bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct flow cytometry measurements reveal a fine-tuning of symbiotic cell dynamics according to the host developmental needs in aphid symbiosis
Authors: Simonet Pierre , Duport Gabrielle , Gaget Karen , Weiss-Gayet Michèle , Colella Stefano , Febvay Gérard , Charles Hubert , Viñuelas José , Heddi Abdelaziz , Calevro Federica 
Published: January 2016

AbstractEndosymbiotic associations constitute a driving force in the ecological and evolutionary diversification of metazoan organisms. Little is known about whether and how symbiotic cells are coordinated according to host physiology. Here, we use the nutritional symbiosis between the insect pest, Acyrthosiphon pisum and its obligate symbiont, Buchnera aphidicola, as a model system. We have developed a novel approach for unculturable bacteria, based on flow cytometry and used this method to estimate the absolute numbers of symbionts at key stages of aphid life. The endosymbiont population increases exponentially throughout nymphal development, showing a growing rate which has never been characterized by indirect molecular techniques. Using histology and imaging techniques, we have shown that the endosymbiont-bearing cells (bacteriocytes) increase significantly in number and size during the nymphal development and clustering in the insect abdomen. Once adulthood is reached and the laying period has begun, the dynamics of symbiont and host cells is reversed: the number of endosymbionts decreases progressively and the bacteriocyte structure degenerates during insect aging. In summary, these results show a coordination of the cellular dynamics between bacteriocytes and primary symbionts and reveal a fine-tuning of aphid symbiotic cells to the nutritional demand imposed by the host physiology throughout development.
In situ targeting TEM8 via immune response and polypeptide recognition by wavelength-modulated surface plasmon resonance biosensor
Authors: Wang Yimin , Luo Zewei , Liu Kunping , Wang Jie , Duan Yixiang 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThere is an increasing interest in real-time and in situ monitoring of living cell activities in life science and medicine. This paper reports a whole cell sensing protocol over the interface of Au film coupled in a wavelength-modulated surface plasmon resonance (WMSPR) biosensor. With dual parabolic mirrors integrated in the sensor, the compact and miniaturized instrument shows satisfactory refractive index sensitivity (2220 nm/RIU) and a high resolution of resonance wavelength shift of 0.3 nm to liquid samples. The affinity interactions between the biomarker of human tumor endothelial marker 8 (TEM8) and antibody (Ab) or specific polypeptide (PEP) were firstly introduced to WMSPR biosensor analysis. Both the interaction events of Ab-cell and PEP-cell over the Au film interface can be recognized by the sensor and the balance time of interactions is about 20 min. The concentration range of Ab for quantitative monitoring of the TEM8 expression on human colon carcinoma SW620 cells was investigated. The present low-cost and time-saving method provides a time resolution of binding specificity between Ab/PEP and TEM8 for real-time analysis of antigen on living tumor cell surface.
GTPase domain driven dimerization of SEPT7 is dispensable for the critical role of septins in fibroblast cytokinesis
Authors: Abbey Megha , Hakim Cosima , Anand Roopsee , Lafera Juri , Schambach Axel , Kispert Andreas , Taft Manuel H. , Kaever Volkhard , Kotlyarov Alexey , Gaestel Matthias , Menon Manoj B. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSeptin 7 (SEPT7) has been described to be essential for successful completion of cytokinesis in mouse fibroblasts and Sept7-deficiency in fibroblasts constitutively results in multinucleated cells which stop proliferation. Using Sept7flox/floxfibroblasts we generated a cellular system, where the cytokinetic defects of Cre-mediated deletion of the Sept7 gene can be rescued by ectopically expressed doxycycline-inducible wild type SEPT7. Using this system, we analyzed the ability of SEPT7-mutants with alterations in their GTPase domain-dependent dimerization to prevent multinucleation and rescue proliferation. Although biochemical analysis of the mutants demonstrates differences in homo- and/or hetero-polymerization, in GTP-binding and/or GTPase activities, all analyzed mutants were able to rescue the cytokinesis phenotype of Sept7flox/floxfibroblasts associated with Cre-mediated deletion of endogenous Sept7. These findings indicate that the ability of septins to assemble into well-defined SEPT7-dimerization dependent native filaments is dispensable for cytokinesis in fibroblasts and opens the way to search for other mechanisms of the involvement of SEPT7 in cytokinesis.
