bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Intracellular ATP Decrease Mediates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation upon Nigericin and Crystal Stimulation
Authors: Nomura Johji , So Alexander , Tamura Mizuho , Busso Nathalie 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain–like receptor family, pyrin domain–containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome initiates an inflammatory response, which is associated with host defense against pathogens and the progression of chronic inflammatory diseases such as gout and atherosclerosis. The NLRP3 inflammasome mediates caspase-1 activation and subsequent IL-1β processing in response to various stimuli, including extracellular ATP, although the roles of intracellular ATP (iATP) in NLRP3 activation remain unclear. In this study, we found that in activated macrophages artificial reduction of iATP by 2-deoxyglucose, a glycolysis inhibitor, caused mitochondrial membrane depolarization, leading to IL-1β secretion via NLRP3 and caspase-1 activation. Additionally, the NLRP3 activators nigericin and monosodium urate crystals lowered iATP through K+- and Ca2+-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction, suggesting a feedback loop between iATP loss and lowering of mitochondrial membrane potential. These results demonstrate the fundamental roles of iATP in the maintenance of mitochondrial function and regulation of IL-1β secretion, and they suggest that maintenance of the intracellular ATP pools could be a strategy for countering NLRP3-mediated inflammation.
Protection of Insects against Viral Infection by Apoptosis-Dependent Phagocytosis
Authors: Nainu Firzan , Tanaka Yumiko , Shiratsuchi Akiko , Nakanishi Yoshinobu 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
We investigated whether phagocytosis participates in the protection of insects from viral infection using the natural host–virus interaction between Drosophila melanogaster and Drosophila C virus (DCV). Drosophila S2 cells were induced to undergo apoptotic cell death upon DCV infection. However, UV-inactivated virus was unable to cause apoptosis, indicating the need for productive infection for apoptosis induction. S2 cells became susceptible to phagocytosis by hemocyte-derived l(2)mbn cells after viral infection, and the presence of phagocytes in S2 cell cultures reduced viral proliferation. Phagocytosis depended, in part, on caspase activity in S2 cells, as well as the engulfment receptors Draper and integrin βν in phagocytes. To validate the in vivo situation, adult flies were abdominally infected with DCV, followed by the analysis of fly death and viral growth. DCV infection killed flies in a dose-responding manner, and the activation of effector caspases was evident, as revealed by the cleavage of a target protein ectopically expressed in flies. Furthermore, hemocytes isolated from infected flies contained DCV-infected cells, and preinjection of latex beads to inhibit the phagocytic activity of hemocytes accelerated fly death after viral infection. Likewise, viral virulence was exaggerated in flies lacking the engulfment receptors, and was accompanied by the augmented proliferation of virus. Finally, phagocytosis of DCV-infected cells in vitro was inhibited by phosphatidylserine-containing liposome, and virus-infected flies died early when a phosphatidylserine-binding protein was ectopically expressed. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the apoptosis-dependent, phosphatidylserine-mediated phagocytosis of virus-infected cells plays an important role in innate immune responses against viral infection in Drosophila.
Reversible Reprogramming of Circulating Memory T Follicular Helper Cell Function during Chronic HIV Infection
Authors: Cubas Rafael , van Grevenynghe Julien , Wills Saintedym , Kardava Lela , Santich Brian H. , Buckner Clarisa M. , Muir Roshell , Tardif Virginie , Nichols Carmen , Procopio Francesco , He Zhong , Metcalf Talibah , Ghneim Khader , Locci Michela , Ancuta Petronella , Routy Jean-Pierre , Trautmann Lydie , Li Yuxing , McDermott Adrian B. , Koup Rick A. , Petrovas Constantinos , Migueles Steven A. , Connors Mark , Tomaras Georgia D. , Moir Susan , Crotty Shane , Haddad Elias K. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Despite the overwhelming benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in curtailing viral load in HIV-infected individuals, ART does not fully restore cellular and humoral immunity. HIV-infected individuals under ART show reduced responses to vaccination and infections and are unable to mount an effective antiviral immune response upon ART cessation. Many factors contribute to these defects, including persistent inflammation, especially in lymphoid tissues, where T follicular helper (Tfh) cells instruct and help B cells launch an effective humoral immune response. In this study we investigated the phenotype and function of circulating memory Tfh cells as a surrogate of Tfh cells in lymph nodes and found significant impairment of this cell population in chronically HIV-infected individuals, leading to reduced B cell responses. We further show that these aberrant memory Tfh cells exhibit an IL-2–responsive gene signature and are more polarized toward a Th1 phenotype. Treatment of functional memory Tfh cells with IL-2 was able to recapitulate the detrimental reprogramming. Importantly, this defect was reversible, as interfering with the IL-2 signaling pathway helped reverse the abnormal differentiation and improved Ab responses. Thus, reversible reprogramming of memory Tfh cells in HIV-infected individuals could be used to enhance Ab responses. Altered microenvironmental conditions in lymphoid tissues leading to altered Tfh cell differentiation could provide one explanation for the poor responsiveness of HIV-infected individuals to new Ags. This explanation has important implications for the development of therapeutic interventions to enhance HIV- and vaccine-mediated Ab responses in patients under ART.
