bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial DNA records historical delivery of anthropogenic mercury
Authors: Poulain Alexandre J , Aris-Brosou Stéphane , Blais Jules M , Brazeau Michelle , Keller Wendel (Bill) , Paterson Andrew M 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is an anthropogenic pollutant that is toxic to wildlife and humans, but the response of remote ecosystems to globally distributed Hg is elusive. Here, we use DNA extracted from a dated sediment core to infer the response of microbes to historical Hg delivery. We observe a significant association between the mercuric reductase gene (merA) phylogeny and the timing of Hg deposition. Using relaxed molecular clock models, we show a significant increase in the scaled effective population size of the merA gene beginning ~200 years ago, coinciding with the Industrial Revolution and a coincident strong signal for positive selection acting on residues in the terminal region of the mercuric reductase. This rapid evolutionary response of microbes to changes in the delivery of anthropogenic Hg indicates that microbial genomes record ecosystem response to pollutant deposition in remote regions.
Extreme multifunctional proteins identified from a human protein interaction network
Authors: Chapple Charles E. , Robisson Benoit , Spinelli Lionel , Guien Céline , Becker Emmanuelle , Brun Christine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMoonlighting proteins are a subclass of multifunctional proteins whose functions are unrelated. Although they may play important roles in cells, there has been no large-scale method to identify them, nor any effort to characterize them as a group. Here, we propose the first method for the identification of ‘extreme multifunctional’ proteins from an interactome as a first step to characterize moonlighting proteins. By combining network topological information with protein annotations, we identify 430 extreme multifunctional proteins (3% of the human interactome). We show that the candidates form a distinct sub-group of proteins, characterized by specific features, which form a signature of extreme multifunctionality. Overall, extreme multifunctional proteins are enriched in linear motifs and less intrinsically disordered than network hubs. We also provide MoonDB, a database containing information on all the candidates identified in the analysis and a set of manually curated human moonlighting proteins.
The catechol-o-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism modulates the intrinsic functional network centrality of the parahippocampal cortex in healthy subjects
Authors: Zhang Xiaolong , Li Jin , Qin Wen , Yu Chunshui , Liu Bing , Jiang Tianzi 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe influence of catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met on brain activation and functional connectivity has been widely reported. However, voxel-wise effects of this genotype on resting-state brain networks remain unclear. Here, we used resting-state fMRI and eigenvector centrality to examine the effects of COMT Val158Met genotypes on the connection patterns of the brain network and working memory (WM) in healthy, young Val/Val and Met carrier subjects. There were significant differences in the performance level on the 2-back WM task between the different COMT genotypes: Val/Val individuals exhibited a higher correct rate compared to the Met carriers. A two-sample t test was used to examine the differences in the eigenvector centrality maps, using age and gender as covariates of no interest, between the Val/Val and Met carriers. We found that the Val/Val individuals exhibited significantly higher eigenvector centrality compared to the Met carriers in the left parahippocampal cortex. Furthermore, a significantly positive correlation between the mean eigenvector centrality of the significant cluster and the correct rate of the 2-back WM task was observed. By using a voxel-wise data-driven method, our findings may provide plausible implications regarding individual differences in the genetic contribution of COMT Val158Met to the brain network and cognition.
Pd loaded amphiphilic COF as catalyst for multi-fold Heck reactions, C-C couplings and CO oxidation
Authors: Mullangi Dinesh , Nandi Shyamapada , Shalini Sorout , Sreedhala Sheshadri , Vinod Chathakudath P. , Vaidhyanathan Ramanathan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCOFs represent a class of polymers with designable crystalline structures capable of interacting with active metal nanoparticles to form excellent heterogeneous catalysts. Many valuable ligands/monomers employed in making coordination/organic polymers are prepared via Heck and C-C couplings. Here, we report an amphiphilic triazine COF and the facile single-step loading of Pd0 nanoparticles into it. An 18–20% nano-Pd loading gives highly active composite working in open air at low concentrations (Conc. Pd(0) <0.05 mol%, average TON 1500) catalyzing simultaneous multiple site Heck couplings and C-C couplings using ‘non-boronic acid’ substrates and exhibits good recyclability with no sign of catalyst leaching. As an oxidation catalyst, it shows 100% conversion of CO to CO2 at 150 °C with no loss of activity with time and between cycles. Both vapor sorptions and contact angle measurements confirm the amphiphilic character of the COF. DFT-TB studies showed the presence of Pd-triazine and Pd-Schiff bond interactions as being favorable.
