bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding rationales for collaboration in high-intensity policy conflicts
Authors: Weible Christopher M. , Heikkila Tanya , Pierce Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Why people collaborate to achieve their political objectives is one enduring question in public policy. Although studies have explored this question in low-intensity policy conflicts, a few have examined collaboration in high-intensity policy conflicts. This study asks two questions: What are the rationales motivating policy actors to collaborate with each other in high-intensity policy conflicts? What policy actor attributes are associated with these rationales? This study uses questionnaire data collected in 2013 and 2014 of policy actors from New York, Colorado and Texas who are actively involved with hydraulic fracturing policy debates. The results show that professional competence is the most important rationale for collaborating, whereas shared beliefs are moderately important, and financial resources are not important. Policy actor attributes that are associated with different rationales include organisational affiliation and extreme policy positions. This article concludes with a discussion on advancing theoretical explanations of collaboration in high-intensity policy conflicts.
Inequalities in the Pathway to College in China: When Do Students from Poor Areas Fall Behind?
Authors: Loyalka Prashant , Chu James , Wei Jianguo , Johnson Natalie , Reniker Joel
Published: February 2017

Inequalities in college access are a major concern for policymakers in both developed and developing countries. Policymakers in China have largely tried to address these inequalities by helping disadvantaged students successfully transition from high school to college. However, they have paid less attention to the possibility that inequalities in college access may also arise earlier in the pathway to college. The purpose of this paper is to understand where inequalities emerge along the pathway to college in China, focusing on three major milestones after junior high. By analysing administrative data on over 300,000 students from one region of China, we find that the largest inequalities in college access emerge at the first post-compulsory milestone along the pathway to college: when students transition from junior high to high school. In particular, only 60 per cent of students from poor counties take the high school entrance exam (compared to nearly 100 per cent of students from non-poor counties). Furthermore, students from poor counties are about one and a half times less likely to attend academic high school and elite academic high school than students from non-poor counties.
A large outbreak of gastrointestinal illness at an open-water swimming event in the River Thames, London
Authors: HALL V. , TAYE A. , WALSH B. , MAGUIRE H. , DAVE J. , WRIGHT A. , ANDERSON C. , CROOK P.
Published: February 2017

Open-water swimming is increasingly popular, often in water not considered safe for bathing. Limited evidence exists on the associated health risks. We investigated gastrointestinal illness in 1100 swimmers in a River Thames event in London, UK, to describe the outbreak and identify risk factors. We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Our case definition was swimmers with any: diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal cramps lasting ⩾48 h, nausea lasting ⩾48 h, with onset within 9 days after the event. We used an online survey to collect information on symptoms, demographics, pre- and post-swim behaviours and open-water experience. We tested associations using robust Poisson regression. We followed up case microbiological results. Survey response was 61%, and attack rate 53% (338 cases). Median incubation period was 34 h and median symptom duration 4 days. Five cases had confirmed microbiological diagnoses (four Giardia, one Cryptosporidium). Wearing a wetsuit [adjusted relative risk (aRR) 6·96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·04–46·72] and swallowing water (aRR 1·42, 95% CI 1·03–1·97) were risk factors. Recent river-swimming (aRR 0·78, 95% CI 0·67–0·92) and age >40 years (aRR 0·83, 95% CI 0·70–0·98) were protective. Action to reduce risk of illness in future events is recommended, including clarification of oversight arrangements for future swims to ensure appropriate risk assessment and advice is provided.
Landscape-scale soil phosphorus variability in the McMurdo Dry Valleys
Authors: Heindel Ruth C. , Spickard Angela M. , Virginia Ross A.
Published: February 2017

The predicted increase in liquid water availability in the McMurdo Dry Valleys (MDV), Antarctica, may have profound consequences for nutrient cycling in soil and aquatic ecosystems. Our ability to predict future changes relies on our understanding of current nutrient cycling processes. Multiple hypotheses exist to explain the variability in soil phosphorus content and availability found throughout the MDV region. We analysed 146 surface soil samples from the MDV to determine the relative importance of parent material, landscape age, soil chemistry and texture, and topography on two biologically relevant phosphorus pools, HCl- and NaHCO3-extractable phosphorus. While HCl-extractable phosphorus is highly predicted by parent material, NaHCO3-extractable phosphorus is unrelated to parent material but is significantly correlated with soil conductivity, soil texture and topography. Neither measure of soil phosphorus was related to landscape age across a gradient of ~20 000 to 1 500 000 years. Glacial history has played an important role in the availability of soil phosphorus by shaping patterns of soil texture and parent material. With a predicted increase in water availability, the rate of mineral weathering may increase, releasing more HCl-extractable phosphorus into soil and aquatic ecosystems.
A rare case of a systemic-to-pulmonary veno-venous connection: a pause during development of pulmonary and systemic venous separation
Authors: Kwak Jae Gun , Kim Kyung-Hee , Lee Chang-Ha
Published: February 2017

