bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metabotropic GABA signalling modulates longevity in C. elegans
Authors: Chun Lei , Gong Jianke , Yuan Fengling , Zhang Bi , Liu Hongkang , Zheng Tianlin , Yu Teng , Xu X. Z. Shawn , Liu Jianfeng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe nervous system plays an important but poorly understood role in modulating longevity. GABA, a prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter, is best known to regulate nervous system function and behaviour in diverse organisms. Whether GABA signalling affects aging, however, has not been explored. Here we examined mutants lacking each of the major neurotransmitters in C. elegans, and find that deficiency in GABA signalling extends lifespan. This pro-longevity effect is mediated by the metabotropic GABAB receptor GBB-1, but not ionotropic GABAA receptors. GBB-1 regulates lifespan through G protein-PLCβ signalling, which transmits longevity signals to the transcription factor DAF-16/FOXO, a key regulator of lifespan. Mammalian GABAB receptors can functionally substitute for GBB-1 in lifespan control in C. elegans. Our results uncover a new role of GABA signalling in lifespan regulation in C. elegans, raising the possibility that a similar process may occur in other organisms.
Biomarker- and similarity coefficient-based approaches to bacterial mixture characterization using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)
Authors: Zhang Lin , Smart Sonja , Sandrin Todd R 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMALDI-TOF MS profiling has been shown to be a rapid and reliable method to characterize pure cultures of bacteria. Currently, there is keen interest in using this technique to identify bacteria in mixtures. Promising results have been reported with two- or three-isolate model systems using biomarker-based approaches. In this work, we applied MALDI-TOF MS-based methods to a more complex model mixture containing six bacteria. We employed: 1) a biomarker-based approach that has previously been shown to be useful in identification of individual bacteria in pure cultures and simple mixtures and 2) a similarity coefficient-based approach that is routinely and nearly exclusively applied to identification of individual bacteria in pure cultures. Both strategies were developed and evaluated using blind-coded mixtures. With regard to the biomarker-based approach, results showed that most peaks in mixture spectra could be assigned to those found in spectra of each component bacterium; however, peaks shared by two isolates as well as peaks that could not be assigned to any individual component isolate were observed. For two-isolate blind-coded samples, bacteria were correctly identified using both similarity coefficient- and biomarker-based strategies, while for blind-coded samples containing more than two isolates, bacteria were more effectively identified using a biomarker-based strategy.
Targeting the Nuclear Export Protein XPO1/CRM1 Reverses Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition
Authors: Azmi Asfar S. , Muqbil Irfana , Wu Jack , Aboukameel Amro , Senapedis William , Baloglu Erkan , Bollig-Fischer Aliccia , Dyson Gregory , Kauffman Michael , Landesman Yosef , Shacham Sharon , Philip Philip A. , Mohammad Ramzi M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHere we demonstrate for the first time that targeted inhibition of nuclear exporter protein exportin 1 (XPO1) also known as chromosome maintenance region 1 (CRM1) by Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export (SINE) compounds results in reversal of EMT in snail-transduced primary human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). SINE compounds selinexor (KPT-330) and KPT-185, leptomycin B (LMB as +ve control) but not KPT-301 (–ve control) reverse EMT, suppress mesenchymal markers and consequently induce growth inhibition, apoptosis and prevent spheroid formation. SINE treatment resulted in nuclear retention of snail regulator FBXL5 that was concurrent with suppression of snail and down-regulation of mesenchymal markers. FBXL5 siRNA or transfection with cys528 mut-Xpo1 (lacking SINE binding site) markedly abrogated SINE activity highlighting an XPO1 and FBXL5 mediated mechanism of action. Silencing XPO1 or snail caused re-expression of FBXL5 as well as EMT reversal. Pathway analysis on SINE treated HMECs further verified the involvement of additional F-Box family proteins and confirmed the suppression of snail network. Oral administration of selinexor (15 mg/kg p.o. QoDx3/week for 3weeks) resulted in complete cures (no tumor rebound at 120 days) of HMLER-Snail xenografts. These findings raise the unique possibility of blocking EMT at the nuclear pore.
