bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple C2 domains transmembrane protein 1 is expressed in CNS neurons and possibly regulates cellular vesicle retrieval and oxidative stress
Authors: Qiu Lifeng , Yu Hanry , Liang Fengyi 
Published: July 2015

AbstractMultiple C2 domains transmembrane protein 1 (MCTP1) contains two transmembrane regions and three C2 domains of high Ca2+‐binding affinity. Single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of human MCTP1 gene is reportedly associated with bipolar disorder, but expression and function of MCTP1 in the CNS is still largely unknown. We cloned rat MCTP1 isoforms, and studied expression of MCTP1 transcript and protein in the CNS. Subcellular distribution and functional roles of MCTP1 were investigated in cultured primary neurons or PC12 cells by over‐expression, cell imaging, and flow cytometry. MCTP1 immunostaining was seen in both CNS neuronal cell bodies and processes, especially in the hippocampus, dentate gyrus, medial habenular nucleus, amygdala, and selected cerebral and cerebellar cortical areas/layers. Under an electron microscope, MCTP1 immunoreactivity was observed on vesicles in neuronal cell bodies and pre‐synaptic axon terminals. In cultured primary neurons and PC12 cells MCTP1 was detected on selected populations of secretory vesicles and endosomes. MCTP1 over‐expression significantly inhibited neuronal transferrin endocytosis, secretory vesicle retrieval, cell migration, and oxidative stress from glutamate toxicity. Thus MCTP1 might be involved in regulating endocytic recycling of specific CNS neurons and synapses. MCTP1 abnormality might cause altered synaptic vesicle recycling, and thereby lead to vulnerability to neuropsychiatric diseases.
image
MCTP1 in the CNS is a neuronal vesicle/endosome protein. Mutation or expression variation of MCTP1 has been associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. The present in vivo and in vitro imaging studies demonstrated vesicular localization of MCTP1 on the endocytic recycling pathway. Functional assays indicated involvement of MCTP1 in multiple cellular functions including endocytosis, cell migration and anti‐excitotoxicity in neuronal cells.
Evolutionary history inferred from the de novo assembly of a nonmodel organism, the blue‐eyed black lemur
Authors: Meyer Wynn K. , Venkat Aarti , Kermany Amir R. , van de Geijn Bryce , Zhang Sidi , Przeworski Molly 
Published: July 2015

AbstractLemurs, the living primates most distantly related to humans, demonstrate incredible diversity in behaviour, life history patterns and adaptive traits. Although many lemur species are endangered within their native Madagascar, there is no high‐quality genome assembly from this taxon, limiting population and conservation genetic studies. One critically endangered lemur is the blue‐eyed black lemur Eulemur flavifrons. This species is fixed for blue irises, a convergent trait that evolved at least four times in primates and was subject to positive selection in humans, where 5′ regulatory variation of OCA2 explains most of the brown/blue eye colour differences. We built a de novo genome assembly for E. flavifrons, providing the most complete lemur genome to date, and a high confidence consensus sequence for close sister species E. macaco, the (brown‐eyed) black lemur. From diversity and divergence patterns across the genomes, we estimated a recent split time of the two species (160 Kya) and temporal fluctuations in effective population sizes that accord with known environmental changes. By looking for regions of unusually low diversity, we identified potential signals of directional selection in E. flavifrons at MITF, a melanocyte development gene that regulates OCA2 and has previously been associated with variation in human iris colour, as well as at several other genes involved in melanin biosynthesis in mammals. Our study thus illustrates how whole‐genome sequencing of a few individuals can illuminate the demographic and selection history of nonmodel species.
