bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physical Sensing of Surface Properties by Microswimmers – Directing Bacterial Motion via Wall Slip
Authors: Hu Jinglei , Wysocki Adam , Winkler Roland G. , Gompper Gerhard 
Published: May 2015

AbstractBacteria such asEscherichia coliswim along circular trajectories adjacent to surfaces. Thereby, the orientation (clockwise, counterclockwise) and the curvature depend on the surface properties. We employ mesoscale hydrodynamic simulations of a mechano-elastic model ofE. coli, with a spherocylindrical body propelled by a bundle of rotating helical flagella, to study quantitatively the curvature of the appearing circular trajectories. We demonstrate that the cell is sensitive to nanoscale changes in the surface slip length. The results are employed to propose a novel approach to directing bacterial motion on striped surfaces with different slip lengths, which implies a transformation of the circular motion into a snaking motion along the stripe boundaries. The feasibility of this approach is demonstrated by a simulation of active Brownian rods, which also reveals a dependence of directional motion on the stripe width.
A terpenoid phytoalexin plays a role in basal defense of Nicotiana benthamiana against Potato virus X
Authors: Li Ran , Tee Chuan-Sia , Jiang Yu-Lin , Jiang Xi-Yuan , Venkatesh Prasanna Nori , Sarojam Rajani , Ye Jian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractTerpenoid phytoalexins function as defense compound against a broad spectrum of pathogens and pests in the plant kingdom. However, the role of phytoalexin in antiviral defense is still elusive. In this study, we identified the biosynthesis pathway of a sesquiterpenoid phytoalexin, capsidiol 3-acetate as an antiviral response against RNA virus Potato Virus X (PVX) in Nicotiana benthamiana. NbTPS1 and NbEAH genes were found strongly induced by PVX-infection. Enzymatic activity and genetic evidence indicated that both genes were involved in the PVX-induced biosynthesis of capsidiol 3-acetate. NbTPS1- or NbEAH-silenced plant was more susceptible to PVX. The accumulation of capsidiol 3-acetate in PVX-infected plant was partially regulated by jasmonic acid signaling receptor COI1. These findings provide an insight into a novel mechanism of how plant uses the basal arsenal machinery to mount a fight against virus attack even in susceptible species.
JBP485 promotes tear and mucin secretion in ocular surface epithelia
Authors: Nakamura Takahiro , Hata Yuiko , Nagata Maho , Yokoi Norihiko , Yamaguchi Shumpei , Kaku Taiichi , Kinoshita Shigeru 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDry eye syndrome (DES), a multifactorial disease of the tears and ocular surface, is one of the most common ocular disorders. Tear film contains ocular mucins and is essential for maintaining the homeostasis of the wet ocular surface. Since there are a limited number of clinical options for the treatment of DES, additional novel treatments are needed to improve the clinical results. In this study, we found that placental extract-derived dipeptide (JBP485) clearly promoted the expression and secretion of gel-forming mucin 5ac (Muc5ac) in rabbit conjunctival epithelium. JBP485 also elevated the expression level of cell surface-associated mucins (Muc1/4/16) in rabbit corneal epithelium. The Schirmer tear test results indicated that JBP485 induced tear secretion in the rabbit model. Moreover, JBP485 clinically improved corneal epithelial damage in a mouse dry eye model. Thus, our data indicate that JBP485 efficiently promoted mucin and aqueous tear secretion in rabbit ocular surface epithelium and has the potential to be used as a novel treatment for DES.
Reliable Attention Network Scores and Mutually Inhibited Inter-network Relationships Revealed by Mixed Design and Non-orthogonal Method
Authors: Wang Yi-Feng , Jing Xiu-Juan , Liu Feng , Li Mei-Ling , Long Zhi-Liang , Yan Jin H. , Chen Hua-Fu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe attention system can be divided into alerting, orienting and executive control networks. The efficiency and independence of attention networks have been widely tested with the attention network test (ANT) and its revised versions. However, many studies have failed to find effects of attention network scores (ANSs) and inter-network relationships (INRs). Moreover, the low reliability of ANSs can not meet the demands of theoretical and empirical investigations. Two methodological factors (the inter-trial influence in the event-related design and the inter-network interference in orthogonal contrast) may be responsible for the unreliability of ANT. In this study, we combined the mixed design and non-orthogonal method to explore ANSs and directional INRs. With a small number of trials, we obtained reliable and independent ANSs (split-half reliability of alerting: 0.684; orienting: 0.588; and executive control: 0.616), suggesting an individual and specific attention system. Furthermore, mutual inhibition was observed when two networks were operated simultaneously, indicating a differentiated but integrated attention system. Overall, the reliable and individual specific ANSs and mutually inhibited INRs provide novel insight into the understanding of the developmental, physiological and pathological mechanisms of attention networks and can benefit future experimental and clinical investigations of attention using ANT.