Microbiome and Biocatalytic Bacteria in Monkey Cup (Nepenthes Pitcher) Digestive Fluid
Authors: Chan Xin-Yue , Hong Kar-Wai , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTropical carnivorous plant, Nepenthes, locally known as “monkey cup”, utilises its pitcher as a passive trap to capture insects. It then secretes enzymes into the pitcher fluid to digest the insects for nutrients acquisition. However, little is known about the microbiota and their activity in its pitcher fluid. Eighteen bacteria phyla were detected from the metagenome study in the Nepenthes pitcher fluid. Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Actinobacteria are the dominant phyla in the Nepenthes pitcher fluid. We also performed culturomics approach by isolating 18 bacteria from the Nepenthes pitcher fluid. Most of the bacterial isolates possess chitinolytic, proteolytic, amylolytic and cellulolytic and xylanolytic activities. Fifteen putative chitinase genes were identified from the whole genome analysis on the genomes of the 18 bacteria isolated from Nepenthes pitcher fluid and expressed for chitinase assay. Of these, six clones possessed chitinase activity. In conclusion, our metagenome result shows that the Nepenthes pitcher fluid contains vast bacterial diversity and the culturomic studies confirmed the presence of biocatalytic bacteria within the Nepenthes pitcher juice which may act in symbiosis for the turn over of insects trapped in the Nepenthes pitcher fluid.
Experimental feline enteric coronavirus infection reveals an aberrant infection pattern and shedding of mutants with impaired infectivity in enterocyte cultures
Authors: Desmarets Lowiese M. B. , Vermeulen Ben L. , Theuns Sebastiaan , Conceição-Neto Nádia , Zeller Mark , Roukaerts Inge D. M. , Acar Delphine D. , Olyslaegers Dominique A. J. , Van Ranst Marc , Matthijnssens Jelle , Nauwynck Hans J. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractFeline infectious peritonitis (FIP) results from mutations in the viral genome during a common feline enteric coronavirus (FECV) infection. Since many virological and immunological data on FECV infections are lacking, the present study investigated these missing links during experimental infection of three SPF cats with FECV strain UCD. Two cats showed mild clinical signs, faecal shedding of infectious virus from 4 dpi, a cell-associated viraemia at inconsistent time points from 5 dpi, a highly neutralising antibody response from 9 dpi and no major abnormalities in leukocyte numbers. Faecal shedding lasted for 28–56 days, but virus shed during this stage was less infectious in enterocyte cultures and affected by mutations. Remarkably, in the other cat neither clinical signs nor acute shedding were seen, but virus was detected in blood cells from 3 dpi and shedding of non-enterotropic, mutated viruses suddenly occurred from 14 dpi onwards. Neutralising antibodies arose from 21 dpi. Leukocyte numbers were not different compared to the other cats, except for the CD8+regulatory T cells. These data indicate that FECV can infect immune cells even in the absence of intestinal replication and raise the hypothesis that the gradual adaptation to these cells can allow non-enterotropic mutants to arise.
Structure of an E. coli integral membrane sulfurtransferase and its structural transition upon SCN− binding defined by EPR-based hybrid method
Authors: Ling Shenglong , Wang Wei , Yu Lu , Peng Junhui , Cai Xiaoying , Xiong Ying , Hayati Zahra , Zhang Longhua , Zhang Zhiyong , Song Likai , Tian Changlin 
Published: January 2016

AbstractElectron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-based hybrid experimental and computational approaches were applied to determine the structure of a full-length E. coli integral membrane sulfurtransferase, dimeric YgaP and its structural and dynamic changes upon ligand binding. The solution NMR structures of the YgaP transmembrane domain (TMD) and cytosolic catalytic rhodanese domain were reported recently, but the tertiary fold of full-length YgaP was not yet available. Here, systematic site-specific EPR analysis defined a helix-loop-helix secondary structure of the YagP-TMD monomers using mobility, accessibility and membrane immersion measurements. The tertiary folds of dimeric YgaP-TMD and full-length YgaP in detergent micelles were determined through inter- and intra-monomer distance mapping and rigid-body computation. Further EPR analysis demonstrated the tight packing of the two YgaP second transmembrane helices upon binding of the catalytic product SCN−, which provides insight into the thiocyanate exportation mechanism of YgaP in the E. coli membrane.