Identification and characterization of cis‐ and trans‐acting elements involved in prophage induction in Streptococcus thermophilus J34
Authors: Koberg Sabrina , Mohamed Mazhar Desouki Ali , Faulhaber Katharina , Neve Horst , Heller Knut J. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThe genetic switch region of temperate Streptococcus thermophilus phage TP‐J34 contains two divergently oriented promoters and several predicted operator sites. It separates lytic cycle‐promoting genes from those promoting lysogeny. A polycistronic transcript comprises the genes coding for repressor Crh, metalloproteinase‐motif protein Rir and superinfection exclusion lipoprotein Ltp. Weak promoters effecting monocistronic transcripts were localized for ltp and int (encoding integrase) by Northern blot and 5′‐RACE‐PCR. These transcripts appeared in lysogenic as well as lytic state. A polycistronic transcript comprising genes coh (encoding Cro homolog), ant (encoding putative antirepressor), orf7, orf8 and orf9 was only detected in the lytic state. Four operator sites, of which three were located in the intergenic regions between crh and coh, and one between coh and ant, were identified by competition electromobility shift assays. Cooperative binding of Crh to two operator sites immediately upstream of coh could be demonstrated. Coh was shown to bind to the operator closest to crh only. Oligomerization was proven by cross‐linking Crh by glutaraldehyde. Knock‐out of rir revealed a key role in prophage induction. Rir and Crh were shown to form a complex in solution and Rir prevented binding of Crh to its operator sites.
Investigation into FlhFG reveals distinct features of FlhF in regulating flagellum polarity in Shewanella oneidensis
Authors: Gao Tong , Shi Miaomiao , Ju Lili , Gao Haichun 
Published: July 2015

SummaryRod‐shaped bacterial cells are polarized, with many organelles confined to a polar cellular site. In polar flagellates, FlhF and FlhG, a multiple‐domain (B‐N‐G) GTPase and a MinD‐like ATPase respectively, function as a cognate pair to regulate flagellar localization and number as revealed in Vibrio and Pseudomonas species. In this study, we show that FlhFG of Shewanella oneidensis (SoFlhFG), a monotrichous γ‐proteobacterium renowned for respiratory diversity, also play an important role in the flagellar polar placement and number control. Despite this, SoFlhFG exhibit distinct features that are not observed in the characterized counterparts. Most strikingly, the G domain of SoFlhF determines the polar placement, contrasting the N domain of the Vibrio cholerae FlhF. The SoFlhF N domain in fact counteracts the function of the G domain with respect to the terminal targeting in the absence of the B domain. We further show that GTPase activity of SoFlhF is essential for motility but not positioning. Overall, our results suggest that mechanisms underlying the polar placement of organelles appear to be diverse, even for evolutionally relatively conserved flagellum.
Schenker and Bach's French Suite in E major
Authors: BENT IAN 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTThe Oster Collection in the New York Public Library has some 43 documents, comprising 83 written pages of fragmentary jottings, analytical sketches and full‐scale layered voice‐leading graphs, relating to J. S. Bach's French Suite No. 6 in E major – all of which are tabulated and briefly described here. Schenker's analytical work on the middleground structures of its eight movements, in which descending linear progressions and the technique of reaching‐over are prominent, are traced here. This work shows that the theorist was for a long time undecided about the primary tone of the Sarabande. Although none of these documents is dated, Schenker's diary and lesson‐book for 1927–8 suggest that at least some of them relate to this teaching year. Moreover, because in May 1927 Schenker had resumed work, after several years’ stagnation, on Free Composition, and because some of the materials for the Suite were filed in folders that contained materials for this work, there is a presumptive connection between this analytical activity and his final theoretical work, whose supplementary volume includes no fewer than thirteen examples from the Suite.
Impact of parathyroidectomy on survival among haemodialysis patients: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Weidong , Zhang Manli , Du Shutong , Yu Yanjie , Liu Jianfeng , Zhang Ling , Yao Li 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimWe evaluated whether parathyroidectomy (PTX) was associated with survival of dialysis patients.MethodsIn a cohort study with one year follow‐up, data from 146 haemodialysis patients from a hospital were analyzed. We compared the baseline data between patients receiving PTX surgery and those who had not undergone PTX. The Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the effect of PTX.ResultsPatients who had received PTX surgery were more likely to be older, have longer duration of dialysis, higher ultrafiltration rate, C‐reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lower albumin compared with those who had not receive PTX. During 1 year follow‐up, 21 (17.1%) patients died, of whom seven died from cerebrovascular events, 10 died from cardiovascular disease, and four died from infection. The mortality was 9.4% in the PTX group and 17.3% in the control group. The PTX group had a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality than the control group (P = 0.005). There was a significantly lower risk of all‐cause mortality in the PTX group compared with the non‐PTX group (HR = 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89–0.97). The lower risk (HR = 0.92, 95%CI: 0.85–0.98) of PTX group was not changed after adjusting potential factors. Our results also suggested that this relationship was independent of many potential confounding factors.ConclusionParathyroidectomy was related to significant reduction in all‐cause among patients with severe SHPT. PTX may be considered as a matter of priority, from which dialysis patients would benefit.