Non-contact method for directing electrotaxis
Authors: Ahirwar Dinesh K. , Nasser Mohd W. , Jones Travis H. , Sequin Emily K. , West Joseph D. , Henthorne Timothy L. , Javor Joshua , Kaushik Aniruddha M. , Ganju Ramesh K. , Subramaniam Vish V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe present a method to induce electric fields and drive electrotaxis (galvanotaxis) without the need for electrodes to be in contact with the media containing the cell cultures. We report experimental results using a modification of the transmembrane assay, demonstrating the hindrance of migration of breast cancer cells (SCP2) when an induced a.c. electric field is present in the appropriate direction (i.e. in the direction of migration). Of significance is that migration of these cells is hindered at electric field strengths many orders of magnitude (5 to 6) below those previously reported for d.c. electrotaxis and even in the presence of a chemokine (SDF-1α) or a growth factor (EGF). Induced a.c. electric fields applied in the direction of migration are also shown to hinder motility of non-transformed human mammary epithelial cells (MCF10A) in the presence of the growth factor EGF. In addition, we also show how our method can be applied to other cell migration assays (scratch assay) and by changing the coil design and holder, that it is also compatible with commercially available multi-well culture plates.
Enhanced magnetic refrigeration properties in Mn-rich Ni-Mn-Sn ribbons by optimal annealing
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Linlin , Zheng Qiang , Zheng Xinqi , Li Ming , Du Juan , Yan Aru 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe influence of annealing time on temperature range of martensitic phase transition (ΔTA-M), thermal hysteresis (ΔThys), magnetic hysteresis loss (ΔMhys), magnetic entropy change (ΔSM) and relative refrigeration capacity (RC) of the Mn-rich Ni43Mn46Sn11 melt spun ribbons have been systematically studied. By optimal annealing, an extremely large ΔSM of 43.2 J.kg−1K−1 and a maximum RC of 221.0 J.kg−1 could be obtained respectively in a field change of 5 T. Both ΔTA-M and ΔThys decreases after annealing, while ΔMhys and ΔSM first dramatically increase to a maximum then degenerates as increase of annealing time. A large effective cooling capacity (RCeff) of 115.4 J.kg−1 was achieved in 60 min annealed ribbons, which increased 75% compared with that unannealed ribbons. The evolution of magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effect has been discussed and proved by atomic ordering degree, microstructure and composition analysis.
Miniaturized GPS Tags Identify Non-breeding Territories of a Small Breeding Migratory Songbird
Authors: Hallworth Michael T. , Marra Peter P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractFor the first time, we use a small archival global positioning system (GPS) tag to identify and characterize non-breeding territories, quantify migratory connectivity and identify population boundaries of Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla), a small migratory songbird, captured at two widely separated breeding locations. We recovered 15 (31%) GPS tags with data and located the non-breeding territories of breeding Ovenbirds from Maryland and New Hampshire, USA (0.50 ± 0.15 ha, mean ± SE). All non-breeding territories had similar environmental attributes despite being distributed across parts of Florida, Cuba and Hispaniola. New Hampshire and Maryland breeding populations had non-overlapping non-breeding population boundaries that encompassed 114,803 and 169,233 km2, respectively. Archival GPS tags provided unprecedented pinpoint locations and associated environmental information of tropical non-breeding territories. This technology is an important step forward in understanding seasonal interactions and ultimately population dynamics of populations throughout the annual cycle.
