bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spiro Mounds, Oklahoma: Dental Evidence for Subsistence Strategies
Authors: Mayes A. T.
Published: June 2015

Spiro Mounds was a ceremonial complex located on the Arkansas River, situated in a natural corridor between the Southeast, the Plains, and the Southwestern United States. Considered a quintessential Mississippian site (ad 1000–ad 1450), Spiro was strategically placed as a cultural gateway. Here, dental evidence is presented to aid in the determination of dietary regime and overall population health. The hypothesis regarding the delayed transition to maize agriculture in the Arkansas River Valley will be tested through population comparisons of dental remains. This study will expand the bioarchaeological investigation of a region that has had limited systematic examination.

Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between Alluvial, Upland, and Plains environmental zones, and the pattern of dental pathology. Assaults on the dentition at Spiro are moderate. Caries and hypoplasia rates fall just under but approaching those expected for agricultural populations (57% and 49%, respectively). The high number of occlusal caries indicates slower cariogenic destruction and a slower attrition rate. Ante mortem tooth loss was low (18%), with moderate dental attrition (61%). The dental analysis of Spiro Mounds reveals a population with little generalised stress resulting from environmental or sociocultural influences.

Comparisons of Spiro to other larger sites in the Mississippian sphere is revealing regarding widespread cultural traditions and their affect on population health; Spiro's unique circumstances give evidence of a population in transition to maize agriculture, but not fully committed to it. Higher status individuals were slower to change from the subsistence strategies that had made them biologically successful. Recent isotope data support this conclusion. The delayed role of maize agriculture at Spiro Mounds, as well as its ideal location within the Mississippian sphere, indicates a different social evolution than other influential Mississippian centres. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Grasping the ‘teachable moment’: time since diagnosis, symptom burden and health behaviors in breast, colorectal and prostate cancer survivors
Authors: Bluethmann Shirley M. , Basen‐Engquist Karen , Vernon Sally W. , Cox Matthew , Gabriel Kelley Pettee , Stansberry Sandra A. , Carmack Cindy L. , Blalock Janice A. , Demark‐Wahnefried Wendy
Published: June 2015

Background

A cancer diagnosis may provide a ‘teachable moment’ in cancer recovery. To better understand factors influencing lifestyle choices following diagnosis, we examined associations between time since diagnosis and symptom burden with recommended dietary (e.g., five or more fruit/vegetable servings/day), physical activity (e.g., >150 active min, 3–5 times/week), and smoking behaviors (i.e., eliminate tobacco use) in cancer survivors.

Methods

We analyzed cross‐sectional survey data collected from breast (n = 528), colorectal (n = 106), and prostate (n = 419) cancer survivors following active treatment at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Four regression models were tested for behaviors of interest. Additionally, we assessed symptom burden as a potential moderator and/or mediator between time since diagnosis and behaviors.

Results

Respondents were mostly female (55%) and non‐Hispanic White (68%) with a mean age of 62.8 ± 11.4 years and mean time since diagnosis of 4.6 ± 3.1 years. In regression models, greater time since diagnosis predicted lower fruit and vegetable consumption (B = −0.05, p = 0.02) and more cigarette smoking (B = 0.06, p = 0.105). Greater symptom burden was a significant negative predictor for physical activity (B = −0.08, p < .001). We did not find evidence that symptom burden moderated or mediated the association between time since diagnosis and health behaviors.

Conclusion

We assessed the prevalence of recommended behaviors in the context of other challenges that survivors face, including time since diagnosis and symptom burden. Our results provide indirect evidence that proximity to a cancer diagnosis may provide a teachable moment to improve dietary and smoking behaviors and that symptom burden may impede physical activity following diagnosis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genesis, Morphology, Age and Distribution of Cryogenic Mounds on Kaffiøyra and Hermansenøya, Northwest Svalbard
Authors: Jaworski Tomasz , Chutkowski Karol
Published: June 2015

Three main types of cryogenic mounds on the coastal plains (strandflats) of Kaffiøyra and Hermansenøya on northwest Svalbard are distinguished according to their distribution, morphology, internal structure, genesis and age. The mounds include aggradational forms: a previously unrecognised hydraulic pingo, frost peat mounds with either a minerogenic core (mineral palsas) or an ice/ice‐peat core, and earth hummocks. Previously unrecognised degradational features represent thermokarst mounds. Individual types of mounds have developed in different geomorphological locations: (i) in the forefield of a retreating subpolar glacier over fault zones (hydraulic pingo 7.8 m high); (ii) on peat bogs (two types of frost peat mounds 0.7–1.3 m high and thermokarst mounds 0.5–0.8 m high); (iii) on raised beaches (high earth hummocks 0.5–1.0 m high); and (iv) on flat and wet tundra surfaces (miniature earth hummocks 0.2–0.3 m high). Although large, pingo‐type mounds are typical on Svalbard, only one pingo occurs in the study area because of lithological, hydrological and geomorphological conditions of the area. These conditions, together with thick permafrost, do not allow the outflow of sub‐ and intra‐permafrost water to the surface. Some cryogenic mounds are the result of climate fluctuations in the recent part of the Holocene (Little Ice Age). The oldest frost peat mounds from Hermansenøya developed 3.0–2.5 kyr BP, while the pingo is still growing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Closing the gap between brain banks and proteomics to advance the study of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Paraizo Leite Renata Elaine , Tenenholz Grinberg Lea
Published: June 2015