Bacteria and archaea paleomicrobiology of the dental calculus: a review
Authors: Huynh H.T.T. , Verneau J. , Levasseur A. , Drancourt M. , Aboudharam G. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryDental calculus, a material observed in the majority of adults worldwide, emerged as a source for correlating paleomicrobiology with human health and diet. This mini review of 48 articles on the paleomicrobiology of dental calculus over 7550 years discloses a secular core microbiota comprising nine bacterial phyla – Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, TM7, Synergistetes, Chloroflexi, Fusobacteria, Spirochetes – and one archaeal phylum Euryarchaeota; and some accessory microbiota that appear and disappear according to time frame. The diet residues and oral microbes, including bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi, consisting of harmless organisms and pathogens associated with local and systemic infections have been found trapped in ancient dental calculus by morphological approaches, immunolabeling techniques, isotope analyses, fluorescent in situ hybridization, DNA‐based approaches, and protein‐based approaches. These observations led to correlation of paleomicrobiology, particularly Streptococcus mutans and archaea, with past human health and diet.
Floral nectar production and nectary structure of a bee‐pollinated shrub from Neotropical savanna
Authors: Guimarães E. , Nogueira A. , Machado S. R. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractBiotic pollination is critical for tropical ecosystem functioning, and nectar plays an essential role as it represents the main trophic resource for pollinators. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms that underlie its production, which is essential for understanding the basis of nectar‐mediated interactions in ecological and evolutionary approaches. Therefore, this study explores the relationship between the nectar secretion pattern and nectary functional changes in Anemopaegma album, a bee‐pollinated species. We analysed the pattern of nectar production under field conditions and investigated floral nectary structural changes in two different developmental stages using light, transmission and scanning electron microscopy. We measured 30.95 ± 23.02 μl (mean ± SD, n = 30) of nectar accumulated inside the nectar chamber (29.26 ± 3.48% sucrose equivalents) at the moment of flower opening. Nectar removal did not influence the pattern of floral nectar production in terms of volume or total sugar but reduced the concentration of the nectar produced during the first 24 h of anthesis. The nectary consisted of an epidermis, a nectary parenchyma and a subnectary parenchyma supplied only by phloem. Starch grains decreased in size and abundance from the subnectary parenchyma toward the epidermis. We observed the degradation of starch grains and incorporation of amyloplasts into vacuoles at the pre‐anthesis stage as well as the transformation of amyloplasts into elaioplasts during anthesis. Nectar secretion was continuous during the A. album flower life span, which was related to the functional features of its floral nectary, especially the presence of starch stored in the parenchyma.
Cardiovascular and respiratory outcome of preconditioned rats submitted to chronic intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Perim Raphael R. , Bonagamba Leni G. H. , Machado Benedito H. 
Published: July 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
What are the effects of hypoxic preconditioning upon the cardiovascular and respiratory responses to subsequent episodes of chronic intermittent hypoxia?

What is the main finding and its importance?
The cardiovascular and respiratory responses to a chronic intermittent hypoxia protocol were not altered by previous exposure to intermittent or sustained hypoxia. These findings show that preconditioning to hypoxia produced neither facilitation nor protection from the cardiovascular and respiratory dysfunctions in response to subsequent episodes of chronic intermittent hypoxia in juvenile rats.

