few references focusing on its fatty acid profile role in photophysiology.

To address this, the deep photochemical processes were evaluated by Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) Fluorometry coupled with a discrimination of its leaf fatty acid profile.

Plants exposed to 125–250 mm NaCl showed higher photochemical light harvesting efficiencies and lower energy dissipation rates. under higher NaCl exposure, there is evident damage of the oxygen evolving complexes (OECs). On the other hand, Reaction Centre (RC) closure net rate and density increased, improving the energy fluxes entering the PS II, in spite of the high amounts of energy dissipated and the loss of PS II antennae connectivity. Energy dissipation was mainly achieved through the auroxanthin pathway. Total fatty acid content displayed a similar trend, being also higher under 125–250 mm NaCl with high levels of omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids. The increase in oleic acid and palmitic acid allows the maintenance of the good functioning of the PS II. Also relevant was the high concentration of chloroplastic C16:1t in the individuals subjected to 125–250 mm NaCl, related with a higher electron transport activity and with the organization of the Light Harvesting Complexes (LHC) and thus reducing the activation of energy dissipation mechanisms.

All these new insights shed some light not only on the photophysiology of this potential cash‐crop, but also highlight its important saline agriculture applications of this species as forage and potential source of essential fatty acids.
Fine‐grained agglutinated elongate columnar stromatolites: Tieling Formation,ca1420 Ma, North China
Authors: Tosti Fabio , Riding Robert 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe Mesoproterozoic Tieling Formation, near Jixian, northern China, contains thick beds of vertically branched, laterally elongate, columnar stromatolites. Carbonate mud is the primary component of both the stromatolites and their intervening matrix. Mud abundance is attributed to water column ‘whiting’ precipitation stimulated by cyanobacterial photosynthesis. Neomorphic microspar gives the stromatolites a ‘streaky’ microfabric and small mud flakes are common in the matrix. The columns consist of low‐relief, mainly non‐enveloping, laminae that show erosive truncation and well‐defined repetitive lamination. In plan view, the columns form disjunct elongate ridges <10 cm wide separated by narrow matrix‐filled runnels. The stromatolite surfaces were initially cohesive, rather than rigid, and prone to scour, and are interpreted as current aligned microbial mats that trapped carbonate mud. The pervasive ridge–runnel system suggests scale‐dependent biophysical feedback between: (i) carbonate mud supply; (ii) current duration, strength and direction; and (iii) growth and trapping by prolific mat growth. Together, these factors determined the size, morphology and arrangement of the stromatolite columns and their laminae, as well as their branching patterns, alignment and ridge–runnel spacing. Ridge–runnel surfaces resemble ripple mark patterns, but whether currents were parallel and/or normal to stromatolite alignment remains unclear. The formation and preservation of Tieling columns required plentiful supply of carbonate mud, mat‐building microbes well‐adapted to cope with this abundant sediment, and absence of both significant early lithification and bioturbation. These factors were time limited, and Tieling stromatolites closely resemble coeval examples in the Belt‐Purcell Supergroup of Laurentia. The dynamic interactions between mat growth, currents and sediment supply that determined the shape of Tieling columns contributed to the morphotypical diversity that characterizes mid–late Proterozoic branched stromatolites.