Plant growth improvement mediated by nitrate capture in co-composted biochar
Authors: Kammann Claudia I. , Schmidt Hans-Peter , Messerschmidt Nicole , Linsel Sebastian , Steffens Diedrich , Müller Christoph , Koyro Hans-Werner , Conte Pellegrino , Joseph Stephen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSoil amendment with pyrogenic carbon (biochar) is discussed as strategy to improve soil fertility to enable economic plus environmental benefits. In temperate soils, however, the use of pure biochar mostly has moderately-negative to -positive yield effects. Here we demonstrate that co-composting considerably promoted biochars’ positive effects, largely by nitrate (nutrient) capture and delivery. In a full-factorial growth study with Chenopodium quinoa, biomass yield increased up to 305% in a sandy-poor soil amended with 2% (w/w) co-composted biochar (BCcomp). Conversely, addition of 2% (w/w) untreated biochar (BCpure) decreased the biomass to 60% of the control. Growth-promoting (BCcomp) as well as growth-reducing (BCpure) effects were more pronounced at lower nutrient-supply levels. Electro-ultra filtration and sequential biochar-particle washing revealed that co-composted biochar was nutrient-enriched, particularly with the anions nitrate and phosphate. The captured nitrate in BCcomp was (1) only partly detectable with standard methods, (2) largely protected against leaching, (3) partly plant-available and (4) did not stimulate N2O emissions. We hypothesize that surface ageing plus non-conventional ion-water bonding in micro- and nano-pores promoted nitrate capture in biochar particles. Amending (N-rich) bio-waste with biochar may enhance its agronomic value and reduce nutrient losses from bio-wastes and agricultural soils.
High-throughput sequencing of small RNAs and anatomical characteristics associated with leaf development in celery
Authors: Jia Xiao-Ling , Li Meng-Yao , Jiang Qian , Xu Zhi-Sheng , Wang Feng , Xiong Ai-Sheng 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs) exhibit diverse and important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses and regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Knowledge about the diversity of miRNAs and their roles in leaf development in celery remains unknown. To elucidate the roles of miRNAs in celery leaf development, we identified leaf development-related miRNAs through high-throughput sequencing. Small RNA libraries were constructed using leaves from three stages (10, 20 and 30 cm) of celery cv.‘Ventura’ and then subjected to high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. At Stage 1, Stage 2 and Stage 3 of ‘Ventura’, a total of 333, 329 and 344 conserved miRNAs (belonging to 35, 35 and 32 families, respectively) were identified. A total of 131 miRNAs were identified as novel in ‘Ventura’. Potential miRNA target genes were predicted and annotated using the eggNOG, GO and KEGG databases to explore gene functions. The abundance of five conserved miRNAs and their corresponding potential target genes were validated. Expression profiles of novel potential miRNAs were also detected. Anatomical characteristics of the leaf blades and petioles at three leaf stages were further analyzed. This study contributes to our understanding on the functions and molecular regulatory mechanisms of miRNAs in celery leaf development.
PC, a Novel Oral Insecticidal Toxin from Bacillus bombysepticus Involved in Host Lethality via APN and BtR-175
Authors: Lin Ping , Cheng Tingcai , Jin Shengkai , Wu Yuqian , Fu Bohua , Long Renwen , Zhao Ping , Xia Qingyou 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInsect pests have developed resistance to chemical insecticides, insecticidal toxins as bioinsecticides or genetic protection built into crops. Consequently, novel, orally active insecticidal toxins would be valuable biological alternatives for pest control. Here, we identified a novel insecticidal toxin, parasporal crystal toxin (PC), from Bacillus bombysepticus (Bb). PC shows oral pathogenic activity and lethality towards silkworms and Cry1Ac-resistant Helicoverpa armigera strains. In vitro assays, PC after activated by trypsin binds to BmAPN4 and BtR-175 by interacting with CR7 and CR12 fragments. Additionally, trypsin-activated PC demonstrates cytotoxicity against Sf9 cells expressing BmAPN4, revealing that BmAPN4 serves as a functional receptor that participates in Bb and PC pathogenicity. In vivo assay, knocking out BtR-175 increased the resistance of silkworms to PC. These data suggest that PC is the first protein with insecticidal activity identified in Bb that is capable of causing silkworm death via receptor interactions, representing an important advance in our understanding of the toxicity of Bb and the contributions of interactions between microbial pathogens and insects to disease pathology. Furthermore, the potency of PC as an insecticidal protein makes it a good candidate for inclusion in integrated agricultural pest management systems.
