bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A salivary EF-hand calcium-binding protein of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens functions as an effector for defense responses in rice
Authors: Ye Wenfeng , Yu Haixin , Jian Yukun , Zeng Jiamei , Ji Rui , Chen Hongdan , Lou Yonggen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) (Hemiptera: Delphacidae), a major pest of rice in Asia, is able to successfully puncture sieve tubes in rice with its piercing stylet and then to ingest phloem sap. How BPH manages to continuously feed on rice remains unclear. Here, we cloned the gene NlSEF1, which is highly expressed in the salivary glands of BPH. The NlSEF1 protein has EF-hand Ca2+-binding activity and can be secreted into rice plants when BPH feed. Infestation of rice by BPH nymphs whose NlSEF1 was knocked down elicited higher levels of Ca2+ and H2O2 but not jasmonic acid, jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile) and SA in rice than did infestation by control nymphs; Consistently, wounding plus the recombination protein NlSEF1 suppressed the production of H2O2 in rice. Bioassays revealed that NlSEF1-knockdown BPH nymphs had a higher mortality rate and lower feeding capacity on rice than control nymphs. These results indicate that the salivary protein in BPH, NlSEF1, functions as an effector and plays important roles in interactions between BPH and rice by mediating the plant’s defense responses.
Profiling single-guide RNA specificity reveals a mismatch sensitive core sequence
Authors: Zheng Ting , Hou Yingzi , Zhang Pingjing , Zhang Zhenxi , Xu Ying , Zhang Letian , Niu Leilei , Yang Yi , Liang Da , Yi Fan , Peng Wei , Feng Wenjian , Yang Ying , Chen Jianxin , Zhu York Yuanyuan , Zhang Li-He , Du Quan 
Published: January 2017

AbstractTargeting specificity is an essential issue in the development of CRISPR-Cas technology. Using a luciferase activation assay, off-target cleavage activity of sgRNA was systematically investigated on single nucleotide-mismatched targets. In addition to confirming that PAM-proximal mismatches are less tolerated than PAM-distal mismatches, our study further identified a “core” sequence that is highly sensitive to target-mismatch. This sequence is of 4-nucleotide long, located at +4 to +7 position upstream of PAM, and positioned in a steric restriction region when assembled into Cas9 endonuclease. Our study also found that, single or multiple target mismatches at this region abolished off-target cleavage mediated by active sgRNAs, thus proposing a principle for gene-specific sgRNA design. Characterization of a mismatch sensitive “core” sequence not only enhances our understanding of how this elegant system functions, but also facilitates our efforts to improve targeting specificity of a sgRNA.
The IL-17A rs2275913 single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with protection to tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in Argentina
Authors: Rolandelli A. , Hernández Del Pino R. E. , Pellegrini J. M. , Tateosian N. L. , Amiano N. O. , de la Barrera S. , Casco N. , Gutiérrez M. , Palmero D. J. , García V. E. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) causes nearly 10 millions of new tuberculosis disease cases annually. However, most individuals exposed to Mtb do not develop tuberculosis, suggesting the influence of a human genetic component. Here, we investigated the association of the rs2275913 SNP (G → A) from IL-17A and tuberculosis in Argentina by a case-control study. Furthermore, we evaluated in vitro the functional relevance of this SNP during the immune response of the host against Mtb and analyzed its impact on clinical parameters of the disease. We found an association between the AA genotype and tuberculosis resistance. Additionally, within the healthy donors population, AA cells stimulated with a Mtb lysate (Mtb-Ag) produced the highest amounts of IL-17A and IFN-γ, which further support the genetic evidence found. In contrast, within the tuberculosis patients population, AA Mtb-Ag stimulated cells showed the lowest immunological parameters and we evidenced an association between the AA genotype and clinical parameters of disease severity, such as severe radiological lesions and higher bacilli burden in sputum. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the AA genotype from the IL-17A rs2275913 SNP is positively associated with protection to active tuberculosis but related to higher disease severity in the Argentinean population.