Rats exposed to chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) develop hypertension, which is associated with changes in the coupling of sympathetic and respiratory activities. In this study, we hypothesized that previous preconditioning to intermittent or sustained hypoxia would affect cardiovascular and respiratory changes produced by subsequent protocols of CIH. To test this hypothesis, male Wistar rats were preconditioned to either 10 days of CIH or 24 h of sustained hypoxia (SH). After the initial exposure to hypoxia, rats were maintained in normoxic conditions for 15 days before a new protocol of CIH during 10 days. Cardiovascular and respiratory variables obtained from groups of preconditioned rats were compared with a group of rats exposed to CIH for the first time and also to a group of rats maintained in normoxic conditions throughout the period of time of the respective preconditioning protocol. The data show that CIH produced a similar increase in arterial pressure and heart rate in both CIH and SH preconditioning protocols. Respiratory parameters during basal conditions were also not affected by preconditioning to either CIH or SH. We conclude that previous exposure to CIH or SH preconditioning does not facilitate or prevent the cardiovascular changes produced by CIH.
Design and Manufacturing Functionally Gradient Material Objects With an Off the Shelf Three-Dimensional Printer: Challenges and Solutions
Authors: Garland Anthony , Fadel Georges 
Published: July 2015

Abstract
This paper presents the challenges and solutions encountered while designing and then printing functionally gradient material (FGM) objects using an off the shelf fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printer. The printer, Big Builder Dual-Feed Extruder from 3dprinter4u, Noordwijkerhout, The Netherlands, has the unique design of extruding two different filaments out of one nozzle. By controlling the rate at which the two filaments are pulled into the melt chamber, FGM objects can be printed. Software challenges associated with process planning required to print an FGM object are solved by showing a method for printing a discretized gradient and by designing an open-loop control mechanism for the extruder motors. A design method is proposed that models an object using a level-set function (LSF) with a material gradient. Instead of merely identifying the boundaries of the object, the level set also models the material gradient within the object. This representation method along with a genetic algorithm finds an optimal design for an FGM cantilever beam that is then printed on the FDM printer. The model and genetic algorithm are also used to solve a standard topology optimization problem. The results are compared to a similar FGM topology optimization method in the literature. All the codes for this paper are made open source to facilitate future research.
Antibiotic Susceptibility and Sequence Type Distribution of Ureaplasma Species Isolated from Genital Samples in Switzerland
Authors: Schneider Sarah C. , Tinguely Regula , Droz Sara , Hilty Markus , Donà Valentina , Bodmer Thomas , Endimiani Andrea 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACT

Antibiotic resistance in
Ureaplasma urealyticum
/
Ureaplasma parvum
and
Mycoplasma hominis
is an issue of increasing importance. However, data regarding the susceptibility and, more importantly, the clonality of these organisms are limited. We analyzed 140 genital samples obtained in Bern, Switzerland, in 2014. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed by using the Mycoplasma IST 2 kit and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes. MICs for ciprofloxacin and azithromycin were obtained in broth microdilution assays. Clonality was analyzed with PCR-based subtyping and multilocus sequence typing (MLST), whereas quinolone resistance and macrolide resistance were studied by sequencing
gyrA, gyrB
,
parC
, and
parE
genes, as well as 23S rRNA genes and genes encoding L4/L22 ribosomal proteins. A total of 103 samples were confirmed as positive for
U. urealyticum
/
U. parvum
, whereas 21 were positive for both
U. urealyticum
/
U. parvum
and
M. hominis
. According to the IST 2 kit, the rates of nonsusceptibility were highest for ciprofloxacin (19.4%) and ofloxacin (9.7%), whereas low rates were observed for clarithromycin (4.9%), erythromycin (1.9%), and azithromycin (1%). However, inconsistent results between microdilution and IST 2 kit assays were recorded. Various sequence types (STs) observed previously in China (ST1, ST2, ST4, ST9, ST22, and ST47), as well as eight novel lineages, were detected. Only some quinolone-resistant isolates had amino acid substitutions in ParC (Ser83Leu in
U. parvum
of serovar 6) and ParE (Val417Thr in
U. parvum
of serovar 1 and the novel Thr417Val substitution in
U. urealyticum
). Isolates with mutations in 23S rRNA or substitutions in L4/L22 were not detected. This is the first study analyzing the susceptibility of
U. urealyticum
/
U. parvum
isolates in Switzerland and the clonality outside China. Resistance rates were low compared to those in other countries. We hypothesize that some hyperepidemic STs spread worldwide via sexual intercourse. Large combined microbiological and clinical studies should address this important issue.