Correlation between Hierarchical Structure and Processing Control of Large-area Spray-coated Polymer Solar Cells toward High Performance
Authors: Huang Yu-Ching , Tsao Cheng-Si , Cha Hou-Chin , Chuang Chih-Min , Su Chun-Jen , Jeng U-Ser , Chen Charn-Ying 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe formation mechanism of a spray-coated film is different from that of a spin-coated film. This study employs grazing incidence small- and wide-angle X-ray Scattering (GISAXS and GIWAXS, respectively) quantitatively and systematically to investigate the hierarchical structure and phase-separated behavior of a spray-deposited blend film. The formation of PCBM clusters involves mutual interactions with both the P3HT crystal domains and droplet boundary. The processing control and the formed hierarchical structure of the active layer in the spray-coated polymer/fullerene blend film are compared to those in the spin-coated film. How the different post-treatments, such as thermal and solvent vapor annealing, tailor the hierarchical structure of the spray-coated films is quantitatively studied. Finally, the relationship between the processing control and tailored BHJ structures and the performance of polymer solar cell devices is established here, taking into account the evolution of the device area from 1 × 0.3 and 1 × 1 cm2. The formation and control of the special networks formed by the PCBM cluster and P3HT crystallites, respectively, are related to the droplet boundary. These structures are favorable for the transverse transport of electrons and holes.
Near-Infrared Spectroscopy and Imaging Studies of Fertilized Fish Eggs: In Vivo Monitoring of Egg Growth at the Molecular Level
Authors: Ishigaki Mika , Kawasaki Shoya , Ishikawa Daitaro , Ozaki Yukihiro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIn this work, the growth of fertilized Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) eggs was monitored in vivo at the molecular level using near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and NIR imaging. NIR spectra were recorded noninvasively for three major parts of a fertilized medaka egg, the embryonic body, the oil droplets and the yolk, from the first day after fertilization to the day before hatching. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that water, protein and lipid contents in the egg yolk and oil droplets changed significantly just before hatching. The ratio of the characteristic peaks due to proteins and lipids in the second derivative spectra suggested that the relative concentration of proteins to lipids was constant in the egg yolk, while it dramatically increased just before hatching in the oil droplets. Furthermore, linear discriminant analysis (LDA) predicted the hatching possibility on the next day with 100% and 99.3% accuracy for yolk and oil droplets data, respectively. Two types of NIR images were developed in situ using the band intensities of the lipids and proteins in the second derivative spectra. The egg’s protein and lipid content was successfully visualized noninvasively. This technique should enable noninvasive quality testing of fertilized eggs in the future.