Continuous cell supply from Krt7-expressing hematopoietic stem cells during native hematopoiesis revealed by targeted in vivo gene transfer method
Authors: Tajima Yoko , Ito Keiichi , Umino Ayumi , Wilkinson Adam C. , Nakauchi Hiromitsu , Yamazaki Satoshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe nature of hematopoietic stem cells under normal hematopoiesis remained largely unknown due to the limited assays available to monitor their behavior in situ. Here, we develop a new mouse model to transfer genes specifically into the primitive hematopoietic stem cell compartment through the utilization of a modified Rcas/TVA system. We succeeded in transferring a GFP reporter gene into adult hematopoietic stem cells in vivo, which are predominantly quiescent, by generating pseudotyped-lentivirus. Furthermore, we demonstrate the utility of this system to study neonatal hematopoiesis, a developmental stage that has been difficult to analyze to date. Using the system developed in this study, we observed continuous multi-lineage hematopoietic cell supply in peripheral blood from Krt7-positive hematopoietic stem cells during unperturbed homeostatic condition. This powerful experimental system could provide a new standard tool to analyze hematopoiesis under physiological condition without transplantation.
An extraordinary palaeontinid from the Triassic of Korea and its significance
Authors: Nam Kye Soo , Wang Ying , Ren Dong , Kim Jong Heon , Szwedo Jacek 
Published: January 2017

AbstractA new, extraordinary palaeontinid Hallakkungis amisanus Nam, Wang & Szwedo, gen. et sp. nov., from the Upper Triassic of the Amisan Formation in Boryeong City, Korea is described. It is the first Palaeontinidae from Korea. The newly described taxon displays a mosaic of characters present in presumed ancestors of this insect family and some highly advanced features.
Characterization of a P1-like bacteriophage carrying CTX-M-27 in Salmonella spp. resistant to third generation cephalosporins isolated from pork in China
Authors: Yang Ling , Li Wan , Jiang Gui-Ze , Zhang Wen-Hui , Ding Huan-Zhong , Liu Ya-Hong , Zeng Zhen-Ling , Jiang Hong-Xia 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate the epidemiology of third generation cephalosporin resistant Samonella isolates from pork of a slaughterhouse in China and the features of transferable elements carrying blaCTX-M genes. One hundred and twenty-six (7.3%) Salmonella isolates were identified; S. Derby and S. Rissen were the most two prevalent serotypes. Among these isolates 20 (15.8%) were resistant to third generation cephalosporins and nine of them carried blaCTX-M-27. S1-PFGE and replicon typing of blaCTX-M-27-carrying plasmids showed that seven were untypeable plasmids of about 104 Kb and two were IncP plasmids of about 300 Kb. Complete sequence analysis of one PBRT-untypeable plasmid showed it was a P1-like bateriophage, named SJ46, which contained a non-phage-associated region with several mobile elements, including Tn1721, ISEcp1B and IS903D. The other six 104 Kb PBRT-untypeable blaCTX-M-27-carrying plasmids also harboured the same phage-insertion region of SJ46 suggesting that they were the same P1-like bacteriophage. PFGE profiles of the parental strains revealed both potential vertical and horizontal spread of this P1-like blaCTX-M-27-containing element. Additionally, the representative gene of the P1 family bacteriophage, repL, was detected in 19.0% (24/126) of the isolates. This study indicated a potential role of P1-family bacteriophage in capture and spread of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens.
Wearable Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Fabrics Produced by Knitting Flexible Wire Electrodes for the Decontamination of Chemical Warfare Agents
Authors: Jung Heesoo , Seo Jin Ah , Choi Seungki 
Published: January 2017

AbstractOne of the key reasons for the limited use of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) is its inability to treat non-flat, three-dimensional (3D) surface structures, such as electronic devices and the human body, because of the rigid electrode structure required. In this study, a new APP system design—wearable APP (WAPP)—that utilizes a knitting technique to assemble flexible co-axial wire electrodes into a large-area plasma fabric is presented. The WAPP device operates in ambient air with a fully enclosed power electrode and grounded outer electrode. The plasma fabric is flexible and lightweight, and it can be scaled up for larger areas, making it attractive for wearable APP applications. Here, we report the various plasma properties of the WAPP device and successful test results showing the decontamination of toxic chemical warfare agents, namely, mustard (HD), soman (GD), and nerve (VX) agents.