Modification of sperm morphology during long-term sperm storage in the reproductive tract of the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Zhang Linli , Yang Ping , Bian Xunguang , Zhang Qian , Ullah Shakeeb , Waqas Yasir , Chen Xiaowu , Liu Yi , Chen Wei , Le Yuan , Chen Bing , Wang Shuai , Chen Qiusheng 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSperm storagein vivoextends the time window for fertilisation in several animal species, from a few days to several years. The underlying storage mechanisms, however, are largely unknown. In this study, spermatozoa from the epididymis and oviduct of Chinese soft-shelled turtles were investigated to identify potentially relevant morphological features and transformations at different stages of sperm storage. Large cytoplasmic droplets (CDs) containing lipid droplets (LDs) were attached to the midpiece of most spermatozoa in the epididymis, without migrating down the sperm tail. However, they were absent from the oviductal spermatozoa, suggesting that CDs with LDs may be a source of endogenous energy for epididymal spermatozoa. The onion-like mitochondria recovered their double-membrane morphology, with typical cristae, within the oviduct at a later stage of storage, thus implying that mitochondrial metabolism undergoes alterations during storage. Furthermore, a well developed fibrous sheath on the long principal piece was the integrating ultrastructure for glycolytic enzymes and substrates. These novel morphological characteristics may allow turtle spermatozoa to use diverse energy metabolism pathways at different stages of storage.
Bio-inspired Construction of Advanced Fuel Cell Cathode with Pt Anchored in Ordered Hybrid Polymer Matrix
Authors: Xia Zhangxun , Wang Suli , Jiang Luhua , Sun Hai , Liu Shuang , Fu Xudong , Zhang Bingsen , Sheng Su Dang , Wang Jianqiang , Sun Gongquan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe significant use of platinum for catalyzing the cathodic oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) has hampered the widespread use of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The construction of well-defined electrode architecture in nanoscale with enhanced utilization and catalytic performance of Pt might be a promising approach to address such barrier. Inspired by the highly efficient catalytic processes in enzymes with active centers embedded in charge transport pathways, here we demonstrate for the first time a design that allocates platinum nanoparticles (Pt NPs) at the boundaries with dual-functions of conducting both electrons by aid of polypyrrole and protons via Nafion® ionomer within hierarchical nanoarrays. By mimicking enzymes functionally, an impressive ORR activity and stability is achieved. Using this brand new electrode architecture as the cathode and the anode of a PEMFC, a high mass specific power density of 5.23 W mg−1Pt is achieved, with remarkable durability. These improvements are ascribed to not only the electron decoration and the anchoring effects from the Nafion® ionomer decorated PPy substrate to the supported Pt NPs, but also the fast charge and mass transport facilitated by the electron and proton pathways within the electrode architecture.
Mesoporous gold sponges: electric charge-assisted seed mediated synthesis and application as surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates
Authors: Yi Zao , Luo Jiangshan , Tan Xiulan , Yi Yong , Yao Weitang , Kang Xiaoli , Ye Xin , Zhu Wenkun , Duan Tao , Yi Yougen , Tang Yongjian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMesoporous gold sponges were prepared using 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP)-stabilized Au seeds. This is a general process, which involves a simple template-free method, room temperature reduction of HAuCl4·4H2O with hydroxylamine. The formation process of mesoporous gold sponges could be accounted for the electrostatic interaction (the small Au nanoparticles (~3 nm) and the positively charged DMAP-stabilized Au seeds) and Ostwald ripening process. The mesoporous gold sponges had appeared to undergo electrostatic adsorption initially, sequentially linear aggregation, welding and Ostwald ripening, then, they randomly cross link into self-supporting, three-dimensional networks with time. The mesoporous gold sponges exhibit higher surface area than the literature. In addition, application of the spongelike networks as an active material for surface-enhanced Raman scattering has been investigated by employing 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) molecules as a probe.
Long-term moderate treadmill exercise promotes stress-coping strategies in male and female rats
Authors: Lalanza Jaume F. , Sanchez-Roige Sandra , Cigarroa Igor , Gagliano Humberto , Fuentes Silvia , Armario Antonio , Capdevila Lluís , Escorihuela Rosa M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRecent evidence has revealed the impact of exercise in alleviating anxiety and mood disorders; however, the exercise protocol that exerts such benefit is far from known. The current study was aimed to assess the effects of long-term moderate exercise on behavioural coping strategies (active vs. passive) and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal response in rats. Sprague-Dawley male and female rats were exposed to 32-weeks of treadmill exercise and then tested for two-way active avoidance learning (shuttle-box). Two groups were used as controls: a non-handled sedentary group, receiving no manipulation and a control group exposed to a stationary treadmill. Female rats displayed shorter escape responses and higher number of avoidance responses, reaching criterion for performance earlier than male rats. In both sexes, exercise shortened escape latencies, increased the total number of avoidances and diminished the number of trials needed to reach criterion for performance. Those effects were greater during acquisition in female rats, but remained over the shuttle-box sessions in treadmill trained male rats. In females, exercise did not change ACTH and corticosterone levels after shuttle-box acquisition. Collectively, treadmill exercise improved active coping strategies in a sex-dependent manner. In a broader context, moderate exercise could serve as a therapeutic intervention for anxiety and mood disorders.