An assessment of upper troposphere and lower stratosphere water vapor in MERRA, MERRA2, and ECMWF reanalyses using Aura MLS observations
Authors: Jiang Jonathan H. , Su Hui , Zhai Chengxing , Wu Longtao , Minschwaner Kenneth , Molod Andrea M. , Tompkins Adrian M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGlobal water vapor (H2O) measurements from Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) are used to evaluate upper tropospheric (UT) and lower stratospheric (LS) H2O products produced by NASA Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications (MERRA), its newest release MERRA2, and European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Interim Reanalyses. Focusing on the H2O amount and transport from UT to LS, we show that all reanalyses overestimate annual global mean UT H2O by up to ~150% compared to MLS observations. Substantial differences in H2O transport are also found between the observations and reanalyses. Vertically, H2O transport across the tropical tropopause (16–20 km) in the reanalyses is faster by up to ~86% compared to MLS observations. In the tropical LS (21–25 km), the mean vertical transport from ECMWF is 168% faster than the MLS estimate, while MERRA and MERRA2 have vertical transport velocities within 10% of MLS values. Horizontally at 100 hPa, both observation and reanalyses show faster poleward transport in the Northern Hemisphere (NH) than in the Southern Hemisphere (SH). Compared to MLS observations, the H2O horizontal transport for both MERRA and MERRA2 is 106% faster in the NH but about 42–45% slower in the SH. ECMWF horizontal transport is 16% faster than MLS observations in both hemispheres. The ratio of northward to southward transport velocities for ECMWF is 1.4, which agrees with MLS observation, while the corresponding ratios for MERRA and MERRA2 are about 3.5 times larger.
Increased water use efficiency but contrasting tree growth patterns in Fitzroya cupressoides forests of southern Chile during recent decades
Authors: Urrutia‐Jalabert Rocío , Malhi Yadvinder , Barichivich Jonathan , Lara Antonio , Delgado‐Huertas Antonio , Rodríguez Carmen Gloria , Cuq Emilio 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLittle is known about how old‐growth and massive forests are responding to environmental change. We investigated tree‐ring growth and carbon isotopes of the long‐lived and high biomass Fitzroya cupressoides in two stands growing in contrasting environmental conditions in the Coastal Range (~300 years old) and Andean Cordilleras (>1500 years old) of southern Chile. The interannual variability in δ13C was assessed for the period 1800–2010, and changes in discrimination and intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) were evaluated in relation to changes in climate and tree‐ring growth during the last century. 13C discrimination has significantly decreased, and iWUE has increased since the 1900s in both sites. However, these trends in isotopic composition have been accompanied by different growth patterns: decreasing growth rates in the Coastal Range since the 1970s and increasing growth rates in the Andes since the 1900s. Trees growing in the Coastal Range have become more efficient in their use of water, probably due to reduced stomatal conductance caused by increases in CO2 and warming. Trees growing in the Andes have also become more water use efficient, but this has been likely due to increased photosynthetic rates. Fitzroya forests, including particularly old‐growth stands, are responding to recent environmental changes, and their response has been site dependent. The growth of forests under a more Mediterranean climate influence and restrictive soil conditions in the Coastal Range has been more negatively affected by current warming and drying; while the growth of old stands in the wet Andes has been positively affected by changes in climate (decreasing cloudiness) and increasing CO2. Permanent monitoring of these endangered forests under ongoing environmental changes is needed in order to reassure the long‐term preservation of this millennial‐aged species.