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, are among the most debilitating neurological disorders, and as life expectancy rises quickly around the world, the scientific and clinical challenges of dealing with them will also increase dramatically, putting increased pressure on the biomedical community to come up with innovative solutions for the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions. Despite several decades of intensive research, there is still little that can be done to prevent, cure, or even slow down the progression of NDs in most patients. There is an urgent need to develop new lines of basic and applied research that can be quickly translated into clinical application. One way to do this is to apply the tools of proteomics to well‐characterized samples of human brain tissue, but a closer partnership must still be forged between proteomic scientists, brain banks, and clinicians to explore the maximum potential of this approach. Here, we analyze the challenges and potential benefits of using human brain tissue for proteomics research toward NDs.
Volatile Emissions of Ammonium Nitrate under Flowing Conditions
Authors: Steinkamp Frank Lucus , Giordano Braden , Collins Greg , Rose‐Pehrsson Susan
Published: June 2015

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is an ionic solid commonly used as a fertilizer and in commercial blasting applications. Frequently, AN is mixed with a fuel and used in improvised explosives devices (IEDs). To characterize the low‐volatility components emanating from AN, a sample of AN was sealed inside a stainless steel chamber while a laminar flow of air swept the headspace vapor components into a water impinger or cold‐trap for pre‐concentration and subsequent analysis by ion chromatography (IC). Both collection methods were found to be 100 % efficient for collecting nitric acid vapor, whereas the collection efficiency for ammonia was dependent upon the collection method and, for the water impinging method, additionally upon the vapor concentration, humidity and flow rate. Cold‐trapping efficiency for ammonia was 4 %±2 % across all parameters studied. Water impinging was more efficient (20–70 %), but the efficiency varied according to each of the aforementioned variables. The characteristics of an AN vapor generated from a solid sample were found to vary as the sample approached equilibrium inside the chamber. Initially, large quantities of ammonia were observed, but as a steady state was achieved within the laminar flow and a dynamic equilibrium established, the ratio of ammonia to nitric acid in the effluent vapor dropped, although never becoming equimolar. The ratio was strongly dependent upon humidity.
4‐Phenylphenalenones as a template for new photodynamic compounds against Mycosphaerella fijiensis
Authors: Hidalgo William , Cano Marisol , Arbelaez Manuela , Zarrazola Edwin , Gil Jesús , Schneider Bernd , Otálvaro Felipe
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUND

Evaluation of 4‐phenylphenalenones and structural analogues against the fungal pathogen Mycosphaerella fijiensis (causal agent of black sigatoka disease in bananas) under light‐controlled conditions uncovered some key structural features for the design of photodynamic compounds.

RESULTS

Structure–activity relationship analysis revealed the importance of a chromophoric aryl‐ketone and a steroidomimetic structural motif in the activity of the assayed compounds. The results pointed to 1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐naphtho[2′,1′:3,4]cyclohepta[1,2‐b]furan‐3‐one, which displayed an activity in the range of propiconazole but with photodynamic behaviour.

CONCLUSION

The present work demonstrates that 1,2‐dihydro‐3H‐naphtho[2′,1′:3,4]cyclohepta[1,2‐b]heterocyclic‐3‐one derivatives can be used as potential lead compounds for the development of fungicides, relying on a dual mode of action. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Recombinant messenger RNA technology and its application in cancer immunotherapy, transcript replacement therapies, pluripotent stem cell induction, and beyond
Authors: Vallazza Britta , Petri Sebastian , Poleganov Marco A. , Eberle Florian , Kuhn Andreas N. , Sahin Ugur
Published: June 2015

In recent years, the interest in using messenger RNA (mRNA) as a therapeutic means to tackle different diseases has enormously increased. This holds true not only for numerous preclinical studies, but mRNA has also entered the clinic to fight cancer. The advantages of using mRNA compared to DNA were recognized very early on, e.g., the lack of risk for genomic integration, or the expression of the encoded protein in the cytoplasm without the need to cross the nuclear membrane. However, it was generally assumed that mRNA is just not stable enough to give rise to sufficient expression of the encoded protein. Yet, an initially small group of mRNA aficionados could demonstrate that the stability of mRNA and the efficiency, by which the encoded protein is translated, can be significantly increased by selecting the right set of cis‐acting structural elements (including the 5′‐cap, 5′‐ and 3′‐untranslated regions, poly(A)‐tail, and modified building blocks). In parallel, significant advances in RNA packaging and delivery have been made, extending the potential for this molecule. This paved the way for further work to prove mRNA as a promising therapeutic for multiple diseases. Here, we review the developments to optimize mRNA regarding stability, translational efficiency, and immune‐modulating properties to enhance its functionality and efficacy as a therapeutic. Furthermore, we summarize the current status of preclinical and clinical studies that use mRNA for cancer immunotherapy, for the expression of functional proteins as so‐called transcript (or protein) replacement therapy, as well as for induction of pluripotent stem cells. WIREs RNA 2015, 6:471–499. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1288

This article is categorized under:

Translation > Translation Regulation

RNA Turnover and Surveillance > Turnover/Surveillance Mechanisms

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Credit Where Credit is Due?: Race, Gender, and Discrimination in the Credit Scores of Business Startups
Authors: Henderson Loren , Herring Cedric , Horton Hayward Derrick , Thomas Melvin
Published: June 2015