Superresolution Imaging of Clinical Formalin Fixed Paraffin Embedded Breast Cancer with Single Molecule Localization Microscopy
Authors: Creech Matthew K. , Wang Jing , Nan Xiaolin , Gibbs Summer L. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractMillions of archived formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens contain valuable molecular insight into healthy and diseased states persevered in their native ultrastructure. To diagnose and treat diseases in tissue on the nanoscopic scale, pathology traditionally employs electron microscopy (EM), but this platform has significant limitations including cost and painstaking sample preparation. The invention of single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) optically overcame the diffraction limit of light to resolve fluorescently labeled molecules on the nanoscale, leading to many exciting biological discoveries. However, applications of SMLM in preserved tissues has been limited. Through adaptation of the immunofluorescence workflow on FFPE sections milled at histological thickness, cellular architecture can now be visualized on the nanoscale using SMLM including individual mitochondria, undulations in the nuclear lamina, and the HER2 receptor on membrane protrusions in human breast cancer specimens. Using astigmatism imaging, these structures can also be resolved in three dimensions to a depth of ~800 nm. These results demonstrate the utility of SMLM in efficiently uncovering ultrastructural information of archived clinical samples, which may offer molecular insights into the physiopathology of tissues to assist in disease diagnosis and treatment using conventional sample preparation methods.
Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) suppresses apoptosis in colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Yanmei , Fang Mengdie , Song Yongfei , Ren Juan , Fang Jianfei , Wang Xiaoju 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIdentifying oncogenes that promote cancer cell proliferation or survival is critical for treatment of colorectal cancer. The Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) is frequently expressed in most types of cancer, but rarely in normal tissues. Aberrantly expressed BORIS relates to colorectal cancer, but its function in colorectal cancer cells remains unclear. In addition, previous studies indicated the significance of cytoplasm-localized BORIS in cancer cells. However, none of them investigated its function. Herein, we investigated the functions of BORIS in cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis and the role of cytoplasm-localized BORIS in colorectal cancer. BORIS expression correlated with colorectal cancer proliferation. BORIS overexpression promoted colorectal cancer cell growth, whereas BORIS knockdown suppressed cell proliferation. Sensitivity of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was inversely correlated with BORIS expression. These data suggest that BORIS functions as an oncogene in colorectal cancer. BORIS silencing induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis, whereas BORIS supplementation inhibited apoptosis induced by BORIS short interfering RNA (siRNA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or 5-FU. Introduction of BORIS-ZFdel showed that cytoplasmic localization of BORIS inhibited apoptosis but not ROS production. Our study highlights the anti-apoptotic function of BORIS in colorectal cancer.
Global mapping of nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami timescales
Authors: Vilibić Ivica , Šepić Jadranka 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPresent investigations of sea level extremes are based on hourly data measured at coastal tide gauges. The use of hourly data restricts existing global and regional analyses to periods larger than 2 h. However, a number of processes occur at minute timescales, of which the most ruinous are tsunamis. Meteotsunamis, hazardous nonseismic waves that occur at tsunami timescales over limited regions, may also locally dominate sea level extremes. Here, we show that nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami timescales (<2 h) may substantially contribute to global sea level extremes, up to 50% in low-tidal basins. The intensity of these oscillations is zonally correlated with mid-tropospheric winds at the 99% significance level, with the variance doubling from the tropics and subtropics to the mid-latitudes. Specific atmospheric patterns are found during strong events at selected locations in the World Ocean, indicating a globally predominant generation mechanism. Our analysis suggests that these oscillations should be considered in sea level hazard assessment studies. Establishing a strong correlation between nonseismic sea level oscillations at tsunami timescales and atmospheric synoptic patterns would allow for forecasting of nonseismic sea level oscillations for operational use, as well as hindcasting and projection of their effects under past, present and future climates.
Protein kinase C δ signaling is required for dietary prebiotic-induced strengthening of intestinal epithelial barrier function
Authors: Wu Richard Y. , Abdullah Majd , Määttänen Pekka , Pilar Ana Victoria C. , Scruten Erin , Johnson-Henry Kathene C. , Napper Scott , O’Brien Catherine , Jones Nicola L. , Sherman Philip M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPrebiotics are non-digestible oligosaccharides that promote the growth of beneficial gut microbes, but it is unclear whether they also have direct effects on the intestinal mucosal barrier. Here we demonstrate two commercial prebiotics, inulin and short-chain fructo-oligosaccharide (scFOS), when applied onto intestinal epithelia in the absence of microbes, directly promote barrier integrity to prevent pathogen-induced barrier disruptions. We further show that these effects involve the induction of select tight junction (TJ) proteins through a protein kinase C (PKC) δ-dependent mechanism. These results suggest that in the absence of microbiota, prebiotics can directly exert barrier protective effects by activating host cell signaling in the intestinal epithelium, which represents a novel alternative mechanism of action of prebiotics.