The effects of URAT1/SLC22A12 nonfunctional variants,R90H and W258X, on serum uric acid levels and gout/hyperuricemia progression
Authors: Sakiyama Masayuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Shimizu Seiko , Nakashima Hiroshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Higashino Toshihide , Naito Mariko , Suma Shino , Hishida Asahi , Satoh Takahiro , Sakurai Yutaka , Takada Tappei , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Ooyama Hiroshi , Shimizu Toru , Shinomiya Nariyoshi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractUrate transporter 1 (URAT1/SLC22A12), a urate transporter gene, is a causative gene for renal hypouricemia type 1. Among several reported nonsynonymous URAT1 variants, R90H (rs121907896) and W258X (rs121907892) are frequent causative mutations for renal hypouricemia. However, no case-control study has evaluated the relationship between gout and these two variants. Additionally, the effect size of these two variants on serum uric acid (SUA) levels remains to be clarified. Here, 1,993 primary gout patients and 4,902 health examination participants (3,305 males and 1,597 females) were genotyped with R90H and W258X. These URAT1 variants were not observed in any gout cases, while 174 subjects had the URAT1 variant in 2,499 health examination participants, respectively (P = 8.3 × 10−46). Moreover, in 4,902 health examination participants, the URAT1 nonfunctional variants significantly reduce the risk of hyperuricemia (P = 6.7 × 10−19; risk ratio = 0.036 in males). Males, having 1 or 2 nonfunctional variants of URAT1, show a marked decrease of 2.19 or 5.42 mg/dl SUA, respectively. Similarly, females, having 1 or 2 nonfunctional variants, also evidence a decrease of 1.08 or 3.89 mg/dl SUA, respectively. We show that URAT1 nonfunctional variants are protective genetic factors for gout/hyperuricemia and also demonstrated the sex-dependent effect size of these URAT1 variants on SUA (P for interaction = 1.5 × 10−12).
Direct Experimental Evidence for Differing Reactivity Alterations of Minerals following Irradiation: The Case of Calcite and Quartz
Authors: Pignatelli Isabella , Kumar Aditya , Field Kevin G. , Wang Bu , Yu Yingtian , Le Pape Yann , Bauchy Mathieu , Sant Gaurav 
Published: January 2016

AbstractConcrete, used in the construction of nuclear power plants (NPPs), may be exposed to radiation emanating from the reactor core. Until recently, concrete has been assumed immune to radiation exposure. Direct evidence acquired on Ar+-ion irradiated calcite and quartz indicates, on the contrary, that, such minerals, which constitute aggregates in concrete, may be significantly altered by irradiation. More specifically, while quartz undergoes disordering of its atomic structure resulting in a near complete lack of periodicity, calcite only experiences random rotations and distortions of its carbonate groups. As a result, irradiated quartz shows a reduction in density of around 15% and an increase in chemical reactivity, described by its dissolution rate, similar to a glassy silica. Calcite however, shows little change in dissolution rate - although its density noted to reduce by ≈9%. These differences are correlated with the nature of bonds in these minerals, i.e., being dominantly ionic or covalent and the rigidity of the mineral’s atomic network that is characterized by the number of topological constraints (nc) that are imposed on the atoms in the network. The outcomes have major implications on the durability of concrete structural elements formed with calcite or quartz bearing aggregates in nuclear power plants.
Synthesis and fungicidal activity of novel 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4- thiadiazole derivatives containing 5-phenyl-2-furan
Authors: Cui Zi-Ning , Li Ya-Sheng , Hu De-Kun , Tian Hao , Jiang Jia-Zhen , Wang Yuan , Yan Xiao-Jing 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA series of 2,5-disubstituted-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized using Lawesson’s reagent by an efficient approach under microwave irradiation in good yields. Their structures were characterized by MS, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and elemental analysis. Their in vitro and in vivo fungicidal activities revealed that the title compounds exhibited considerable activity against five selected fungi, especially to Phytophthora infestans. In order to illustrate the mechanism of title compounds against P. infestans, scanning electron micrographs (SEM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM) were applied. The morphological and ultrastructural studies demonstrated that compound I18 led to swelling of hyphae, thickening and proliferating multilayer cell walls, excessive septation and accumulation of dense bodies. The bioassay results indicated compound I18 might act on cell wall biosynthesis and blocked the nutrition transportation and led to cells senescence and death. Meanwhile, compound I18 had broad fungicidal activity against other twenty different kinds of fungi. These results suggested that title compounds were eligible to be development candidates and compound I18 as a promising lead compound was worthy to be further discovery, especially against P. infestans.