This research seeks to understand the degree to which credit scores of new business startups are influenced by racial or gender discrimination. It examines the degree to which access to business credit lines is influenced by racial and gender-related factors that go beyond would-be borrowers’ credit scores. Using credit data from new startups, the analysis finds that, when controlling for firm and human capital characteristics, Black-owned startups receive lower than expected business credit scores. Whites are more favorably treated in credit score determination than are African Americans with the same firm characteristics and owner characteristics. Moreover, Whites are more favorably treated when it comes to access to credit lines than are African Americans, Latinos, and Asians with the same firm characteristics, owner characteristics, and credit scores. Men are more favorably treated when it comes to access to credit lines than are women. A Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition suggests that credit lines for Black-owned businesses would more than double, Latino-owned businesses’ lines of credit would nearly triple, Asian-owned businesses’ lines of credit would more than triple, and those where the primary owners are women would be more than twice as large if their business lines of credit were determined in the same way as those for businesses owned primarily by Whites and by men. The implications of these results are discussed.
Crowdsourcing as New Instrument in Policy-making: Making the Democratic Process More Engaging
Authors: Lastovka Maria
Published: June 2015

This paper discusses crowdsourcing as a new instrument for engaging the public in policymaking. Technological advancements in digital communication tools are making it increasingly easy and inexpensive to receive input from the ‘crowd’, the citizens. Hence utilising crowdsourcing in the democratic process can offer both traditional political institutions and political parties an opportunity to engage citizens and increase legitimacy.
Using video clips to elicit affects in the Asian iGeneration
Authors: Tan Chee-Seng , Qu Li
Published: June 2015

The present study aimed to develop a set of video clips to elicit positive, negative, and neutral affects in male and female Asian young adults growing up with the Internet. Based on the Internet rating and past literature, we selected 12 video clips as candidates. Results of three experiments (N= 155) showed that among these video clips, six clips, two clips for each affect, were particularly effective in eliciting target affects in both genders. This set of video clips can be used as a valid tool to induce affect in the iGeneration.
Iodised salt contribution to iodine nutrition status of pregnant and lactating women
Authors: Zhang Haihong , Lv Shengmin , Mu Zhenguo , Li Weihong , Zhang Xia , Wang Yuchun , Rutherford Shannon
Published: June 2015

Sufficient iodine intake by pregnant and lactating women is crucial to their offspring's cognitive development. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of iodised salt intake on the iodine status of pregnant and lactating women. Thirty towns were selected from 211 towns in the rural areas of Shijiazhuang city using probability proportionate to size sampling in this cross-sectional survey. In each selected town, forty pregnant women and forty lactating women were randomly selected to contribute urine samples to determine iodine content. The median urinary iodine content (UIC) of 1200 pregnant women in all was 146 (interquartile range (IQR) 88–239) μg/l. The median UIC in the first, second and third trimesters were 166 (IQR 92–276) μg/l, 145 (IQR 83–248) μg/l and 134 (IQR 79–221) μg/l, respectively. The median UIC in the first trimester was significantly higher than that in the third trimester (P= 0·04). The median UIC of 1200 lactating women in all was 120 (IQR 66–195) μg/l. Their median UIC in every 4-week block was higher than the WHO criteria except in weeks 25–28 and weeks 33–36 of lactation. Pregnant women's median UIC did not correlate with median salt iodine (MSI) (P= 0·402); however, there was a linear correlation between MSI and the lactating women's median UIC (P= 0·007). Iodised salt failed to provide adequate iodine to pregnant women possibly due to limited intake of iodised salt during pregnancy, though it was found to provide adequate iodine to lactating women in the rural areas of Shijiazhuang city.
Postnatal nutritional restriction affects growth and immune function of piglets with intra-uterine growth restriction
Authors: Hu Liang , Liu Yan , Yan Chuan , Peng Xie , Xu Qin , Xuan Yue , Han Fei , Tian Gang , Fang Zhengfeng , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Zhang Keying , Chen Daiwen , Wu De , Che Lianqiang
Published: June 2015

Postnatal rapid growth by excess intake of nutrients has been associated with an increased susceptibility to diseases in neonates with intra-uterine growth restricted (IUGR). The aim of the present study was to determine whether postnatal nutritional restriction could improve intestinal development and immune function of neonates with IUGR using piglets as model. A total of twelve pairs of normal-birth weight (NBW) and IUGR piglets (7 d old) were randomly assigned to receive adequate nutrient intake or restricted nutrient intake (RNI) by artificially liquid feeding for a period of 21 d. Blood samples and intestinal tissues were collected at necropsy and were analysed for morphology, digestive enzyme activities, immune cells and expression of innate immunity-related genes. The results indicated that both IUGR and postnatal nutritional restriction delayed the growth rate during the sucking period. Irrespective of nutrient intake, piglets with IUGR had a significantly lower villous height and crypt depth in the ileum than the NBW piglets. Moreover, IUGR decreased alkaline phosphatase activity while enhanced lactase activity in the jejunum and mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR-9) and DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) in the ileum of piglets. Irrespective of body weight, RNI significantly decreased the number and/or percentage of peripheral leucocytes, lymphocytes and monocytes of piglets, whereas the percentage of neutrophils and the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ were increased. Furthermore, RNI markedly enhanced the mRNA expression of TLR-9 and DNMT1, but decreased the expression of NOD2 and TRAF-6 in the ileum of piglets. In summary, postnatal nutritional restriction led to abnormal cellular and innate immune response, as well as delayed the growth and intestinal development of IUGR piglets.
On Higher Rank Globally Generated Vector Bundles over a Smooth Quadric Threefold
Authors: Ballico E. , Huh S. , Malaspina F.
Published: June 2015