Using 13C isotopes to explore denitrification-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation in a paddy-peatland
Authors: Shi Yao , Wang Zhongqiang , He Chunguang , Zhang Xinyu , Sheng Lianxi , Ren Xiaodong 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPeatlands are organic-matter-rich but nitrogen-limited natural systems, the carbon/nitrogen (C/N) status of which are subject to increasing exposure from long-term nitrate (NO3−) fertilizer inputs and atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposits. To manage and protect these unique environments, an improved understanding of denitrification-dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (DAMO) in peatlands is needed. In this study, we used stable isotope measurements and incubation with NO3−additions to facilitate an investigation and comparison of the potential DAMO rates in a paddy-peatland that has been influenced by N fertilizer over 40 years and an undisturbed peatland in northeast China. Monitoring of13CO2production confimed DAMO did occur in both the paddy-peatland and the undisturbed peatland, the rates of which increased with NO3−additions, but decreased logarithmically with time. When NO3−was added, there were no significant differences between the CH4oxidation in the paddy-peatland and peatland samples after 36 hours of incubation (97.08vs. 143.69 nmol g−1dry peat) and the potential DAMO rate after incubation for 1 hour (92.53vs. 69.99 nmol g−1h−1). These results indicate that the occurrence of DAMO in peatlands might be controlled by the amount of NO3−applied and the depth to which it penetrates into the anoxic layer.
Dantrolene versus amiodarone for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomized, double-blinded experimental study
Authors: Wiesmann Thomas , Freitag Dennik , Dersch Wolfgang , Eschbach Daphne , Irqsusi Marc , Steinfeldt Thorsten , Wulf Hinnerk , Feldmann Carsten 
Published: January 2017

AbstractDantrolene was introduced for treatment of malignant hyperthermia. It also has antiarrhythmic properties and may thus be an alternative to amiodarone for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Aim of this study was to compare the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with dantrolene and amiodarone in a pig model of cardiac arrest. VF was induced in anesthetized pigs. After 8 min of untreated VF, chest compressions and ventilation were started and one of the drugs (amiodarone 5 mg kg−1, dantrolene 2.5 mg kg−1 or saline) was applied. After 4 min of initial CPR, defibrillation was attempted. ROSC rates, hemodynamics and cerebral perfusion measurements were measured. Initial ROSC rates were 7 of 14 animals in the dantrolene group vs. 5 of 14 for amiodarone, and 3 of 10 for saline). ROSC persisted for the 120 min follow-up in 6 animals in the dantrolene group, 4 after amiodarone and 2 in the saline group (n.s.). Hemodynamics were comparable in both dantrolene group amiodarone group after obtaining ROSC. Dantrolene and amiodarone had similar outcomes in our model of prolonged cardiac arrest, However, hemodynamic stability was not significantly improved using dantrolene. Dantrolene might be an alternative drug for resuscitation and should be further investigated.
