bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detecting transmission areas of malaria parasites in a migratory bird species
Authors: GARCIA-LONGORIA LUZ , HELLGREN OLOF , BENSCH STAFFAN , DE LOPE FLORENTINO , MARZAL ALFONSO 
Published: May 2015

SUMMARYThe identification of the regions where vector-borne diseases are transmitted is essential to study transmission patterns and to recognize future changes in environmental conditions that may potentially influence the transmission areas. SGS1, one of the lineages ofPlasmodium relictum, is known to have active transmission in tropical Africa and temperate regions of Europe. Nuclear sequence data from isolates infected with SGS1 (based on merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1) allelic diversity) have provided new insights on the distribution and transmission areas of these allelic variants. For example, MSP1 alleles transmitted in Africa differ from those transmitted in Europe, suggesting the existence of two populations of SGS1 lineages. However, no study has analysed the distribution of African and European transmitted alleles in Afro-Palearctic migratory birds. With this aim, we used a highly variable molecular marker to investigate whether juvenile house martins become infected in Europe before their first migration to Africa. We explored the MSP1 allelic diversity ofP. relictumin adult and juvenile house martins. We found that juveniles were infected with SGS1 during their first weeks of life, confirming active transmission of SGS1 to house martins in Europe. Moreover, we found that all the juveniles and most of adults were infected with one European transmitted MSP1 allele, whereas two adult birds were infected with two African transmitted MSP1 alleles. These findings suggest that house martins are exposed to different strains ofP. relictumin their winter and breeding quarters.
Chip-based analysis of exosomal mRNA mediating drug resistance in glioblastoma
Authors: Shao Huilin , Chung Jaehoon , Lee Kyungheon , Balaj Leonora , Min Changwook , Carter Bob S. , Hochberg Fred H. , Breakefield Xandra O. , Lee Hakho , Weissleder Ralph 
Published: May 2015

AbstractReal-time monitoring of drug efficacy in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a major clinical problem as serial re-biopsy of primary tumours is often not a clinical option. MGMT (O6-methylguanine DNA methyltransferase) and APNG (alkylpurine-DNA-N-glycosylase) are key enzymes capable of repairing temozolomide-induced DNA damages and their levels in tissue are inversely related to treatment efficacy. Yet, serial clinical analysis remains difficult, and, when done, primarily relies on promoter methylation studies of tumour biopsy material at the time of initial surgery. Here we present a microfluidic chip to analyse mRNA levels of MGMT and APNG in enriched tumour exosomes obtained from blood. We show that exosomal mRNA levels of these enzymes correlate well with levels found in parental cells and that levels change considerably during treatment of seven patients. We propose that if validated on a larger cohort of patients, the method may be used to predict drug response in GBM patients.
Molecular mechanism for USP7-mediated DNMT1 stabilization by acetylation
Authors: Cheng Jingdong , Yang Huirong , Fang Jian , Ma Lixiang , Gong Rui , Wang Ping , Li Ze , Xu Yanhui 
Published: May 2015

AbstractDNMT1 is an important epigenetic regulator that plays a key role in the maintenance of DNA methylation. Here we determined the crystal structure of DNMT1 in complex with USP7 at 2.9 Å resolution. The interaction between the two proteins is primarily mediated by an acidic pocket in USP7 and Lysine residues within DNMT1’s KG linker. This intermolecular interaction is required for USP7-mediated stabilization of DNMT1. Acetylation of the KG linker Lysine residues impair DNMT1–USP7 interaction and promote the degradation of DNMT1. Treatment with HDAC inhibitors results in an increase in acetylated DNMT1 and decreased total DNMT1 protein. This negative correlation is observed in differentiated neuronal cells and pancreatic cancer cells. Our studies reveal that USP7-mediated stabilization of DNMT1 is regulated by acetylation and provide a structural basis for the design of inhibitors, targeting the DNMT1–USP7 interaction surface for therapeutic applications.
Quantification of thickness and wrinkling of exfoliated two-dimensional zeolite nanosheets
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Agrawal Kumar Varoon , Tsapatsis Michael , Mkhoyan K. Andre 
Published: May 2015