We give a complete classification of globally generated vector bundles of rank 3 on a smooth quadric threefold withc1≤ 2 and extend the result to arbitrary higher rank case. We also investigate the existence of globally generated indecomposable vector bundles, and give the sufficient and necessary conditions on numeric data of vector bundles for indecomposability.
Saharan cheetah Acinonyx jubatus hecki, a ghostly dweller on Niger's Termit massif
Authors: Sillero-Zubiri Claudio , Rostro-García Susana , Burruss Dylan , Matchano Alkabouss , Harouna Abdoulaye , Rabeil Thomas
Published: June 2015

The Saharan cheetah Acinonyx jubatus hecki, once broadly distributed across north-western Africa, now occurs in only 9% of its former range and is categorized as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. The Saharan cheetah is rare and threatened but there is a lack of reliable data on its population status and distribution. We report sightings of cheetahs in the Termit & Tin Toumma National Nature and Cultural Reserve of Niger, recorded using three methods: camera-trap surveys, sign surveys and interviews with local people. We recorded three individuals in camera-traps, three direct sightings of lone individuals, 43 distinct cheetah tracks, and one cheetah scat, which suggest a resident population. Most respondents had negative attitudes towards carnivores, including the cheetah. Paradoxically, local nomads reported no conflict with the cheetah and perceived that the number of cheetahs was declining. Attitudes towards carnivores were correlated with respondents’ age and level of education. Efforts to reduce killing of carnivores and their prey are needed but it is equally important for conservation initiatives to focus on increasing local knowledge about wildlife through education, particularly targeted at the younger generation. Our findings highlight the benefits of using various techniques for recording the presence of a rare carnivore.
Generation of terahertz radiation in collisional plasma by beating of two dark hollow laser beams
Authors: Bakhtiari Farhad , Golmohammady Shole , Yousefi Masoud , Kashani Fatemeh D. , Ghafary Bijan
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a scheme of terahertz radiation generation based on beating of two dark hollow laser beams with different frequencies, the same electric field amplitudes, in actual plasma with spatially periodic density that electron–neutral collisions have taken into account. The main feature of considered hollow laser beams is, having the same power at different beam orders. Because of special distribution in beam intensity gradient in dark hollow laser beam, the produced terahertz radiation has special field profile. The effects of laser and plasma parameters on terahertz radiation generation are investigated analytically. It can be deduced that by increasing beating frequency, efficiency of terahertz generation decreases which can be compensated by manipulating density ripple magnitudes and dark-size adjusting parameter. The intensity of the emitted radiations is found to be highly sensitive to the beam order. Based on the results of this paper, optimization of laser and plasma parameters can increase the efficiency of terahertz radiation generation strongly.
‘Writes a fair hand and appears to be well qualified’: the recruitment of Bank of England clerks, 1800–1815
Authors: Murphy Anne L.
Published: June 2015

The financial strains of the Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars had a significant impact on the Bank of England. In its position as banker to the state and manager of the state's debt, it experienced a significant increase in workload and thus was forced rapidly to expand its workforce. From a complement of around 300 in the mid 1780s, the number of clerks employed had increased to over 900 in 1815. Using a unique set of records preserved in the Bank's archives, this article investigates the backgrounds and skills of the men recruited during the expansion of the early nineteenth century. It finds a significant gap between the skills required by the Bank and the skills possessed by its potential workforce.
Vitamin Intake from Food Supplements in a German Cohort - Is there a Risk of Excessive Intake?
Authors: Willers Janina , Heinemann Michaela , Bitterlich Norman , Hahn Andreas
Published: June 2015

Food supplements, if not properly used, may lead to potentially harmful nutrient intake. The purpose of this survey was to examine vitamin intake from food supplements. Taking into account the intake from food, as obtained from the National Nutrition Survey, it was determined whether the tolerable upper intake levels (ULs) were exceeded via supplements alone, or in combination with food. Data from 1070 supplement users (18 - 93 years) was available. The dietary and supplemental vitamin intakes of three groups were analyzed: average intake (50th percentile food + 50th percentile supplements), middle-high intake (50th + 95th) and high intake (95th + 95th). Vitamin C (53 %), vitamin E (45 %) and B vitamins (37 - 45 %) were consumed most frequently. Few subjects (n = 7) reached or exceeded the ULs through supplements alone. The UL for vitamin A and folate was reached by a few men in the middle-high group, and by a few men and women in the high intake group. Otherwise, even in the high intake group, the recommended vitamin D intake of 20 µg/day (in case of insufficient endogenous synthesis) could not be achieved. The use of food supplements was not associated with excessive vitamin intake in this survey, except in a small number of cases. Vitamin A intake above the UL was the result of high dietary intake which also included the intake of β-carotene, rather than the result of overconsumption of food supplements. Diets mainly included folate from natural sources, which has no associated risk.
Curcumin Modulates Muscle Damage but not Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Defense Following Eccentric Exercise in Rats
Authors: Boz Ismail , Belviranli Muaz , Okudan Nilsel
Published: June 2015