The spatial distribution, accumulation and potential source of seldom monitored trace elements in sediments of Three Gorges Reservoir, China
Authors: Han Lanfang , Gao Bo , Zhou Huaidong , Xu Dongyu , Wei Xin , Gao Li 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe alteration of hydrologic condition of Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) after impoundment has caused numerous environmental changes. This study investigated the distribution, accumulation and potential sources of the seldom monitored trace elements (SMTEs) in sediments from three tributaries (ZY, MX and CT) and one mainstream (CJ) in TGR during different seasons. The average contents of most SMTEs excluding Sb in the winter were similar to that in the summer. For Sb, its average concentrations in the summer and winter were roughly six and three times higher than its background value, respectively. Contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) demonstrated that most of the sediments were obviously contaminated by Sb. The enrichment factors (EF) of Ga and Sb were higher than 2.0, revealing the possible anthropogenic inputs; However, the EFs of other SMTEs were lower than 1.5, indicating the natural inputs. Correlation and principal component analysis suggested the most SMTEs were positively correlated with major elements (Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) and clay contents, which implies that SMTEs had the same sources with these major metals and the fine particles might be a major carrier for transporting SMTEs from the rivers to the TGR.
The functional gene composition and metabolic potential of coral-associated microbial communities
Authors: Zhang Yanying , Ling Juan , Yang Qingsong , Wen Chongqing , Yan Qingyun , Sun Hongyan , Van Nostrand Joy D. , Shi Zhou , Zhou Jizhong , Dong Junde 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe phylogenetic diversity of coral-associated microbes has been extensively examined, but some contention remains regarding whether coral-associated microbial communities are species-specific or site-specific. It is suggested that corals may associate with microbes in terms of function, although little is known about the differences in coral-associated microbial functional gene composition and metabolic potential among coral species. Here, 16S rRNA Illumina sequencing and functional gene array (GeoChip 5.0) were used to assess coral-associated microbial communities. Our results indicate that both host species and environmental variables significantly correlate with shifts in the microbial community structure and functional potential. Functional genes related to key biogeochemical cycles including carbon, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus cycling, metal homeostasis, organic remediation, antibiotic resistance and secondary metabolism were shown to significantly vary between and among the four study corals (Galaxea astreata, Porites lutea, Porites andrewsi and Pavona decussata). Genes specific for anammox were also detected for the first time in the coral holobiont and positively correlated with ammonium. This study reveals that variability in the functional potential of coral-associated microbial communities is largely driven by changes in environmental factors and further demonstrates the importance of linking environmental parameters with genomic data in complex environmental systems.
Venous Endothelial Marker COUP-TFII Regulates the Distinct Pathologic Potentials of Adult Arteries and Veins
Authors: Cui Xiaofeng , Lu Yao Wei , Lee Vivian , Kim Diana , Dorsey Taylor , Wang Qingjie , Lee Young , Vincent Peter , Schwarz John , Dai Guohao 
Published: November 2015

AbstractArteries and veins have very different susceptibility to certain vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular calcification. The molecular mechanisms of these differences are not fully understood. In this study, we discovered that COUP-TFII, a transcription factor critical for establishing the venous identity during embryonic vascular development, also regulates the pathophysiological functions of adult blood vessels, especially those directly related to vascular diseases. Specifically, we found that suppression of COUP-TFII in venous ECs switched its phenotype toward pro-atherogenic by up-regulating the expression of inflammatory genes and down-regulating anti-thrombotic genes. ECs with COUP-TFII knockdown also readily undergo endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndoMT) and subsequent osteogenic differentiation with dramatically increased osteogenic transcriptional program and calcium deposition. Consistently, over-expression of COUP-TFII led to the completely opposite effects. In vivo validation of these pro-atherogenic and osteogenic genes also demonstrates a broad consistent differential expression pattern in mouse aorta vs. vena cava ECs, which cannot be explained by the difference in hemodynamic flow. These data reveal phenotypic modulation by different levels of COUP-TFII in arterial and venous ECs and suggest COUP-TFII may play an important role in the different susceptibilities of arteries and veins to vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and vascular calcification.