Myxococcus xanthus Growth, Development, and Isolation
Authors: Vaksman Zalman , Kaplan Heidi B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMyxobacteria are a highly social group among the delta proteobacteria that display unique multicellular behaviors during their complex life cycle and provide a rare opportunity to study the boundary between single cells and multicellularity. These organisms are also unusual as their entire life cycle is surface associated and includes a number of social behaviors: social gliding and rippling motility, ‘wolf‐pack’‐like predation, and self‐organizing complex biostructures, termed fruiting bodies, which are filled with differentiated environmentally resistant spores. Here we present methods for the growth, maintenance, and storage of Myxococcus xanthus, the most commonly studied of the myxobacteria. We also include methods to examine various developmental and social behaviors (fruiting body and spore formation, predation, and rippling motility). As the myxobacteria, similar to the streptomycetes, are excellent sources of many characterized and uncharacterized antibiotics and other natural products, we have provided a protocol for obtaining natural isolates from a variety of environmental sources. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Laboratory Maintenance of Nocardia Species
Authors: Dhakal Dipesh , Sohng Jae Kyung 
Published: November 2015

Abstract
Nocardia spp. are aerobic, Gram‐positive, catalase‐positive, non‐motile actinomycetes. Various species of the genus Nocardia have attracted attention due to their detrimental effects on human health. Recent discoveries, however, have exposed their importance as producers of bioactive compounds and degraders of complex organic compounds, as well as their involvement in biotransformation into valuable products. This unit includes general protocols for the laboratory maintenance of Nocardia spp., including growth in liquid medium, growth on solid agar, and long‐term storage. Nocardia sp. CS682 (KCTC11297BP), isolated from soil collected in Jeonnam, Korea, is used as a prototype for explaining the considerations for efficient laboratory maintenance of Nocardia spp. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Generation of Recombinant Vaccinia Viruses
Authors: Wyatt Linda S. , Earl Patricia L. , Moss Bernard 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis unit describes how to infect cells with vaccinia virus and then transfect them with a plasmid‐transfer vector or PCR fragment to generate a recombinant virus. Selection and screening methods used to isolate recombinant viruses and a method for the amplification of recombinant viruses are described. Finally, a method for live immunostaining that has been used primarily for detection of recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) is presented. © 2015 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
DNAJC6Mutations Associated With Early‐Onset Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Olgiati Simone , Quadri Marialuisa , Fang Mingyan , Rood Janneke P.M.A. , Saute Jonas A. , Chien Hsin Fen , Bouwkamp Christian G. , Graafland Josja , Minneboo Michelle , Breedveld Guido J. , Zhang Jianguo ,   The International Parkinsonism Genetics Network, Verheijen Frans W. , Boon Agnita J.W. , Kievit Anneke J.A. , Jardim Laura Bannach , Mandemakers Wim , Barbosa Egberto Reis , Rieder Carlos R.M. , Leenders Klaus L. , Wang Jun , Bonifati Vincenzo 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveDNAJC6 mutations were recently described in two families with autosomal recessive juvenile parkinsonism (onset age < 11), prominent atypical signs, poor or absent response to levodopa, and rapid progression (wheelchair‐bound within ∼10 years from onset). Here, for the first time, we report DNAJC6 mutations in early‐onset Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsThe DNAJC6 open reading frame was analyzed in 274 patients with early‐onset sporadic or familial PD. Selected variants were followed up by cosegregation, homozygosity mapping, linkage analysis, whole‐exome sequencing, and protein studies.ResultsWe identified two families with different novel homozygous DNAJC6 mutations segregating with PD. In each family, the DNAJC6 mutation was flanked by long runs of homozygosity within highest linkage peaks. Exome sequencing did not detect additional pathogenic variants within the linkage regions. In both families, patients showed severely decreased steady‐state levels of the auxilin protein in fibroblasts. We also identified a sporadic patient carrying two rare noncoding DNAJC6 variants possibly effecting RNA splicing. All these cases fulfilled the criteria for a clinical diagnosis of early‐onset PD, had symptoms onset in the third‐to‐fifth decade, and slow disease progression. Response to dopaminergic therapies was prominent, but, in some patients, limited by psychiatric side effects. The phenotype overlaps that of other monogenic forms of early‐onset PD.InterpretationOur findings delineate a novel form of hereditary early‐onset PD. Screening of DNAJC6 is warranted in all patients with early‐onset PD compatible with autosomal recessive inheritance. Our data provide further evidence for the involvement of synaptic vesicles endocytosis and trafficking in PD pathogenesis. Ann Neurol 2016;79:244–256