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of curcumin on eccentric exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress in rats. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: Control (C; no curcumin, no exercise; n = 6), Curcumin (Cur; n = 8), Exercise (E; n = 8) and Exercise Plus Curcumin (ECur; n = 8). Curcumin was given for 20 days via oral gavage at doses of 200 mg/kg-1 of body weight per day, dissolved in corn oil. On the 21st day eccentric exercise was provided via a treadmill run and the rats were sacrificed immediately after. Results: Eccentric exercise resulted in significant (p < 0.05) increases in all injury markers such as creatine kinase (CK) and myoglobin, but curcumin supplementation tended to decrease CK activity (p > 0.05) and significantly decreased myoglobin levels (p < 0.05). In blood and muscle samples, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were not affected by either curcumin or exercise (p > 0.05). MDA levels in liver tissue decreased in the ECur group, compared to the control (p < 0.05). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities and glutathione (GSH) levels were affected by neither curcumin nor exercise (p > 0.05), in blood, muscle and liver tissues. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that curcumin has a protective effect on eccentric exercise induced muscle damage, and that this effect might be independent of oxidative stress and antioxidant systems.
The Oral Intake of Organic Germanium, Ge-132, Elevates α-Tocopherol Levels in the Plas-ma and Modulates Hepatic Gene Expression Profiles to Promote Immune Activation in Mice
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Takeda Tomoya , Tokuji Yoshihiko
Published: June 2015

The common water-soluble organic germanium compound poly-trans-[(2-carboxyethyl) germasesquioxane] (Ge-132) exhibits activities related to immune responses and antioxidant induction. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidative effect of dietary Ge-132 in the plasma of mice. Male ICR mice (seven mice per group) received an AIN-76 diet with 0.05 % Ge-132; three groups received the Ge-132-containing diet for 0, 1 or 4 days. The plasma alpha-tocopherol (α-tocopherol) concentration increased from 6.85 to 9.60 μg/ml after 4 days of Ge-132 intake (p < 0.05). We evaluated the changes in hepatic gene expression related to antioxidative activity as well as in the entire expression profile after one day of Ge-132 intake, using DNA microarray technology. We identified 1,220 genes with altered expression levels greater than 1.5-fold (increased or decreased) as a result of Ge-132 intake, and α-tocopherol transfer protein (Ttpa) gene expression was increased 1.62-fold. Immune activation was identified as the category with the most changes (containing 60 Gene Ontology (GO) term biological processes (BPs), 41 genes) via functional clustering analysis of altered gene expression. Ge-132 affected genes in clusters related to ATP production (22 GO term BPs, 21 genes), lipid metabolism (4 GO term BPs, 38 genes) and apoptosis (5 GO term BPs). Many GO term BPs containing these categories were significantly affected by the Ge-132 intake. Oral Ge-132 intake may therefore have increased plasma α-tocopherol levels by up-regulating α-tocopherol transfer protein (Ttpa) gene expression.
Lack of Age-Dependent Decrease in Dopamine D3 Receptor Availability: A [11C]-(+)-PHNO and [11C]-Raclopride Positron Emission Tomography Study
Authors: Nakajima Shinichiro , Caravaggio Fernando , Boileau Isabelle , Chung Jun K , Plitman Eric , Gerretsen Philip , Wilson Alan A , Houle Sylvain , Mamo David C , Graff-Guerrero Ariel
Published: June 2015

Positron emission tomography with antagonist radiotracers has showed that striatal dopamine D2/3 receptor (D2/3R) availability decreases with age. However, no study has specifically assessed whether D2/3R availability decreases with age in healthy persons as measured with agonist radiotracers. Moreover, it is unknown whether D3R availability changes with age in healthy humans. Thus, we explored the relationship between age and D2/3R availability in healthy humans using the D3 receptor (D3R)-preferential agonist radiotracer [11C]-(+)-PHNO ( n = 72, mean ± s.d. age = 40 ± 15, range = 18 to 73) and the antagonist [11C]-Raclopride ( n = 70, mean ± s.d. age = 40 ± 14, range = 18 to 73) (both, n = 33). The contribution of D3R to the [11C]-(+)-PHNO signal varies across regions of interest; the substantia nigra and hypothalamus represent D3R-specific regions, the ventral pallidum, globus pallidus, and ventral striatum represent D2/3R-mixed regions, and the caudate and putamen represent D2 receptor (D2R)-specific regions. With [11C]-(+)-PHNO, a negative correlation was observed between age and nondisplaceable binding potential (BPND) in the caudate ( r(70) = −0.32, P = 0.005). No correlations were observed in the other regions. With [11C]-Raclopride, negative correlations were observed between age and BPND in the caudate ( r(68) = −0.50, P < 0.001), putamen ( r(68) = −0.41, P < 0.001), and ventral striatum ( r(68) = −0.43, P < 0.001). In conclusion, in contrast with the age-dependent decrease in D2R availability, these findings suggest that D3R availability does not change with age.
Tryptophan derivatives regulate the transcription of Oct4 in stem-like cancer cells
Authors: Cheng Jie , Li Wenxin , Kang Bo , Zhou Yanwen , Song Jiasheng , Dan Songsong , Yang Ying , Zhang Xiaoqian , Li Jingchao , Yin Shengyong , Cao Hongcui , Yao Hangping , Zhu Chenggang , Yi Wen , Zhao Qingwei , Xu Xiaowei , Zheng Min , Zheng Shusen , Li Lanjuan , Shen Binghui , Wang Ying-Jie
Published: June 2015