Conical Gradient Junctions of Dendritic Viologen Arrays on Electrodes
Authors: Kawauchi Takehiro , Oguchi Yuki , Nagai Keiji , Iyoda Tomokazu 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe three-dimensional construction of arrays of functional molecules on an electrode surface, such as organic semiconductors and redox-active molecules, is a considerable challenge in the fabrication of sophisticated junctions for molecular devices. In particular, well-defined organic layers with precise molecular gradients are anticipated to function as novel metal/organic interfaces with specific electrical properties, such as a space charge layer at the metal/semiconductor interface. Here, we report a strategy for the construction of a three-dimensional molecular array with an electrical connection to a metal electrode by exploiting dendritic molecular architecture. Newly designed dendritic molecules consisting of viologens (1,1′-disubstituted-4,4′-bipyridilium salts) as the framework and mercapto groups as anchor units form unique self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on a gold surface reflecting the molecular design. The dendritic molecules exhibit a conical shape and closely pack to form cone arrays on the substrate, whereas, in solution, they expand into more flexible conformations. Differences in the introduction position of the anchor units in the dendritic structure result in apical- and basal-type cone arrays in which the spatial concentration of the viologen units can be precisely configured in the cones. The concentration in apical-type SAMs increases away from the substrate, whereas the opposite is true in basal-type SAMs.
Co-existence of intact stemness and priming of neural differentiation programs in mES cells lacking Trim71
Authors: Mitschka Sibylle , Ulas Thomas , Goller Tobias , Schneider Karin , Egert Angela , Mertens Jérôme , Brüstle Oliver , Schorle Hubert , Beyer Marc , Klee Kathrin , Xue Jia , Günther Patrick , Bassler Kevin , Schultze Joachim L. , Kolanus Waldemar 
Published: June 2015

AbstractRegulatory networks for differentiation and pluripotency in embryonic stem (ES) cells have long been suggested to be mutually exclusive. However, with the identification of many new components of these networks ranging from epigenetic, transcriptional and translational to even post-translational mechanisms, the cellular states of pluripotency and early differentiation might not be strictly bi-modal, but differentiating stem cells appear to go through phases of simultaneous expression of stemness and differentiation genes. Translational regulators such as RNA binding proteins (RBPs) and micro RNAs (miRNAs) might be prime candidates for guiding a cell from pluripotency to differentiation. Using Trim71, one of two members of the Tripartite motif (Trim) protein family with RNA binding activity expressed in murine ES cells, we demonstrate that Trim71 is not involved in regulatory networks of pluripotency but regulates neural differentiation. Loss of Trim71 in mES cells leaves stemness and self-maintenance of these cells intact, but many genes required for neural development are up-regulated at the same time. Concordantly, Trim71−/− mES show increased neural marker expression following treatment with retinoic acid. Our findings strongly suggest that Trim71 keeps priming steps of differentiation in check, which do not pre-require a loss of the pluripotency network in ES cells.
On the role of scales in contact mechanics and friction between elastomers and randomly rough self-affine surfaces
Authors: Popov Valentin L. , Dimaki Andrey , Psakhie Sergey , Popov Mikhail 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe paper is devoted to a qualitative analysis of friction of elastomers from the point of view of scales contributing to the force of friction. We argue that – contrary to widespread opinion – friction between a randomly rough self-affine fractal surface and an elastomer is not a multiscale phenomenon, but is governed mostly by the interplay of only two scales – as a rule the largest and the smallest scales of roughness of the contacting bodies. The hypothesis of two-scale character of elastomer friction is illustrated by computer simulations in the framework of the paradigm of Greenwood, Tabor and Grosch using a simplified one-dimensional model.
Glutamate transporter splice variant expression in an enriched pyramidal cell population in schizophrenia
Authors: O'Donovan S M , Hasselfeld K , Bauer D , Simmons M , Roussos P , Haroutunian V , Meador-Woodruff J H , McCullumsmith R E 
Published: June 2015

AbstractDysregulation of the glutamate transporters EAAT1 and EAAT2 and their isoforms have been implicated in schizophrenia. EAAT1 and EAAT2 expression has been studied in different brain regions but the prevalence of astrocytic glutamate transporter expression masks the more subtle changes in excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) isoforms in neurons in the cortex. Using laser capture microdissection, pyramidal neurons were cut from the anterior cingulate cortex of postmortem schizophrenia (n=20) and control (n=20) subjects. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of EAAT1, EAAT2 and the splice variants EAAT1 exon9skipping, EAAT2 exon9skipping and EAAT2b were analyzed by real time PCR (RT-PCR) in an enriched population of neurons. Region-level expression of these transcripts was measured in postmortem schizophrenia (n=25) and controls (n=25). The relationship between selected EAAT polymorphisms and EAAT splice variant expression was also explored. Anterior cingulate cortex pyramidal cell expression of EAAT2b mRNA was increased (P<0.001; 67%) in schizophrenia subjects compared with controls. There was no significant change in other EAAT variants. EAAT2 exon9skipping mRNA was increased (P<0.05; 38%) at region level in the anterior cingulate cortex with no significant change in other EAAT variants at region level. EAAT2 single-nucleotide polymorphisms were significantly associated with changes in EAAT2 isoform expression. Haloperidol decanoate-treated animals, acting as controls for possible antipsychotic effects, did not have significantly altered neuronal EAAT2b mRNA levels. The novel finding that EAAT2b levels are increased in populations of anterior cingulate cortex pyramidal cells further demonstrates a role for neuronal glutamate transporter splice variant expression in schizophrenia.