Barnyard grasses were processed with rice around 10000 years ago
Authors: Yang Xiaoyan , Fuller Dorian Q , Huan Xiujia , Perry Linda , Li Quan , Li Zhao , Zhang Jianping , Ma Zhikun , Zhuang Yijie , Jiang Leping , Ge Yong , Lu Houyuan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRice (Oryza sativa) is regarded as the only grass that was selected for cultivation and eventual domestication in the Yangtze basin of China. Although both macro-fossils and micro-fossils of rice have been recovered from the Early Neolithic site of Shangshan, dating to more than 10,000 years before present (BP), we report evidence of phytolith and starch microfossils taken from stone tools, both for grinding and cutting and cultural layers, that indicating barnyard grass (Echinochloaspp.) was a major subsistence resource, alongside smaller quantities of acorn starches (Lithocarpus/Quercus sensu lato) and water chestnuts (Trapa). This evidence suggests that early managed wetland environments were initially harvested for multiple grain species including barnyard grasses as well as rice and indicate that the emergence of rice as the favoured cultivated grass and ultimately the key domesticate of the Yangtze basin was a protracted process.
Targeting HER-3 to elicit antitumor helper T cells against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kumai Takumi , Ohkuri Takayuki , Nagato Toshihiro , Matsuda Yoshinari , Oikawa Kensuke , Aoki Naoko , Kimura Shoji , Celis Esteban , Harabuchi Yasuaki , Kobayashi Hiroya 
Published: November 2015

AbstractHER-3 expression has been reported to act as an important oncoprotein in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This protein is known to control tumor proliferation and acquisition of resistance by tumor cells towards EGFR inhibitors, therefore, development of a HER-3-targeted therapy is desirable. In this study, we found that HER-3 expression on tumor cells was increased after EGFR inhibition. To establish a novel therapeutic approach for HER-3-positive head and neck carcinoma, we identified a HER-3 helper epitope that could elicit effective helper T cell responses to the naturally processed HER-3-derived epitope presented in a HER-3 expressing tumors. This epitope induced potent cytolytic activity of CD4 T cells against such tumor cells. Moreover, pan HER-family tyrosine kinase inhibitor augmented the responses of HER-3-reactive CD4 T cells via upregulation of HLA-DR protein on the surface of tumor cells. Our results supports the validity of CD4 T cell-dependent HER-3-targeted therapy combined with a broad inhibitor of HER-family.
N-acetylcysteine inhibits in vivo oxidation of native low-density lipoprotein
Authors: Cui Yuqi , Narasimhulu Chandrakala A. , Liu Lingjuan , Zhang Qingbin , Liu Patrick Z. , Li Xin , Xiao Yuan , Zhang Jia , Hao Hong , Xie Xiaoyun , He Guanglong , Cui Lianqun , Parthasarathy Sampath , Liu Zhenguo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLow-density lipoprotein (LDL) is non-atherogenic, while oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) is critical to atherosclerosis. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has anti-atherosclerotic effect with largely unknown mechanisms. The present study aimed to determine if NAC could attenuate in vivo LDL oxidation and inhibit atherosclerosis. A single dose of human native LDL was injected intravenously into male C57BL/6 mice with and without NAC treatment. Serum human ox-LDL was detected 30 min after injection, reached the peak in 3 hours and became undetectable in 12 hours. NAC treatment significantly reduced serum ox-LDL level without detectable serum ox-LDL 6 hours after LDL injection. No difference in ox-LDL clearance was observed in NAC-treated animals. NAC treatment also significantly decreased serum ox-LDL level in patients with coronary artery diseases and hyperlipidemia without effect on LDL level. Intracellular and extracellular reactive oxidative species (ROS) production was significantly increased in the animals treated with native LDL, or ox-LDL and in hyperlipidemic LDL receptor knockout (LDLR−/−) mice that was effectively prevented with NAC treatment. NAC also significantly reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in hyperlipidemic LDLR−/− mice. NAC attenuated in vivo oxidation of native LDL and ROS formation from ox-LDL associated with decreased atherosclerotic plaque formation in hyperlipidemia.