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-activated transcription factor that responds to environmental toxicants, is increasingly recognized as a key player in embryogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here we show that a variety of tryptophan derivatives that act as endogenous AhR ligands can affect the transcription level of the master pluripotency factor Oct4. Among them, ITE enhances the binding of the AhR to the promoter of Oct4 and suppresses its transcription. Reduction of endogenous ITE levels in cancer cells by tryptophan deprivation or hypoxia leads to Oct4 elevation, which can be reverted by administration with synthetic ITE. Consequently, synthetic ITE induces the differentiation of stem-like cancer cells and reduces their tumorigenic potential in both subcutaneous and orthotopic xenograft tumour models. Thus, our results reveal a role of tryptophan derivatives and the AhR signalling pathway in regulating cancer cell stemness and open a new therapeutic avenue to target stem-like cancer cells.
Tamarind Seed (Tamarindus indica) Extract Ameliorates Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis via Regulating the Mediators of Cartilage/Bone Degeneration, Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Sundaram Mahalingam S. , Hemshekhar Mahadevappa , Santhosh Martin S. , Paul Manoj , Sunitha Kabburahalli , Thushara Ram M. , NaveenKumar Somanathapura K. , Naveen Shivanna , Devaraja Sannaningaiah , Rangappa Kanchugarakoppal S. , Kemparaju Kempaiah , Girish Kesturu S.
Published: June 2015

Medicinal plants are employed in the treatment of human ailments from time immemorial. Several studies have validated the use of medicinal plant products in arthritis treatment. Arthritis is a joint disorder affecting subchondral bone and cartilage. Degradation of cartilage is principally mediated by enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), hyaluronidases (HAase), aggrecanases and exoglycosidases. These enzymes act upon collagen, hyaluronan and aggrecan of cartilage respectively, which would in turn activate bone deteriorating enzymes like cathepsins and tartrate resistant acid phosphatases (TRAP). Besides, the incessant action of reactive oxygen species and the inflammatory mediators is reported to cause further damage by immunological activation. The present study demonstrated the anti-arthritic efficacy of tamarind seed extract (TSE). TSE exhibited cartilage and bone protecting nature by inhibiting the elevated activities of MMPs, HAase, exoglycosidases, cathepsins and TRAP. It also mitigated the augmented levels of inflammatory mediators like interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-6, IL-23 and cyclooxygenase-2. Further, TSE administration alleviated increased levels of ROS and hydroperoxides and sustained the endogenous antioxidant homeostasis by balancing altered levels of endogenous antioxidant markers. Overall, TSE was observed as a potent agent abrogating arthritis-mediated cartilage/bone degradation, inflammation and associated stress in vivo demanding further attention.
Proteome-wide characterization of signalling interactions in the hippocampal CA4/DG subfield of patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ho Kim Jae , Franck Julien , Kang Taewook , Heinsen Helmut , Ravid Rivka , Ferrer Isidro , Hee Cheon Mi , Lee Joo-Yong , Shin Yoo Jong , Steinbusch Harry W , Salzet Michel , Fournier Isabelle , Mok Park Young
Published: June 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia; however, mechanisms and biomarkers remain unclear. Here, we examined hippocampal CA4 and dentate gyrus subfields, which are less studied in the context of AD pathology, in post-mortem AD and control tissue to identify possible biomarkers. We performed mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis combined with label-free quantification for identification of differentially expressed proteins. We identified 4,328 proteins, of which 113 showed more than 2-fold higher or lower expression in AD hippocampi than in control tissues. Five proteins were identified as putative AD biomarkers (MDH2, PCLO, TRRAP, YWHAZ and MUC19 isoform 5) and were cross-validated by immunoblotting, selected reaction monitoring and MALDI imaging. We also used a bioinformatics approach to examine upstream signalling interactions of the 113 regulated proteins. Five upstream signalling (IGF1, BDNF, ZAP70, MYC and cyclosporin A) factors showed novel interactions in AD hippocampi. Taken together, these results demonstrate a novel platform that may provide new strategies for the early detection of AD and thus its diagnosis.
Investigation of the subcellular architecture of L7 neurons of Aplysia californica using magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) at 7.8 microns
Authors: Lee Choong H. , Flint Jeremy J. , Hansen Brian , Blackband Stephen J.
Published: June 2015

Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) is a non-invasive diagnostic tool which is well-suited to directly resolve cellular structures in ex vivo and in vitro tissues without use of exogenous contrast agents. Recent advances in its capability to visualize mammalian cellular structure in intact tissues have reinvigorated analytical interest in aquatic cell models whose previous findings warrant up-to-date validation of subcellular components. Even if the sensitivity of MRM is less than other microscopic technologies, its strength lies in that it relies on the same image contrast mechanisms as clinical MRI which make it a unique tool for improving our ability to interpret human diagnostic imaging through high resolution studies of well-controlled biological model systems. Here, we investigate the subcellular MR signal characteristics of isolated cells of Aplysia californica at an in-plane resolution of 7.8 μm. In addition, direct correlation and positive identification of subcellular architecture in the cells is achieved through well-established histology. We hope this methodology will serve as the groundwork for studying pathophysiological changes through perturbation studies and allow for development of disease-specific cellular modeling tools. Such an approach promises to reveal the MR contrast changes underlying cellular mechanisms in various human diseases, for example in ischemic stroke.
TERT Promoter Mutations Are Predictive of Aggressive Clinical Behavior in Patients with Spitzoid Melanocytic Neoplasms
Authors: Lee Seungjae , Barnhill Raymond L. , Dummer Reinhard , Dalton James , Wu Jianrong , Pappo Alberto , Bahrami Armita
Published: June 2015