Indian Hedgehog signaling pathway members are associated with magnetic resonance imaging manifestations and pathological scores in lumbar facet joint osteoarthritis
Authors: Shuang Feng , Zhou Ying , Hou Shu-Xun , Zhu Jia-Liang , Liu Yan , Zhang Chun-Li , Tang Jia-Guang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIndian Hedgehog (HH) has been shown to be involved in osteoarthritis (OA) in articular joints, where there is evidence that Indian HH blockade could ameliorate OA. It seems to play a prominent role in development of the intervertebral disc (IVD) and in postnatal maintenance. There is little work on IHH in the IVD. Hence the aim of the current study was to investigate the role of Indian Hedgehog in the pathology of facet joint (FJ) OA. 24 patients diagnosed with lumbar intervertebral disk herniation or degenerative spinal stenosis were included. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) histopathology grading system was correlated to the mRNA levels of GLI1, PTCH1 and HHIP in the FJs. The Weishaupt grading and OARSI scores showed high positive correlation (r = 0.894) (P < 0.01). MRI Weishaupt grades showed positive correlation with GLI1 (r = 0.491), PTCH1 (r = 0.444) and HHIP (r = 0.654) mRNA levels (P < 0.05 in each case). OARSI scores were also positively correlated with GLI1 (r = 0. 646), PTCH1 (r = 0. 518) and HHIP (r = 0.762) mRNA levels (P < 0.01 in each case). Cumulatively our findings indicate that Indian HH signaling is increased in OA and is perhaps a key component in OA pathogenesis and progression.
Effect of uniaxial strain on the site occupancy of hydrogen in vanadium from density-functional calculations
Authors: Johansson Robert , Ahuja Rajeev , Eriksson Olle , Hjörvarsson Björgvin , Scheicher Ralph H. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe investigate the influence of uniaxial strain on the site occupancy of hydrogen in vanadium, using density functional theory. The site occupancy is found to be strongly influenced by the strain state of the lattice. The results provide the conceptual framework for the atomistic description of the observed hysteresis in the "Equation missing"to "Equation missing"phase transition in bulk, as well as the preferred octahedral occupancy of hydrogen in strained V layers.
The Role of Cyclooxygenase-2, Interleukin-1β and Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 in the Activation of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 in Sheared-Chondrocytes and Articular Cartilage
Authors: Guan Pei-Pei , Guo Jing-Wen , Yu Xin , Wang Yue , Wang Tao , Konstantopoulos Konstantinos , Wang Zhan-You , Wang Pu 
Published: May 2015

AbstractMMP-1 expression is detected in fluid shear stress (20 dyn/cm2)-activated and osteoarthritic human chondrocytes, however, the precise mechanisms underlying shear-induced MMP-1 synthesis remain unknown. Using primary chondrocytes and T/C-28a2 chondrocytic cells as model systems, we report that prolonged application of high fluid shear to human chondrocytes induced the synthesis of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), which led to a marked increase in MMP-1 expression. IL-1β, COX-2-dependent PGE2 activated the PI3-K/AKT and p38 signaling pathways, which were in turn responsible for MMP-1 synthesis via NF-κB- and c-Jun-transactivating pathways. Prolonged shear stress exposure (>12 h) induced 15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) synthesis. Although 15d-PGJ2 suppressed PI3-K/AKT and p38 signaling pathways, it stimulated MMP-1 expression via activating heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). The critical role of COX-2 in regulating MMP-1 expression in articular cartilage in vivo was demonstrated using COX-2+/− transgenic mice in the absence or presence of rofecoxib oral administration. These findings provide novel insights for developing therapeutic strategies to combat OA.