AbstractSome two-dimensional (2D) exfoliated zeolites are single- or near single-unit cell thick silicates that can function as molecular sieves. Although they have already found uses as catalysts, adsorbents and membranes precise determination of their thickness and wrinkling is critical as these properties influence their functionality. Here we demonstrate a method to accurately determine the thickness and wrinkles of a 2D zeolite nanosheet by comprehensive 3D mapping of its reciprocal lattice. Since the intensity modulation of a diffraction spot on tilting is a fingerprint of the thickness, and changes in the spot shape are a measure of wrinkling, this mapping is achieved using a large-angle tilt-series of electron diffraction patterns. Application of the method to a 2D zeolite with MFI structure reveals that the exfoliated MFI nanosheet is 1.5 unit cells (3.0 nm) thick and wrinkled anisotropically with up to 0.8 nm average surface roughness.
Reliability of neuronal information conveyed by unreliable neuristor-based leaky integrate-and-fire neurons: a model study
Authors: Lim Hyungkwang , Kornijcuk Vladimir , Seok Jun Yeong , Kim Seong Keun , Kim Inho , Hwang Cheol Seong , Jeong Doo Seok 
Published: May 2015

AbstractWe conducted simulations on the neuronal behavior of neuristor-based leaky integrate-and-fire (NLIF) neurons. The phase-plane analysis on the NLIF neuron highlights its spiking dynamics – determined by two nullclines conditional on the variables on the plane. Particular emphasis was placed on the operational noise arising from the variability of the threshold switching behavior in the neuron on each switching event. As a consequence, we found that the NLIF neuron exhibits a Poisson-like noise in spiking, delimiting the reliability of the information conveyed by individual NLIF neurons. To highlight neuronal information coding at a higher level, a population of noisy NLIF neurons was analyzed in regard to probability of successful information decoding given the Poisson-like noise of each neuron. The result demonstrates highly probable success in decoding in spite of large variability – due to the variability of the threshold switching behavior – of individual neurons.
Insights into the Anaerobic Biodegradation Pathway of n-Alkanes in Oil Reservoirs by Detection of Signature Metabolites
Authors: Bian Xin-Yu , Maurice Mbadinga Serge , Liu Yi-Fan , Yang Shi-Zhong , Liu Jin-Feng , Ye Ru-Qiang , Gu Ji-Dong , Mu Bo-Zhong 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAnaerobic degradation of alkanes in hydrocarbon-rich environments has been documented and different degradation strategies proposed, of which the most encountered one is fumarate addition mechanism, generating alkylsuccinates as specific biomarkers. However, little is known about the mechanisms of anaerobic degradation of alkanes in oil reservoirs, due to low concentrations of signature metabolites and lack of mass spectral characteristics to allow identification. In this work, we used a multidisciplinary approach combining metabolite profiling and selective gene assays to establish the biodegradation mechanism of alkanes in oil reservoirs. A total of twelve production fluids from three different oil reservoirs were collected and treated with alkali; organic acids were extracted, derivatized with ethanol to form ethyl esters and determined using GC-MS analysis. Collectively, signature metabolite alkylsuccinates of parent compounds from C1 to C8 together with their (putative) downstream metabolites were detected from these samples. Additionally, metabolites indicative of the anaerobic degradation of mono- and poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (2-benzylsuccinate, naphthoate, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-naphthoate) were also observed. The detection of alkylsuccinates and genes encoding for alkylsuccinate synthase shows that anaerobic degradation of alkanes via fumarate addition occurs in oil reservoirs. This work provides strong evidence on the in situ anaerobic biodegradation mechanisms of hydrocarbons by fumarate addition.
Limited Sexual Reproduction and Quick Turnover in the Population Genetic Structure of Phytophthora infestans in Fujian, China
Authors: Zhu Wen , Yang Li-Na , Wu E-Jiao , Qin Chun-Fang , Shang Li-Ping , Wang Zong-Hua , Zhan Jiasui 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe mating system plays an important role in the spatiotemporal dynamics of pathogen populations through both its direct and indirect impact on the generation and distribution of genetic variation. Here, we used a combination of microsatellite and phenotypic markers to investigate the spatiotemporal distribution of genetic variation inPhytophthora infestansisolates collected from Fujian, China and to determine the role of sexual reproduction in the dynamics. Although the pathogen populations in this region were dominated by self-fertile genotypes, sexual reproduction only occurred occasionally and its contributions to the population genetic structure ofP. infestansand epidemics of late blight in the region were limited. Only 49 genotypes were detected among the 534 isolates assayed and the pathogen populations displayed significant heterozygosity excess. Hierarchical analysis revealed that 21.42% of genetic variation was attributed to the difference among sampling years while only 4.45% was attributed to the difference among locations, suggesting temporal factors play a more important role in the population genetic dynamics ofP. infestansthan spatial factors in this region. We propose that clonal reproduction, combined with founder effects and long distance dispersal of sporangia, is responsible for the observed pattern of spatiotemporal dynamics inP. infestans.
Nano titania aided clustering and adhesion of beneficial bacteria to plant roots to enhance crop growth and stress management
Authors: Palmqvist N. G. M. , Bejai S. , Meijer J. , Seisenbaeva G. A. , Kessler V. G. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractA novel use of Titania nanoparticles as agents in the nano interface interaction between a beneficial plant growth promoting bacterium (Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UCMB5113) and oilseed rape plants (Brassica napus) for protection against the fungal pathogen Alternaria brassicae is presented. Two different TiO2 nanoparticle material were produced by the Sol-Gel approach, one using the patented Captigel method and the other one applying TiBALDH precursor. The particles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering and nano particle tracking analysis. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the bacterium was living in clusters on the roots and the combined energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis revealed that titanium was present in these cluster formations. Confocal laser scanning microscopy further demonstrated an increased bacterial colonization of Arabidopsis thaliana roots and a semi-quantitative microscopic assay confirmed an increased bacterial adhesion to the roots. An increased amount of adhered bacteria was further confirmed by quantitative fluorescence measurements. The degree of infection by the fungus was measured and quantified by real-time-qPCR. Results showed that Titania nanoparticles increased adhesion of beneficial bacteria on to the roots of oilseed rape and protected the plants against infection.
Multielement stoichiometry of submerged macrophytes across Yunnan plateau lakes (China)
Authors: Xing Wei , Wu Haoping , Shi Qiao , Hao Beibei , Liu Han , Wang Zhixiu , Liu Guihua 
Published: May 2015