A 45-year-old man with dyspnoea and palpitations exhibited a unique systemic-to-pulmonary veno-venous connection on preoperative CT images. A window of 31.5-mm diameter was evident between the superior caval vein and the middle pulmonary vein, which was normally connected to the left atrium via a 30-mm-diameter orifice. The atrial septum was intact.
Are Parkinson’s Patients More Vulnerable to the Effects of Cardiovascular Risk: A Neuroimaging and Neuropsychological Study
Authors: Jones Jacob D. , Tanner Jared J. , Okun Michael , Price Catherine C. , Bowers Dawn
Published: February 2017

Objectives:This study examined whether individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD) are at increased vulnerability for vascular-related cognitive impairment relative to controls. The underlying assumption behind this hypothesis relates to brain reserve and that both PD and vascular risk factors impair similar fronto-executive cognitive systems.Methods:The sample included 67 PD patients and 61 older controls (totalN=128). Participants completed neuropsychological measures of executive functioning, processing speed, verbal delayed recall/memory, language, and auditory attention. Cardiovascular risk was assessed with the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk index. Participants underwent brain imaging (T1 and T2 FLAIR). Trained raters measured total and regional leukoaraiosis (periventricular, deep subcortical, and infracortical).Results:Hierarchical regressions revealed that more severe cardiovascular risk was related to worse executive functioning, processing speed, and delayed verbal recall in both Parkinson patients and controls. More severe cardiovascular risk was related to worse language functioning in the PD group, but not controls. In contrast, leukoaraiosis related to both cardiovascular risk and executive functioning for controls, but not the PD group.Conclusions:Overall, results revealed that PD and cardiovascular risk factors are independent risk factors for cognitive impairment. Generally, the influence of cardiovascular risk factors on cognition is similar in PD patients and controls. (JINS, 2017,23, 322–331)
THE FERTILITY DECLINE IN THE UNITED STATES: SCHOOLING AND INCOME
Authors: Hansen Casper Worm , Jensen Peter Sandholt , Lønstrup Lars
Published: February 2017

This study investigates the determinants of the fertility transition in the United States from 1850 to the end of the 20th century. We find a robust negative relation between years of schooling and fertility. The magnitude of our baseline estimate suggests that the rise in schooling accounts for about 60% of the US fertility decline. In contrast, we find no evidence of a robust relation between income per capita and fertility. This pattern corroborates theories stressing the importance of human capital investments in generating a transition from high to low fertility.
Minderjährige Opfer von Gewalttaten im Verfahren des Opferentschädigungsgesetzes
Authors: Hellwig Katharina , Kröger Christoph , Franke Stefanie , Wehrmeyer Matthias , Heinrichs Nina
Published: February 2017

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Die deskriptive Untersuchung von Anträgen auf Opferentschädigung für Kinder und Jugendliche sowie der soziodemografischen und traumaspezifischen Daten der Betroffenen. Methodik: Eine Analyse von 100 Akten der Opferentschädigung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mittels eines selbstentwickelten Kategoriensystems. Ergebnisse: Die Akten beinhalten ausschließlich interpersonelle Traumata, wovon 59 % Typ-II-Traumata sind. Die häufigste Gewaltform ist sexuelle Gewalt. Die Täter sind überwiegend Personen aus dem häuslichen Umfeld. Bei 79 % der Opfer wurden psychische Störungen diagnostiziert, am häufigsten die Posttraumatische Belastungsstörung. Schlussfolgerungen: Sexuell missbrauchte Kinder und Jugendliche machen einen Großteil der Zielgruppe von kinder- und jugendpsychotherapeutischen Traumaambulanzen nach dem Opferentschädigungsgesetz (OEG) aus. Solche Traumaambulanzen sollten demnach eine spezifische Expertise in der psychotherapeutischen Behandlung dieser Kinder und Jugendlichen anbieten.
Identification of BPIFA1/SPLUNC1 as an epithelium-derived smooth muscle relaxing factor
Authors: Wu Tongde , Huang Julianne , Moore Patrick J. , Little Michael S. , Walton William G. , Fellner Robert C. , Alexis Neil E. , Peter Di Y. , Redinbo Matthew R. , Tilley Stephen L. , Tarran Robert
Published: February 2017

Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and abnormal airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. Bacterial permeability family member A1, BPIFA1, is a secreted innate defence protein. Here we show that BPIFA1 levels are reduced in sputum samples from asthmatic patients and that BPIFA1 is secreted basolaterally from healthy, but not asthmatic human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs), where it suppresses ASM contractility by binding to and inhibiting the Ca2+ influx channel Orai1. We have localized this effect to a specific, C-terminal α-helical region of BPIFA1. Furthermore, tracheas from Bpifa1−/− mice are hypercontractile, and this phenotype is reversed by the addition of recombinant BPIFA1. Our data suggest that BPIFA1 deficiency in asthmatic airways promotes Orai1 hyperactivity, increased ASM contraction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Strategies that target Orai1 or the BPIFA1 deficiency in asthma may lead to novel therapies to treat this disease.
Functional roles of Aves class-specific cis-regulatory elements on macroevolution of bird-specific features
Authors: Seki Ryohei , Li Cai , Fang Qi , Hayashi Shinichi , Egawa Shiro , Hu Jiang , Xu Luohao , Pan Hailin , Kondo Mao , Sato Tomohiko , Matsubara Haruka , Kamiyama Namiko , Kitajima Keiichi , Saito Daisuke , Liu Yang , Gilbert M. Thomas P. , Zhou Qi , Xu Xing , Shiroishi Toshihiko , Irie Naoki , Tamura Koji , Zhang Guojie
Published: February 2017

Unlike microevolutionary processes, little is known about the genetic basis of macroevolutionary processes. One of these magnificent examples is the transition from non-avian dinosaurs to birds that has created numerous evolutionary innovations such as self-powered flight and its associated wings with flight feathers. By analysing 48 bird genomes, we identified millions of avian-specific highly conserved elements (ASHCEs) that predominantly (>99%) reside in non-coding regions. Many ASHCEs show differential histone modifications that may participate in regulation of limb development. Comparative embryonic gene expression analyses across tetrapod species suggest ASHCE-associated genes have unique roles in developing avian limbs. In particular, we demonstrate how the ASHCE driven avian-specific expression of gene Sim1 driven by ASHCE may be associated with the evolution and development of flight feathers. Together, these findings demonstrate regulatory roles of ASHCEs in the creation of avian-specific traits, and further highlight the importance of cis-regulatory rewiring during macroevolutionary changes.
Angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy reveals spin charge separation in metallic MoSe2 grain boundary
Authors: Ma Yujing , Diaz Horacio Coy , Avila José , Chen Chaoyu , Kalappattil Vijaysankar , Das Raja , Phan Manh-Huong , Čadež Tilen , Carmelo José M. P. , Asensio Maria C. , Batzill Matthias
Published: February 2017

Material line defects are one-dimensional structures but the search and proof of electron behaviour consistent with the reduced dimension of such defects has been so far unsuccessful. Here we show using angle resolved photoemission spectroscopy that twin-grain boundaries in the layered semiconductor MoSe2 exhibit parabolic metallic bands. The one-dimensional nature is evident from a charge density wave transition, whose periodicity is given by kF/π, consistent with scanning tunnelling microscopy and angle resolved photoemission measurements. Most importantly, we provide evidence for spin- and charge-separation, the hallmark of one-dimensional quantum liquids. Our studies show that the spectral line splits into distinctive spinon and holon excitations whose dispersions exactly follow the energy-momentum dependence calculated by a Hubbard model with suitable finite-range interactions. Our results also imply that quantum wires and junctions can be isolated in line defects of other transition metal dichalcogenides, which may enable quantum transport measurements and devices.
Retraction Note: Structure and mechanism of the essential two-component signal-transduction system WalKR in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ji Quanjiang , Chen Peter J. , Qin Guangrong , Deng Xin , Hao Ziyang , Wawrzak Zdzislaw , Yeo Won-sik , Quang Jenny Winjing , Cho Hoonsik , Luo Guan-Zheng , Weng Xiaocheng , You Qiancheng , Luan Chi-Hao , Yang Xiaojing , Bae Taeok , Yu Kunqian , Jiang Hualiang , He Chuan
Published: February 2017