Intrinsic Defects and H Doping in WO3
Authors: Zhu Jiajie , Vasilopoulou Maria , Davazoglou Dimitris , Kennou Stella , Chroneos Alexander , Schwingenschlögl Udo 
Published: January 2017

AbstractWO3 is widely used as industrial catalyst. Intrinsic and/or extrinsic defects can tune the electronic properties and extend applications to gas sensors and optoelectonics. However, H doping is a challenge to WO3, the relevant mechanisms being hardly understood. In this context, we investigate intrinsic defects and H doping by density functional theory and experiments. Formation energies are calculated to determine the lowest energy defect states. O vacancies turn out to be stable in O-poor environment, in agreement with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and O-H bond formation of H interstitial defects is predicted and confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Maternal cortisol stimulates neurogenesis and affects larval behaviour in zebrafish
Authors: Best Carol , Kurrasch Deborah M. , Vijayan Mathilakath M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractExcess glucocorticoid transferred from stressed mother to the embryo affects developing vertebrate offspring, but the underlying programming events are unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that increased zygotic glucocorticoid deposition, mimicking a maternal stress scenario, modifies early brain development and larval behaviour in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Cortisol was microinjected into the yolk at one cell-stage, to mimic maternal transfer, and the larvae [96 hours post-fertilization (hpf)] displayed increased activity in light and a reduction in thigmotaxis, a behavioural model for anxiety, suggesting an increased propensity for boldness. This cortisol-mediated behavioural phenotype corresponded with an increase in primary neurogenesis, as measured by incorporation of EdU at 24 hpf, in a region-specific manner in the preoptic region and the pallium, the teleostean homolog of the hippocampus. Also, cortisol increased the expression of the proneural geneneurod4, a marker of neurogenesis, in a region- and development-specific manner in the embryos. Altogether, excess zygotic cortisol, mimicking maternal stress, affects early brain development and behavioural phenotype in larval zebrafish. We propose a key role for cortisol in altering brain development leading to enhanced boldness, which may be beneficial in preparing the offspring to a stressful environment and enhancing fitness.
Use of Esophageal Hemoximetry to Assess the Effect of Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion on Gastrointestinal Oxygenation in Newborn Infants
Authors: Vora Farha , Gates Judy , Gerard Kimberley , Hanson Shawn , Applegate Richard , Blood Arlin 
Published: January 2017

Abstract
Objectives There are no widely accepted methods of continuously monitoring gut oxygenation in the newborn during packed red blood cell transfusion. We investigated the use of an orally inserted light spectroscopy probe to measure lower esophageal oxyhemoglobin saturations (eStO2) before, during, and after transfusion and made comparisons with abdominal near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) flow.
Study Design Thirteen neonates with corrected gestational ages ranging from 22 weeks, 0 day to 37 weeks, 5 days were enrolled. eStO2 and NIRS measurements were recorded continuously for a 25-hour period starting 1 hour prior to starting the 4-hour transfusion. Transabdominal ultrasound was used to measure SMA flow prior to, upon completion, and 20 hours after the transfusion.
Results Twelve infants completed the study. eStO2 was well-tolerated and was weakly (r = 0.06) correlated (p < 0.001) with NIRS. Compared with NIRS, eStO2 demonstrated a markedly greater variation in oxyhemoglobin values. NIRS and SMA flow measurements did not change, while eStO2 increased from 48 ± 5% and 45 ± 5% in the pre- and intratransfusion periods to 57 ± 4% in the posttransfusion period (p = 0.03).
Conclusion Measurement of eStO2 is feasible in neonates and may provide a continuous and sensitive index of rapid changes in mesenteric oxygenation in this patient population.
Einstellungsscreening zum pharmakologischen Neuroenhancement bei Studierenden
Authors: Ganz Thomas , Braun Michael , Laging Marion , Heidenreich Thomas 
Published: January 2017

ZusammenfassungDie zu einem pharmakologischen Neuroenhancement (pNE) eingenommenen Substanzen gehen mit gesundheitlichen Risiken und hohen Missbrauchs- und Abhängigkeitspotenzialen einher. Ziel der Analysen war die psychometrische Evaluation der neuen und bisher kaum evaluierten Neuro-Enhancement Attitude Scale (NEAS) mit Bezug auf eine tatsächliche pNE-Anwendung. Mittels einer querschnittlichen Online-Fragebogenstudie wurden Daten über eine studentische Stichprobe (n=787) erhoben und die Studienzeitprävalenz des pNE (3,4%; n=27) erfasst. Es zeigte sich, dass die NEAS über die Variablen Alter, Geschlecht, Konsum koffeinhaltiger Getränke und Alkohol hinaus einen signifikanten Anteil an der Varianz der pNE-Anwendung aufklärt. Die Definition eines Cut-off-Werts ist gegenwärtig zurückzuweisen und eine Weiterentwicklung der NEAS zu empfehlen. Die NEAS bietet eine wichtige Hilfestellung, um frühzeitig auf Präventionsbedarfe hinzuweisen und gezielte Präventionsmaßnahmen entwickeln zu können.