AbstractStoichiometric homeostasis of element composition is one of the central concepts of ecological stoichiometry. We analyzed concentrations of macroelements (C, N, P, Ca, K, Mg, S), microelements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn) and beneficial elements (Na, Se, Si) in submerged macrophytes, water and sediments across 20 Yunnan plateau lakes. We predicted that tissue element composition in submerged macrophytes is affected by lake trophic level and taxonomy and submerged macrophytes have weak stoichiometric homeostasis for all above 16 elements. Canonical discriminant analyses successfully discriminated among trophic level groups and taxa groups. Of all the elements, C, N, P and S most effectively discriminated among trophic level groups across 20 lakes, revealing lake trophic level mostly affect tissue macroelement composition in submerged macrophytes; while Ca, K and Se most effectively discriminated among submerged macrophytes taxa groups, suggesting taxonomy mostly affect compositions of macroelements and beneficial elements in submerged macrophytes. In addition, the stoichiometric homeostatic coefficient of 1/HCa:C for all five taxa of submerged macrophytes were less than zero, suggesting submerged macrophytes in Yunnan plateau lakes have strong Ca stoichiometric homeostasis. Our findings, not only broaden the knowledge of multielement stoichiometric homeostasis, but also help to choose most appropriate lake management strategy.
Caffeine-induced increase in voluntary activation and strength of the quadriceps muscle during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions
Authors: Behrens Martin , Mau-Moeller Anett , Weippert Matthias , Fuhrmann Josefin , Wegner Katharina , Skripitz Ralf , Bader Rainer , Bruhn Sven 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis study investigated effects of caffeine ingestion (8 mg/kg) on maximum voluntary torque (MVT) and voluntary activation of the quadriceps during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Fourteen subjects ingested caffeine and placebo in a randomized, controlled, counterbalanced, double-blind crossover design. Neuromuscular tests were performed before and 1 h after oral caffeine and placebo intake. MVTs were measured and the interpolated twitch technique was applied during isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions to assess voluntary activation. Furthermore, normalized root mean square of the EMG signal was calculated and evoked spinal reflex responses (H-reflex evoked at rest and during weak isometric voluntary contraction) as well as twitch torques were analyzed. Caffeine increased MVT by 26.4 N m (95%CI: 9.3-43.5 N m, P = 0.004), 22.5 N m (95%CI: 3.1-42.0 N m, P = 0.025) and 22.5 N m (95%CI: 2.2-42.7 N m, P = 0.032) for isometric, concentric and eccentric contractions. Strength enhancements were associated with increases in voluntary activation. Explosive voluntary strength and voluntary activation at the onset of contraction were significantly increased following caffeine ingestion. Changes in spinal reflex responses and at the muscle level were not observed. Data suggest that caffeine ingestion induced an acute increase in voluntary activation that was responsible for the increased strength regardless of the contraction mode.
Monitoring Brain Activity with Protein Voltage and Calcium Sensors
Authors: Storace Douglas A. , Braubach Oliver R. , Jin Lei , Cohen Lawrence B. , Sung Uhna 
Published: May 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the roles of different cell types in the behaviors generated by neural circuits requires protein indicators that report neural activity with high spatio-temporal resolution. Genetically encoded fluorescent protein (FP) voltage sensors, which optically report the electrical activity in distinct cell populations, are, in principle, ideal candidates. Here we demonstrate that the FP voltage sensor ArcLight reports odor-evoked electrical activity in the in vivo mammalian olfactory bulb in single trials using both wide-field and 2-photon imaging. ArcLight resolved fast odorant-responses in individual glomeruli and distributed odorant responses across a population of glomeruli. Comparisons between ArcLight and the protein calcium sensors GCaMP3 and GCaMP6f revealed that ArcLight had faster temporal kinetics that more clearly distinguished activity elicited by individual odorant inspirations. In contrast, the signals from both GCaMPs were a saturating integral of activity that returned relatively slowly to the baseline. ArcLight enables optical electrophysiology of mammalian neuronal population activity in vivo.
Design and construction of TiO2 nanotubes in microarray using two‐step anodic oxidation for application of cardiovascular implanted devices
Authors: Xiang Li‐jie , Li Jing‐an , He Zi‐kun , Wu Jue‐jue , Yang Ping , Huang Nan 
Published: May 2015