Spitzoid neoplasms constitute a morphologically distinct category of melanocytic tumors, encompassing Spitz nevus (benign), atypical Spitz tumor (intermediate malignant potential) and spitzoid melanoma (fully malignant). Currently, no reliable histopathological criteria or molecular marker is known to distinguish borderline from overtly malignant neoplasms. Because TERT promoter (TERT-p) mutations are common in inherently aggressive cutaneous conventional melanoma, we sought to evaluate their prognostic significance in spitzoid neoplasms. We analyzed tumors labeled as atypical Spitz tumor or spitzoid melanoma from 56 patients with available follow-up data for the association of TERT-p mutations, biallelic CDKN2A deletion, biallelic PTEN deletion, kinase fusions, BRAF/NRAS mutations, nodal status and histopathological parameters with risk of hematogenous metastasis. Four patients died of disseminated disease and 52 patients were alive and disease free without extranodal metastasis (median follow-up, 32.5 months). We found TERT-p mutations in samples from the 4 patients who developed hematogenous metastasis but in none of tumors from patients who had favorable outcomes. Presence of TERT-p mutations was the most significant predictor of haematogenous dissemination (P < 0.0001) among variables analyzed. We conclude that TERT-p mutations identify a clinically high-risk subset of patients with spitzoid tumors. Application of TERT-p mutational assays for risk stratification in the clinic requires large-scale validation.
Retina specific GCAPs in zebrafish acquire functional selectivity in Ca2+-sensing by myristoylation and Mg2+-binding
Authors: Sulmann Stefan , Vocke Farina , Scholten Alexander , Koch Karl-Wilhelm
Published: June 2015

Zebrafish photoreceptor cells express six guanylate cyclase-activating proteins (zGCAPs) that share a high degree of amino acid sequence homology, but differ in Ca2+-binding properties, Ca2+-sensitive target regulation and spatial-temporal expression profiles. We here study a general problem in cellular Ca2+-sensing, namely how similar Ca2+-binding proteins achieve functional selectivity to control finely adjusted cellular responses. We investigated two parameters of critical importance for the trigger and switch function of guanylate cyclase-activating proteins: the myristoylation status and the occupation of Ca2+-binding sites with Mg2+. All zGCAPs can be myristoylated in living cells using click chemistry. Myristoylation does not facilitate membrane binding of zGCAPs, but it significantly modified the regulatory properties of zGCAP2 and zGCAP5. We further determined for all zGCAPs at least two binding sites exhibiting high affinities for Ca2+ with KD values in the submicromolar range, whereas for other zGCAPs (except zGCAP3) the affinity of the third binding site was in the micromolar range. Mg2+ either occupied the low affinity Ca2+-binding site or it shifted the affinities for Ca2+-binding. Hydrodynamic properties of zGCAPs are more influenced by Ca2+ than by Mg2+, although to a different extent for each zGCAP. Posttranslational modification and competing ion-binding can tailor the properties of similar Ca2+-sensors.
Population genetic structure of Oryza sativa in East and Southeast Asia and the discovery of elite alleles for grain traits
Authors: Dang Xiaojing , Giang Tran Thi Thu , Mawuli Edzesi Wisdom , Liang Lijun , Liu Qiangming , Liu Erbao , Wang Yang , Qiang Sheng , Liu Linglong , Hong Delin
Published: June 2015

We investigated the nuclear simple sequence repeat (SSR) genotypes of 532 rice (Oryza sativaL.) accessions collected from East and Southeast Asia and detected abundant genetic diversity within the population. We identified 6 subpopulations and found a tendency towards directional evolution inO. sativafrom low to high latitudes, with levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) in the 6 subpopulations ranging from 10 to 30 cM. We then investigated the phenotypic data for grain length, grain width, grain thickness and 1,000-grain weight over 4 years. Using a genome-wide association analysis, we identified 17 marker-trait associations involving 14 SSR markers on 12 chromosome arms and 8 of the 17 associations were novel. The elite alleles were mined based on the phenotypic effects of the detected quantitative trait loci (QTLs). These elite alleles could be used to improve target traits through optimal cross designs, with the expected results obtained by pyramiding or substituting the elite alleles per QTL (independent of possible epistatic effects). Together, these results provide an in-depth understanding of the genetic diversity pattern among rice-grain traits across a broad geographic scale, which has potential use in future research work, including studies related to germplasm conservation and molecular breeding by design.
Constructing lncRNA functional similarity network based on lncRNA-disease associations and disease semantic similarity
Authors: Chen Xing , Clarence Yan Chenggang , Luo Cai , Ji Wen , Zhang Yongdong , Dai Qionghai
Published: June 2015