Schistosoma mansoni Larvae Do Not Expand or Activate Foxp3+Regulatory T Cells during Their Migratory Phase
Authors: Redpath Stephen A. , van der Werf Nienke , MacDonald Andrew S. , Maizels Rick M. , Taylor Matthew D. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTFoxp3+regulatory T (Treg) cells play a key role in suppression of immune responses during parasitic helminth infection, both by controlling damaging immunopathology and by inhibiting protective immunity. During the patent phase ofSchistosoma mansoniinfection, Foxp3+Treg cells are activated and suppress egg-elicited Th2 responses, but little is known of their induction and role during the early prepatent larval stage of infection. We quantified Foxp3+Treg cell responses during the first 3 weeks of murineS. mansoniinfection in C57BL/6 mice, a time when larval parasites migrate from the skin and transit the lungs en route to the hepatic and mesenteric vasculature. In contrast to other helminth infections,S. mansonidid not elicit a Foxp3+Treg cell response during this early phase of infection. We found that the numbers and proportions of Foxp3+Treg cells remained unchanged in the lungs, draining lymph nodes, and spleens of infected mice. There was no increase in the activation status of Foxp3+Treg cells upon infection as assessed by their expression of CD25, Foxp3, and Helios. Furthermore, infection failed to induce Foxp3+Treg cells to produce the suppressive cytokine interleukin 10 (IL-10). Instead, only CD4+Foxp3−IL-4+Th2 cells showed increased IL-10 production upon infection. These data indicate that Foxp3+Treg cells do not play a prominent role in regulating immunity toS. mansonilarvae and that the character of the initial immune response invoked byS. mansoniparasites contrasts with the responses to other parasitic helminth infections that promote rapid Foxp3+Treg cell responses.
Parasite Manipulation of the Invariant Chain and the Peptide Editor H2-DM Affects Major Histocompatibility Complex Class II Antigen Presentation during Toxoplasma gondii Infection
Authors: Leroux Louis-Philippe , Nishi Manami , El-Hage Sandy , Fox Barbara A. , Bzik David J. , Dzierszinski Florence S. 
Published: July 2015

ABSTRACTToxoplasma gondiiis an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite. This apicomplexan is the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, a leading cause of central nervous system disease in AIDS. It has long been known thatT. gondiiinterferes with major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC-II) antigen presentation to attenuate CD4+T cell responses and establish persisting infections. Transcriptional downregulation of MHC-II genes byT. gondiiwas previously established, but the precise mechanisms inhibiting MHC-II function are currently unknown. Here, we show that, in addition to transcriptional regulation of MHC-II, the parasite modulates the expression of key components of the MHC-II antigen presentation pathway, namely, the MHC-II-associated invariant chain (Ii or CD74) and the peptide editor H2-DM, in professional antigen-presenting cells (pAPCs). Genetic deletion of CD74 restored the ability of infected dendritic cells to present a parasite antigen in the context of MHC-IIin vitro. CD74 mRNA and protein levels were, surprisingly, elevated in infected cells, whereas MHC-II and H2-DM expression was inhibited. CD74 accumulated mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and this phenotype required live parasites, but not active replication. Finally, we compared the impacts of genetic deletion of CD74 and H2-DM genes on parasite dissemination toward lymphoid organs in mice, as well as activation of CD4+T cells and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels during acute infection. Cyst burdens and survival during the chronic phase of infection were also evaluated in wild-type and knockout mice. These results highlight the fact that the infection is influenced by multiple levels of parasite manipulation of the MHC-II antigen presentation pathway.