In recent years, the surface modification of biomaterials has become a hot scientific topic and has rapidly generated huge research interest in several technological areas. The fabrication of titanium dioxide (TiO2) films and their modification for the purpose of excellent biocompatibility have been widely researched and gradually applied for cardiovascular implanted devices. In this reported work, to obtain a novel TiO2 film that possesses anticoagulant, anti‐hyperplasia and pro‐endothelialisation properties simultaneously, TiO2 nanotubes with 100 nm diameter were prepared on the microarray using a two‐step anodic oxidation method. The topography of the micro/nanocomposite TiO2 film was investigated by scanning electron microscopy. Whole‐blood experiments on the film were conducted. The number, morphology and functional factors release of endothelial cells (ECs) on the film were evaluated, and the number of smooth muscle cells (SMCs) on the film was counted. The experimental results demonstrated that the micro/nanocomposite TiO2 film possessed excellent blood compatibility, EC, compatibility and SMC compatibility, thus suggesting potential application for cardiovascular implanted devices.
Plasma and Kidney Angiotensin Peptides: Importance of the Aminopeptidase A/Angiotensin III Axis
Authors: Wysocki Jan , Ye Minghao , Batlle Daniel 
Published: May 2015

BACKGROUND
The renin-angiotensin system is a complex regulatory hormonal network with a main biological peptide and therapeutic target, angiotensin (Ang) II (1–8). There are other potentially important Ang peptides that have not been well evaluated.

METHODS
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for concurrent evaluation of multiple Angs downstream of Ang I (1–10) and Ang II (1–8) in kidney and plasma from wild-type (WT) mice. Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 knockout (ACE2KO) was also used as a way to examine the Angs profile in the absence of ACE2, an enzyme that cleaves both Ang I (1–10) and Ang II (1–8).