Increasing evidence has indicated that plenty of lncRNAs play important roles in many critical biological processes. Developing powerful computational models to construct lncRNA functional similarity network based on heterogeneous biological datasets is one of the most important and popular topics in the fields of both lncRNAs and complex diseases. Functional similarity network consturction could benefit the model development for both lncRNA function inference and lncRNA-disease association identification. However, little effort has been attempted to analysis and calculate lncRNA functional similarity on a large scale. In this study, based on the assumption that functionally similar lncRNAs tend to be associated with similar diseases, we developed two novel lncRNA functional similarity calculation models (LNCSIM). LNCSIM was evaluated by introducing similarity scores into the model of Laplacian Regularized Least Squares for LncRNA–Disease Association (LRLSLDA) for lncRNA-disease association prediction. As a result, new predictive models improved the performance of LRLSLDA in the leave-one-out cross validation of various known lncRNA-disease associations datasets. Furthermore, some of the predictive results for colorectal cancer and lung cancer were verified by independent biological experimental studies. It is anticipated that LNCSIM could be a useful and important biological tool for human disease diagnosis, treatment and prevention.
Effects of charge states, charge sites and side chain interactions on conformational preferences of a series of model peptide ions
Authors: Xiao Chunying , Pérez Lisa M. , Russell David H.
Published: June 2015

The factors affecting conformational preference of gas phase peptide ions are investigated by IM-MS and molecular dynamics simulation.
Supermacroporous polyHIPE and cryogel monolithic materials as stationary phases in separation science: a review
Authors: Choudhury Sidratul , Connolly Damian , White Blánaid
Published: June 2015

With their unique supermacroporous architecture, polyHIPEs (high internal phase emulsions) and cryogels have huge potential as analytical separation stationary phases.
Electrocatalysis by subcellular liver fractions bound to carbon nanostructures for stereoselective green drug metabolite synthesis
Authors: Nerimetla Rajasekhara , Krishnan Sadagopan
Published: June 2015

A novel, reusable, cofactor-free, and mediator-free liver microsomal bioreactor on carbon nanostructure electrodes is reported here for the first time.
Combination of inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction with highly efficient oxime ligation expands the toolbox of site-selective peptide conjugations
Authors: Hörner S. , Uth C. , Avrutina O. , Frauendorf H. , Wiessler M. , Kolmar H.
Published: June 2015

A modular bioconjugation strategy based on stepwise oxime ligation and inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction.
Detection of telomerase on upconversion nanoparticle modified cellulose paper
Authors: Wang Faming , Li Wen , Wang Jiasi , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: June 2015

We successfully constructed an upconversion nanoparticle modified cellulose paper sensor for the sensitive and visual detection of telomerase activity.
Synergy of Mg2+and poly(aspartic acid) in additive-controlled calcium carbonate precipitation
Authors: Wolf Stefan L. P. , Jähme Kathrin , Gebauer Denis
Published: June 2015

Distinct synergistic effects of poly(aspartic acid) and magnesium ions found during CaCO3precipitation are important for biomineralisation and antiscaling strategies.
Extraordinary deformation capacity of smallest carbohelicene springs
Authors: Šesták Petr , Wu Jianyang , He Jianying , Pokluda Jaroslav , Zhang Zhiliang
Published: June 2015

The extraordinary deformation and loading capacity of nine different [∞]carbohelicene springs under uniaxial tension up to their fracture were computed using the density functional theory.
Structures, stability and hydrogen bonding in inositol conformers
Authors: Siddiqui Nazia , Singh Vijay , Deshmukh Milind M. , Gurunath Ramanathan
Published: June 2015

The structures, energetics and hydrogen bonding pattern of 13 possible inositol isomers were investigated usingab initiocalculations and the molecular tailoring approach (MTA).
Injectable supramolecular hydrogels fabricated from PEGylated doxorubicin prodrug and α-cyclodextrin for pH-triggered drug delivery
Authors: Li Fei , He Jinlin , Zhang Mingzu , Tam Kam Chiu , Ni Peihong
Published: June 2015

Fabrication of in situ forming and acid-labile prodrug-based supramolecular hydrogels with adjustable gelation time for injectable drug delivery carriers.
Few-layer graphene based sponge as a highly efficient, recyclable and selective sorbent for organic solvents and oils
Authors: Cho Er-Chieh , Hsiao Yu-Sheng , Lee Kuen-Chan , Huang Jen-Hsien
Published: June 2015

In this work, we illustrate a facile and economical strategy for the bulk production of aqueous few layer graphene (FLG) dispersions via a simple grinding method.
Unimolecular tetrakis-piperidine-4-ol: an efficient ligand for copper and amine free Sonogashira coupling
Authors: Patil Pradnya H. , Fernandes Rodney A.
Published: June 2015

Unimolecular tetrakis-4-hydroxypiperidine catalysed Cu and amine free Sonogashira coupling of various aryliodides/bromides and alkyl or aryl terminal alkynes giving access to internal arylalkynes is reported.
Investigation of an inclusion complex formed by ionic liquid and β-cyclodextrin through hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions
Authors: Roy Mahendra Nath , Roy Milan Chandra , Roy Kanak
Published: June 2015

An investigation of the inclusion behavior of a guest ionic liquid (IL) 1-methyl-3-octylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate into the host cavity of β-cyclodextrin in aqueous solution has been carried out towards modern research to gain a far reaching effect.
Spontaneous head-to-tail cyclization of unprotected linear peptides with the KAHA ligation
Authors: Rohrbacher Florian , Deniau Gildas , Luther Anatol , Bode Jeffrey W.
Published: June 2015

The α-ketoacid–hydroxylamine (KAHA) ligation enables the direct cyclization of unprotected peptides upon cleavage, without coupling reagents or purification of precursors. We report the synthesis of a library of 24 cyclic peptides and a detailed mechanistic study.