Is impaired response inhibition independent of symptom dimensions in obsessive-compulsive disorder? Evidence from ERPs
Authors: Lei Hui , Zhu Xiongzhao , Fan Jie , Dong Jiaojiao , Zhou Cheng , Zhang Xiaocui , Zhong Mingtian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractImpaired response inhibition has been consistently reported in patients diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This clinically heterogeneous disorder is characterized by several symptom dimensions that may have distinct, but partially overlapping, neural correlates. The present study examined whether alterations in response inhibition may be related to symptom severity and symptom dimensions. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded in a group of 42 medication-free OCD patients as well as 42 healthy controls during a stop-signal task. Symptom dimension scores were obtained using the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale symptom checklist. OCD patients showed longer stop-signal reaction times (SSRT, p < 0.01) and larger stop-N2 amplitudes (p < 0.01) compared to healthy controls. Neither the longer SSRT nor the larger stop-N2 scores were significantly correlated with symptom severity or present or lifetime OCD symptoms in OCD patients. These results indicate that deficient response inhibition is a common occurrence in OCD patients that is independent of global symptom severity and symptom dimensions. These data support the notion that impaired response inhibition may be a general attribute of patients with OCD.
Opening of triangular hole in triangular-shaped chemical vapor deposited hexagonal boron nitride crystal
Authors: Sharma Subash , Kalita Golap , Vishwakarma Riteshkumar , Zulkifli Zurita , Tanemura Masaki 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn-plane heterostructure of monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and graphene is of great interest for its tunable bandgap and other unique properties. Here, we reveal a H2-induced etching process to introduce triangular hole in triangular-shaped chemical vapor deposited individual h-BN crystal. In this study, we synthesized regular triangular-shaped h-BN crystals with the sizes around 2-10 μm on Cu foil by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The etching behavior of individual h-BN crystal was investigated by annealing at different temperature in an H2:Ar atmosphere. Annealing at 900 °C, etching of h-BN was observed from crystal edges with no visible etching at the center of individual crystals. While, annealing at a temperature ≥950 °C, highly anisotropic etching was observed, where the etched areas were equilateral triangle-shaped with same orientation as that of original h-BN crystal. The etching process and well-defined triangular hole formation can be significant platform to fabricate planar heterostructure with graphene or other two-dimensional (2D) materials.
A novel DNA sequence motif in human and mouse genomes
Authors: Zhang Shilu , Du Fang , Ji Hongkai 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe report a novel DNA sequence motif in human and mouse genomes. This motif has several interesting features indicating that it is highly likely to be an unknown functional sequence element. The motif is highly enriched in promoter regions. Locations of the motif sites in the genome have strong tendency to be clustered together. Motif sites are associated with increased phylogenetic conservation as well as elevated DNase I hypersensitivity (DHS) in ENCODE cell lines. Clustered motif sites are found in promoter regions of a substantial fraction of the protein-coding genes in the genome. All together, these indicate that the motif may have important functions associated with a large number of genes.
Bioinformatical Analysis of the Sequences, Structures and Functions of Fungal Polyketide Synthase Product Template Domains
Authors: Liu Lu , Zhang Zheng , Shao Chang-Lun , Wang Jin-Lan , Bai Hong , Wang Chang-Yun 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe product template (PT) domains, specifically in fungal non-reducing polyketide synthases (NR-PKSs), mediate the regioselective cyclization of polyketides dominating the final structures. However, up to date, the systematic knowledge about PT domains has been insufficient. In present study, the relationships between sequences, structures and functions of the PT domains were analyzed with 661 NR-PKS sequences. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, the PT domains were classified into prominent eight groups (I–VIII) corresponding with the representative compounds and cyclization regioselectivity (C2-C7, C4-C9 and C6-C11). Most of the cavity lining residue (CLR) sites in all groups were common, while the regional CLR site mutations resulted in the appearance of finger-like regions with different orientation. The cavity volumes and shapes, even the catalytic dyad positions of PT domains in different groups were corresponding with characteristic cyclization regioselectivity and compound sizes. The conservative residues in PT sequences were responsible for the cyclization functions and the evolution of the key residues resulted in the differentiations of cyclization functions. The above findings may help to better understand the cyclization mechanisms of PT domains and even predict the structural types of the aromatic polyketide products.