Pathogenesis of solute-free water retention in experimental ascitic cirrhosis: is vasopressin the only culprit?
Authors: Sansoè Giovanni , Aragno Manuela , Mastrocola Raffaella , Parola Maurizio 
Published: October 2015

Catecholamines trigger proximal tubular fluid retention and reduce renal excretion of solute-free water. In advanced cirrhosis, non-osmotic hypersecretion of vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone or ADH) is considered the cause of dilutional hyponatraemia, but ADH V2 receptor antagonists are not beneficial in long-term treatment of ascites. To test the hypothesis that water retention in experimental ascitic cirrhosis might depend primarily on adrenergic hyper-function, hormonal status, renal function and tubular free-water reabsorption (TFWR) were assessed in six groups of rats with ascitic cirrhosis: rats with cirrhosis due to 13-week CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride) administration (group G1); cirrhotic rats receiving daily diuretics (0.5 mg/kg furosemide plus 2 mg/kg K+-canrenoate) from the 11th to the 13th week of CCl4 (G2), diuretics associated with guanfacine oral prodrug (α2A-adrenergic receptor agonist and sympatholytic agent) at 2 (G3), 7 (G4) or 10 (G5) mg/kg, or with SSP-004240F1 (V2 receptor antagonist) at 1 mg/kg (G6). Natriuresis was lower in G1 than in G2, G4 and G6 (all P&lt;0.05). Guanfacine, added to diuretics (i.e. G3 compared with G2), reduced serum noradrenaline from 423±22 to 211±41 ng/l (P&lt;0.05), plasma renin activity (PRA) from 35±8 to 9±2 ng/ml/h (P&lt;0.05) and TFWR from 45±8 to 20±6 μl/min (P&lt;0.01). TFWR correlated with plasma aldosterone (r=0.51, P&lt;0.01) and urinary potassium excretion (r=0.90, P&lt;0.001). In ascitic cirrhosis, reduced volaemia, use of diuretics (especially furosemide) and adrenergic hyper-function cause tubular retention of water. Suitable doses of sympatholytic agents are effective aquaretics.
Directional dual‐band slotted semi‐circular inverted‐F antenna for WLAN applications
Authors: Chen Wei , Yin Jungang , Li Meiju , Li Fuhai , Yang Jian 
Published: October 2015

A simple and compact directional dual‐band semi‐circular inverted‐F antenna for wireless local area network applications is reported. Two pairs of semi‐circular slots as well as a pair of arms are employed to generate the dual resonances in the 2.4–2.48 and 5.2–5.8 GHz bands. The measured results show that the proposed antenna can provide two 10 dB impedance bandwidths of 160 MHz (2.40–2.56 GHz) and 900 MHz (4.95–5.85 GHz). Nearly constant directivities (about 4.7 dBi) are observed in the lower band, while directivities in the upper band vary between 6.3 and 8.6 dBi.
Improved high‐frequency output equivalent circuit modelling for MOSFETs
Authors: Hong Seoyoung , Lee Seonghearn 
Published: October 2015

An improved MOSFET output equivalent circuit model is proposed to greatly reduce the Y22‐parameter error of a conventional one in the high‐frequency range more than 10 GHz. In this model, a new parallel RC network is connected in series with the drain–source capacitance to model the ac current crowding phenomenon due to the vertically distributed RC effect in the saturation region. Its accuracy is clearly validated by finding much better agreement up to 40 GHz between measured and modelled Y22‐parameter than the conventional one.
Two‐step multi‐stage incremental ADC
Authors: Chen Chia‐Hung , Zhang Yi , He Tao , Temes Gabor C. 
Published: October 2015

Multi‐stage noise‐shaping (MASH) is a useful technique for the design of stable high‐order ΔΣ modulators. A two‐step MASH incremental ADC (IADC) is proposed. In the first step it performs a third‐order coarse quantisation. Using the same hardware, in the second step the circuit performs fine quantisation as a second‐order IADC. Thus, it achieves fifth‐order noise shaping with only three amplifiers. For an oversampling ratio OSR = 32, the signal‐to‐noise ratio can be boosted by about 30 dB. The scheme is suitable for wide bandwidth applications.