Symmetric bipolar charge‐plasma transistor with extruded base for enhanced performance
Authors: Bramhane L.K. , Upadhyay N. , Veluru J.R. , Singh J. 
Published: June 2015

A new structure for a symmetric bipolar charge‐plasma transistor device with an extruded base is proposed. The charge plasma and extruded base concepts are used to increase the current gain and cutoff frequency of the proposed device, respectively. Metal contact hafnium accumulates electrons in the emitter/collector (E/C) regions and platinum accumulates holes in the base region. Using the metal contact of different work functions, the electrons and holes are accumulated in a lightly doped silicon film to create the E/C and the base regions, respectively. Two‐dimensional simulations of the proposed device demonstrate that it has a higher current gain of 9 × 106 and a peak cutoff frequency (fT) of 87.3 GHz. Furthermore, the fT for different silicon film thicknesses and base widths is optimised.
X‐band low phase noise loop oscillator with differential outputs
Authors: Yang Ziqiang , Luo Bangyu , Dong Jun , Yang Tao 
Published: June 2015

A novel X‐band low phase noise loop oscillator with differential outputs is proposed. A substrate‐integrated waveguide (SIW) resonator operated in TE120 mode is employed in the feedback loop of the oscillator as a frequency stabilisation element. Meanwhile, two other ports are connected to the same resonator for differential outputs, which can avoid the use of any additional active device or balun. Moreover, this oscillator can generate low‐phase noise signals owing to the high‐Q SIW resonator. A prototype of the oscillator has been designed, fabricated and measured. Two anti‐phase output signals with good phase and amplitude accuracy are obtained at an oscillation frequency of 9.01 GHz. The measured phase noise is −104.3 dBc/Hz at 100 kHz offset, which corresponds to a figure of merit of −190.4 dB.
Host Characteristics and Bacterial Traits Predict Experimental Virulence for Escherichia coli Bloodstream Isolates From Patients With Urosepsis
Authors: Johnson James R. , Porter Stephen , Johnston Brian , Kuskowski Michael A. , Spurbeck Rachel R. , Mobley Harry L.T. , Williamson Deborah A. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Background.  Extraintestinal Escherichia coli infections are common, costly, and potentially serious. A better understanding of their pathogenesis is needed.
Methods.  Sixty-seven E coli bloodstream isolates from adults with urosepsis (Seattle, WA; 1980s) underwent extensive molecular characterization and virulence assessment in 2 infection models (murine subcutaneous sepsis and moth larval lethality). Statistical comparisons were made among host characteristics, bacterial traits, and experimental virulence.
Results.  The 67 source patients were diverse for age, sex, and underlying medical and urological conditions. The corresponding E coli isolates exhibited diverse phylogenetic backgrounds and virulence profiles. Despite the E coli isolates′ common bloodstream origin, they exhibited a broad range of experimental virulence in mice and moth larvae, in patterns that (for the murine model only) corresponded significantly with host characteristics and bacterial traits. The most highly mouse-lethal strains were enriched with classic “urovirulence” traits and typically were from younger women with anatomically and functionally normal urinary tracts. The 2 animal models corresponded poorly with one another.
Conclusions.  Host compromise, including older age and urinary tract abnormalities, allows comparatively low-virulence E coli strains to cause urosepsis. Multiple E coli traits predict both experimental and epidemiological virulence. The larval lethality model cannot be a substitute for the murine sepsis model.