Hierarchical β‐Mo2C Nanotubes Organized by Ultrathin Nanosheets as a Highly Efficient Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Production
Authors: Ma Fei‐Xiang , Wu Hao Bin , Xia Bao Yu , Xu Cheng‐Yan , Lou Xiong Wen (David) 
Published: November 2015

AbstractProduction of hydrogen by electrochemical water splitting has been hindered by the high cost of precious metal catalysts, such as Pt, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, novel hierarchical β‐Mo2C nanotubes constructed from porous nanosheets have been fabricated and investigated as a high‐performance and low‐cost electrocatalyst for HER. An unusual template‐engaged strategy has been utilized to controllably synthesize Mo‐polydopamine nanotubes, which are further converted into hierarchical β‐Mo2C nanotubes by direct carburization at high temperature. Benefitting from several structural advantages including ultrafine primary nanocrystallites, large exposed surface, fast charge transfer, and unique tubular structure, the as‐prepared hierarchical β‐Mo2C nanotubes exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance for HER with small overpotential in both acidic and basic conditions, as well as remarkable stability.
Siloxane‐modified polyacrylate low‐residual pressure‐sensitive adhesive with high peeling strength
Authors: Li Pengjuan , Nian Fuwei , Zhang Min , Shen Minmin , Dai Yongqiang , Pang Hao , Liao Bing 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTA low‐residual siloxane‐modified polyacrylate pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA) with a high peeling strength was prepared by seeded semicontinuous emulsion polymerization. 3‐Glycidyloxypropyltrimethoxysilane was introduced into the acrylic (AC) PSA through a thermal posttreatment method to crosslink with AC. To improve the adhesion properties, a polymeric emulsifier, 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid, was introduced into the system with the conventional emulsifier. Several key polymerization conditions, such as the initiator concentration, mass ratio of soft monomer to hard monomer, the content of polymeric emulsifier, and siloxane dosages were examined in detail. Then, the optimal conditions and a proper preparation process were established. The results show that we achieved not only a low repeeling residue with high tack and peeling strength but also excellent properties of high‐temperature aging resistance and water resistance. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42975.
Preparation and characterization of high MFR polypropylene and polypropylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene) in‐reactor alloys
Authors: Zhang Biao , Fu Zhisheng , Fan Zhiqiang , Phiriyawirut Phairat , Charoenchaidet Sumate 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn this work, high melt flow rate (MFR) polypropylene (HF‐PP) and polypropylene/poly(ethylene‐co‐propylene) in‐reactor alloys (HF‐PP/EPR) with MFR ≈ 30 g/10 min were synthesized by spherical MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalyst with cyclohexylmethyldimethoxysilane (CHMDMS) or dicyclopentyldimethoxysilane (DCPDMS) as external donor (De). The effects of De on polymerization activity, chain structure, mechanical properties, and phase morphology of HF‐PP and HF‐PP/EPR were studied. Adding CHMDMS caused more sensitive change of the polymers MFR with H2 than DCPDMS, and produced PP/EPR alloys containing more random ethylene‐propylene copolymer (r‐EP) and segmented ethylene‐propylene copolymer (s‐EP). CHMDMS also caused formation of s‐EP with higher level of blockiness than DCPDMS. HF‐PP/EPR alloy prepared in the presence of DCPDMS exhibited higher flexural properties but lower impact strength than that prepared with CHMDMS. Toughening efficiency of the rubber phase was nearly the same in the alloys prepared using CHMDMS or DCPDMS as De, but stiffness of the alloy can be improved by using DCPDMS. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42984.