RESULTS
In plasma from both WT and ACE2KO, levels of Ang I (1–10), Ang III (2–8), and Ang (2–10) were the highest of all the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) peptides. The latter two peptides are products of aminopeptidase A cleavage of Ang II (1–8) and Ang I (1–10), respectively. In contrast, plasma levels of Ang II (1–8), and Ang (1–7), the product of Ang II (1–8) cleavage by ACE2, were low. In kidney from both WT and ACE2KO, Ang II (1–8) levels were high as compared to plasma levels. In the ACE2KO mice, a significant increase in either Ang II (1–8) or a decrease in Ang (1–7) was not observed in plasma or in the kidney.

CONCLUSION
RAS-focused peptidomic approach revealed major differences in Ang peptides between mouse plasma and kidney. These Ang peptide profiles show the dominance of the aminopeptidase A/Ang (2–10) and aminopeptidase A/Ang III (2–8) pathways in the metabolism of Ang I (1–10) and Ang II (1–8) over the ACE2/Ang (1–7) axis. Ang III (2–8) and other peptides formed from aminopeptidase A cleavage may be important therapeutic RAS targets.
Measuring in situ krill tilt orientation by stereo photogrammetry: examples for Euphausia superba and Meganyctiphanes norvegica
Authors: Kubilius Rokas , Ona Egil , Calise Lucio 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
The natural body orientation adopted by krill is a crucial parameter for understanding and estimating the acoustic backscattering from these animals. Published data are scarce and are usually acquired with single camera systems that provide suboptimal control over the measurement accuracy. Here, we describe a stereo photo camera application for accurate krill measurements in situ, based on several Euphausia superba and Meganyctiphanes norvegica datasets. Body tilt orientation, body length, and school volume density from scattered and schooling krill are presented. Some challenges to the practical implementation of the method are discussed, including practical limits on krill body yaw angles for obtaining useful measurement accuracy and how to account accurately for the true vertical. Calibration and measurement accuracy is discussed together with a practical definition of krill body orientation. Krill sizes determined from stereo images are compared with those measured from trawl samples. The krill body tilt measurements yielded mean estimates of positive (head-up) or negative tilt of 9–17° with rather large spread for scattered aggregations of M. norvegica (SD = 30–37°) and about half of that for polarized schools of E. superba (SD = 14–17°). The measured krill body orientation distributions were also used to calculate krill acoustic target strength as predicted by the stochastic distorted wave Born approximation (SDWBA) model.
Two intertidal, non-calcifying macroalgae (Palmaria palmata and Saccharina latissima) show complex and variable responses to short-term CO2 acidification
Authors: Nunes Joana , McCoy Sophie J. , Findlay Helen S. , Hopkins Frances E. , Kitidis Vassilis , Queirós Ana M. , Rayner Lucy , Widdicombe Stephen 
Published: May 2015

Abstract
Ocean acidification, the result of increased dissolution of carbon dioxide (CO2) in seawater, is a leading subject of current research. The effects of acidification on non-calcifying macroalgae are, however, still unclear. The current study reports two 1-month studies using two different macroalgae, the red alga Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta) and the kelp Saccharina latissima (Phaeophyta), exposed to control (pHNBS = ∼8.04) and increased (pHNBS = ∼7.82) levels of CO2-induced seawater acidification. The impacts of both increased acidification and time of exposure on net primary production (NPP), respiration (R), dimethylsulphoniopropionate (DMSP) concentrations, and algal growth have been assessed. In P. palmata, although NPP significantly increased during the testing period, it significantly decreased with acidification, whereas R showed a significant decrease with acidification only. S. latissima significantly increased NPP with acidification but not with time, and significantly increased R with both acidification and time, suggesting a concomitant increase in gross primary production. The DMSP concentrations of both species remained unchanged by either acidification or through time during the experimental period. In contrast, algal growth differed markedly between the two experiments, in that P. palmata showed very little growth throughout the experiment, while S. latissima showed substantial growth during the course of the study, with the latter showing a significant difference between the acidified and control treatments. These two experiments suggest that the study species used here were resistant to a short-term exposure to ocean acidification, with some of the differences seen between species possibly linked to different nutrient concentrations between the experiments.