Comparison of nedaplatin-based versus cisplatin-based chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer among East Asian populations: A meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Yun , Yu Shaorong , Liu Siwen , Cao Haixia , Ma Rong , Wu Jianzhong , Feng Jifeng 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWhether nedaplatin and cisplatin are equally effective for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains uncertain. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis of trials to compare nedaplatin-based chemotherapy with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. We conducted a literature search to identify trials that had investigated the substitution of nedaplatin for cisplatin in the treatment of advanced NSCLC. Fourteen randomized controlled trials were included. We found equivalent overall response, overall survival and survival probability (0.5-year, 1-year). Considering the toxicity profiles, nausea and vomiting were common in the cisplatin group (OR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.20–0.40, P < 0.001), whereas severe thrombocytopenia was common in the nedaplatin group (OR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.18–2.40, P = 0.005). A subgroup analysis of grades 1–4 nephrotoxicity showed that cisplatin-based chemotherapy resulted in more renal toxicity (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.24–0.68, P = 0.001). No significant heterogeneity and publication bias were observed. Cumulative analysis found a stable time-dependent trend. Consistent results stratified by age, regimen and country were observed. Cisplatin-based chemotherapy was associated with non-inferior antitumor efficacy compared with nedaplatin-based therapy. Therefore, the toxicity profile might play an important role in choosing between cisplatin-based or nedaplatin-based regimens.
The Epidemiological Study of Coxsackievirus A6 revealing Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease Epidemic patterns in Guangdong, China
Authors: Zeng Hanri , Lu Jing , Zheng Huanying , Yi Lina , Guo Xue , Liu Leng , Rutherford Shannon , Sun Limei , Tan Xiaohua , Li Hui , Ke Changwen , Lin Jinyan 
Published: May 2015

AbstractEnterovirus A71 (EVA71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) are regarded as the two major causative pathogens in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics. However, CVA6, previously largely ignored, became the predominant pathogen in China in 2013. In this study, we describe the epidemiological trendsofCVA6 during the annual HFMD outbreaks from 2008 to 2013 in Guangdong, China. The study results show that CVA6 has been one of three major causative agents of HFMD epidemics since 2009. The periodic rotation and dominance of the three pathogens, EVA71, CVA16 and CVA6, may have contributed to the continuously increasing HFMD epidemics. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis of the VP1 gene shows that major circulating CVA6 strains collected from 2009 to 2013 are distinct from the earlier strains collected before 2009. In conclusion, the discovery from this research investigating epidemiological trends of CVA6 from 2008 to 2013 explains the possible pattern of the continuous HFMD epidemic in China. The etiological change pattern also highlights the need for improvement for pathogen surveillance and vaccine strategies for HFMD control in China.
Oligonucleotide Probes for ND-FISH Analysis to Identify Rye and Wheat Chromosomes
Authors: Fu Shulan , Chen Lei , Wang Yangyang , Li Meng , Yang Zujun , Qiu Ling , Yan Benju , Ren Zhenglong , Tang Zongxiang 
Published: May 2015

AbstractGenomic in situ hybridization (GISH) has been widely used to detect rye (Secale cereale L.) chromosomes in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) introgression lines. The routine procedure of GISH using genomic DNA of rye as a probe is time-consuming and labor-intensive because of the preparation and labeling of genomic DNA of rye and denaturing of chromosomes and probes. In this study, new oligonucleotide probes Oligo-1162, Oligo-pSc200 and Oligo-pSc250 were developed. The three new probes can be used for non-denaturing fluorescence in situ hybridization (ND-FISH) assays and replace genomic DNA of rye as a probe to discriminate rye chromosomes in wheat backgrounds. In addition, previously developed oligonucleotide probes Oligo-pSc119.2-1, Oligo-pSc119.2-2, Oligo-pTa535-1, Oligo-pTa535-2, Oligo-pTa71-2, Oligo-pAWRC.1 and Oligo-CCS1 can also be used for ND-FISH of wheat and rye. These probes have provided an easier, faster and more cost-effective method for the FISH analysis of wheat and hybrids derived from wheat × rye.