Renewable thermoplastic multiphase systems from dimer fatty acids, with mineral microfillers
Authors: Reulier Marie , Boumbimba Rodrigue Matadi , Rasselet Damien , Avérous Luc 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTRenewable thermoplastic blends based on polyurethane (TPU) and polyamide (DAPA) obtained from dimers of fatty acids were reinforced with mineral microfillers, surface coated calcium carbonate (CaCO3) or high aspect ratio talc (HAR), to prepare different micro‐biocomposites systems. The influence of the nature of the filler, the aspect ratio and the filler content (5, 10, and 15 wt %), for different TPU/DAPA ratios (20/80, 50/50, and 80/20 wt %/wt %), were specifically investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyses were conducted to investigate the thermal properties. DSC analyses showed that the addition of CaCO3 had no influence on the glass transition and the melting temperature of the corresponding composites. Moreover, the morphology and the mechanical properties in the solid state of the different multiphase systems were investigated. SEM observations after tensile tests showed that the best matrix/filler interactions were obtained in the case of the 20/80‐based systems. Uniaxial tensile tests have shown that the addition of HAR or CaCO3 fillers led to a clear increase of the Young modulus. Micromechanical models based on a two‐phase composite approach, including Mori–Tanaka and Davies models were used to describe the dependence of the elastic modulus on the volume fraction of HAR or CaCO3 fillers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43055.
Connecting learners: The role of biotechnology programme in preparing students for the industry
Authors: Mohd Saruan Nadiah , Sagran Avinash , Fadzil Kamal Solhaimi , Razali Zuliana , Ow Phui San Rebecca , Somasundram Chandran 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe recent growth of biotechnology requires a wide range of expertise within the industry. Education is the primary platform for students to gain information and knowledge on biotechnology. In Malaysia where biotechnology is relatively new, education programs and courses must be tailored to meet the demands of the industry. A combination of theoretical knowledge as well as practical and industrial training is essential to ensure graduates are prepared for their career in the fields of biotechnology. Results from this study show that university students lack literacy on biotechnology information and access to facilities provided by the universities. This may be a significant contributing factor to the lack of knowledge and information amongst graduates. Furthermore comparative analysis on the biotechnology program in Malaysian universities with that of other countries show the need to restructure the program by offering more specialized courses as well as soft skills and business subjects. This is to meet the demands of the related professionals as well as the various branches that exist in the biotechnology industry. © 2015 by the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 43:460–467, 2015.
Blue genes: An integrative laboratory to differentiate genetic transformation from gene mutation for underclassmen
Authors: Militello Kevin T. , Chang Ming‐Mei , Simon Robert D. , Lazatin Justine C. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe ability of students to understand the relationship between genotype and phenotype, and the mechanisms by which genotypes and phenotypes can change is essential for students studying genetics. To this end, we have developed a four‐week laboratory called Blue Genes, which is designed to help novice students discriminate between two mechanisms by which the genetic material can be altered: genetic transformation and gene mutation. In the first week of the laboratory, students incubate a plasmid DNA with calcium chloride‐treated Escherichia coli JM109 cells and observe a phenotype change from ampicillin sensitive to ampicillin resistant and from white color to blue color on plates containing 5‐bromo‐4‐chloro‐3‐indolyl‐β‐D‐galactopyranoside (X‐gal) and isopropyl β‐D‐thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG). Over the course of the next three weeks, students use a battery of approaches including plasmid DNA isolation experiments, restriction maps, and PCR to differentiate between mutation and transformation. The students ultimately come to the conclusion that the changes in phenotypes are due to genetic transformation and not mutation based on the evidence generated over the four‐week period. Pre‐laboratory tests and post‐laboratory tests indicate that this set of exercises is successful in helping students differentiate between transformation and mutation. The laboratory is designed for underclassmen and is a good prerequisite for an apprentice‐based research opportunity, although it is not designed as a class based research experience. Potential modifications and future directions of the laboratory based upon student experiences and assessment are presented. © 2015 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44:55–62, 2016.