The Laschamp geomagnetic excursion featured in nitrate record from EPICA-Dome C ice core
Authors: Traversi R. , Becagli S. , Poluianov S. , Severi M. , Solanki S. K. , Usoskin I. G. , Udisti R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHere we present the first direct comparison of cosmogenic 10Be and chemical species in the period of 38–45.5 kyr BP spanning the Laschamp geomagnetic excursion from the EPICA-Dome C ice core. A principal component analysis (PCA) allowed to group different components as a function of the main sources, transport and deposition processes affecting the atmospheric aerosol at Dome C. Moreover, a wavelet analysis highlighted the high coherence and in-phase relationship between 10Be and nitrate at this time. The evident preferential association of 10Be with nitrate rather than with other chemical species was ascribed to the presence of a distinct source, here labelled as “cosmogenic”. Both the PCA and wavelet analyses ruled out a significant role of calcium in driving the 10Be and nitrate relationship, which is particularly relevant for a plateau site such as Dome C, especially in the glacial period during which the Laschamp excursion took place. The evidence that the nitrate record from the EDC ice core is able to capture the Laschamp event hints toward the possibility of using this marker for studying galactic cosmic ray flux variations and thus also major geomagnetic field excursions at pluri-centennial-millennial time scales, thus opening up new perspectives in paleoclimatic studies.
Effects of Low Intensity Exercise Against Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rat Heart
Authors: Kanter M. , Aksu F. , Takir M. , Kostek O. , Kanter B. , Oymagil A. 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of low intensity exercise on heart of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats.
Materials and Methods The rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: A (control), B (diabetic untreated), and C (diabetic treated with low intensity exercise); each group contains 8 animals. B and C groups received STZ. Diabetes was induced in 2 groups by a single intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (40 mg/kg, freshly dissolved in 0,1 M citrate buffer, pH 4.2). 2 days after STZ treatment, diabetes in 2 experimental groups was confirmed by measuring blood glucose levels. Rats with blood glucose levels of 250 mg/dl or higher were considered to be diabetic. Animals in the exercise group were made to run the treadmill once a day for 4 consecutive weeks. Exercise started 3 days prior to STZ administration.
Results After induction of diabetes, histological abnormalities were observed, including myofibrillar loss, vacuolization of cytoplasm and irregularity of myofibrils. These alterations were attenuated by low intensity exercise. Our data indicates a significant reduction of oxidative stress and apoptosis in cardiomyocytes after exercise. Treatment of diabetic animals with low intensity exercise, decreased the elevated tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increased the reduced activities of the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) in cardiac tissue.
Conclusion These findings suggest that low intensity exercise has a therapeutic protective effect in diabetes by decreasing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and by preservation of myocardial integrity.
Identification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus mono- and co-cultures based on volatile biomarker combinations
Authors: Neerincx A H , Geurts B P , Habets M F J , Booij J A , van Loon J , Jansen J J , Buydens L M C , van Ingen J , Mouton J W , Harren F J M , Wevers R A , Merkus P J F M , Cristescu S M , Kluijtmans L A J 
Published: January 2016

Abstract
Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis in exhaled breath is proposed as a non-invasive method to detect respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis patients. Since polymicrobial infections are common, we assessed whether we could distinguish Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Aspergillus fumigatus mono- and co-cultures using the VOC emissions. We took headspace samples of P. aeruginosa, A. fumigatus and co-cultures at 16, 24 and 48 h after inoculation, in which VOCs were identified by thermal desorption combined with gas chromatography – mass spectrometry. Using multivariate analysis by Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis we found distinct VOC biomarker combinations for mono- and co-cultures at each sampling time point, showing that there is an interaction between the two pathogens, with P. aeruginosa dominating the co-culture at 48 h. Furthermore, time-independent VOC biomarker combinations were also obtained to predict correct identification of P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus in mono-culture and in co-culture. This study shows that the VOC combinations in P. aeruginosa and A. fumigatus co-microbial environment are different from those released by these pathogens in mono-culture. Using advanced data analysis techniques such as PLS-DA, time-independent pathogen specific biomarker combinations can be generated that may help to detect mixed respiratory infections in exhaled breath of cystic fibrosis patients.