Enhanced sunlight photocatalytic activity of Ag3PO4 decorated novel combustion synthesis derived TiO2 nanobelts for dye and bacterial degradation
Authors: Eswar Neerugatti KrishnaRao , Ramamurthy Praveen Chandrashekarapura , Madras Giridhar 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
This study demonstrates the synthesis of TiO2 nanobelts using solution combustion derived TiO2 with enhanced photocatalytic activity for dye degradation and bacterial inactivation. Hydrothermal treatment of combustion synthesized TiO2 resulted in unique partially etched TiO2 nanobelts and Ag3PO4 was decorated using the co-precipitation method. The catalyst particles were characterized using X-ray diffraction analysis, BET surface area analysis, diffuse reflectance and electron microscopy. The photocatalytic properties of the composites of Ag3PO4 with pristine combustion synthesized TiO2 and commercial TiO2 under sunlight were compared. Therefore the studies conducted proved that the novel Ag3PO4/unique combustion synthesis derived TiO2 nanobelt composites exhibited extended light absorption, better charge transfer mechanism and higher generation of hydroxyl and hole radicals. These properties resulted in enhanced photodegradation of dyes and bacteria when compared to the commercial TiO2 nanocomposite. These findings have important implications in designing new photocatalysts for water purification.
Functional role of histone variant Htz1 in the stress response to oleate in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Liu Hongde , Li Guanghui , Liu Lingjie , Wan Yakun 
Published: May 2015

Chromatin structure is implicated in regulating gene transcription in stress response. Transcription factors, transferases and deacetylases, such as multicopy suppressor of SNF1 protein 2 (Msn2), SET domain-containing protein 1 (Set1) and sucrose NonFermenting protein 1 (Snf1), have been identified as key regulators in stress response. In the present study, we reported the dynamics of nucleosome occupancy, Histone Two A Z1 (Htz1) deposition and histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation (H3K4me2) and histone H3 lysine 79 trimethylation (H3K79me3) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae under oleate stress. Our results indicated that citrate cycle-associated genes are enhanced and ribosome genes are repressed during the glucose-oleate shift. Importantly, Htz1 acts as a sensor for oleate stress. High-throughput ChIP-chip analysis showed that Htz1 has redistributed across the genome during oleate stress. The number of Htz1-bound genes increases with stress and the number of Htz1-bound ribosome genes decreases with stress. The dynamics of Htz1 and H3K79me3 around transcription factor-binding sites correlate with transcriptional changes. Moreover, we found that nucleosome dynamics are coupled with Htz1 binding changes upon stress. In unstressed conditions (2% glucose), nucleosome occupancy is comparable between Htz1-bound genes and Htz1-depleted genes; in stressed conditions (0.2% oleate for 8 h), the nucleosome occupancy of Htz1-depleted genes is significantly lower than that of Htz1-bound genes. We also found that Msn2 acts an important role in response to the oleate stress and Htz1 is dynamic in Msn2-target genes. Htz1 senses the oleate stress and undergoes a global redistribution and this change couples dynamics of nucleosome occupancy. Our analysis suggests that Htz1 and nucleosome dynamics change in response to oleate stress.
Quantifying urban economic resilience through labour force interdependence
Authors: Shutters Shade T , Muneepeerakul Rachata , Lobo José 
Published: May 2015

AbstractResilience is increasing rapidly as a framework to understand and manage coupled human–natural systems. Yet the concept of resilience is rarely quantified. Here we quantify system resilience by operationalizing the notion of system tightness. Multiple resilience frameworks recognize the strong relationship between system tightness and resilience, though they differ on the directionality of that relationship. Thus, by measuring the system tightness we ultimately measure urban economic resilience, with the added benefit of empirically determining the directionality of the relationship between tightness and resilience. We then assess how well this measure predicts the response of urban economies to the recent so-called Great Recession. Results show that cities with lower tightness (higher resilience) fared better during the recession with respect to several economic productivity measures. However, in the absence of shocks, those with higher tightness (lower resilience) exhibit superior economic performance. Thus, a tradeoff between efficiency and resilience is nicely reflected in the empirical data. Although this study deals with economic shocks, quantitative metrics based on its methodology may help anticipate a city’s response to shocks more generally, such as natural disasters, climate change, social unrest or significant policy shifts.