Nature Communications 7: Article number:11000 (2016); Published 18 March 2016: Updated 6 February 2017 In this Article, we presented a structural and functional characterization of the WalKR two-component system for signal transduction and a small molecule that can target WalKR, and reported the identification of amino acids that were proposed to be required for its signal transduction activity.
Cell fate decisions emerge as phages cooperate or compete inside their host
Authors: Trinh Jimmy T. , Székely Tamás , Shao Qiuyan , Balázsi Gábor , Zeng Lanying
Published: February 2017

The system of the bacterium Escherichia coli and its virus, bacteriophage lambda, is paradigmatic for gene regulation in cell-fate development, yet insight about its mechanisms and complexities are limited due to insufficient resolution of study. Here we develop a 4-colour fluorescence reporter system at the single-virus level, combined with computational models to unravel both the interactions between phages and how individual phages determine cellular fates. We find that phages cooperate during lysogenization, compete among each other during lysis, and that confusion between the two pathways occasionally occurs. Additionally, we observe that phage DNAs have fluctuating cellular arrival times and vie for resources to replicate, enabling the interplay during different developmental paths, where each phage genome may make an individual decision. These varied strategies could separate the selection for replication-optimizing beneficial mutations during lysis from sequence diversification during lysogeny, allowing rapid adaptation of phage populations for various environments.
FAK signalling controls insulin sensitivity through regulation of adipocyte survival
Authors: Luk Cynthia T. , Shi Sally Yu , Cai Erica P. , Sivasubramaniyam Tharini , Krishnamurthy Mansa , Brunt Jara J. , Schroer Stephanie A. , Winer Daniel A. , Woo Minna
Published: February 2017

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) plays a central role in integrin signalling, which regulates growth and survival of tumours. Here we show that FAK protein levels are increased in adipose tissue of insulin-resistant obese mice and humans. Disruption of adipocyte FAK in mice or in 3T3 L1 cells decreases adipocyte survival. Adipocyte-specific FAK knockout mice display impaired adipose tissue expansion and insulin resistance on prolonged metabolic stress from a high-fat diet or when crossed on an obese db/db or ob/ob genetic background. Treatment of these mice with a PPARγ agonist does not restore adiposity or improve insulin sensitivity. In contrast, inhibition of apoptosis, either genetically or pharmacologically, attenuates adipocyte death, restores normal adiposity and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, these results demonstrate that FAK is required for adipocyte survival and maintenance of insulin sensitivity, particularly in the context of adipose tissue expansion as a result of caloric excess.
Coptisine from Rhizoma Coptidis Suppresses HCT-116 Cells-related Tumor Growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Huang Tao , Xiao Yubo , Yi Lin , Li Ling , Wang Meimei , Tian Cheng , Ma Hang , He Kai , Wang Yue , Han Bing , Ye Xiaoli , Li Xuegang
Published: February 2017

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death in humans. Coptisine (COP) is a natural alkaloid from Coptidis Rhizoma with unclear antitumor mechanism. Human colon cancer cells (HCT-116) and xenograft mice were used to systematically explore the anti-tumor activity of COP in this study. The results indicated that COP exhibited remarkably cytotoxic activities against the HCT-116 cells by inducing G1-phase cell cycle arrest and increasing apoptosis, and preferentially inhibited the survival pathway and induced the activation of caspase proteases family of HCT-116 cells. Experimental results on male BALB/c nude mice confirmed that orally administration of COP at high-dose (150 mg/kg) could suppress tumor growth, and may reduce cancer metastasis risk by inhibiting the RAS-ERK pathway in vivo. Taken together, the results suggested that COP may be potential as a novel anti-tumor candidate in the HCT-116 cells-related colon cancer, further studies are still needed to suggest COP for the further use.
Potential role of corneal epithelial cell-derived exosomes in corneal wound healing and neovascularization
Authors: Han Kyu-Yeon , Tran Jennifer A. , Chang Jin-Hong , Azar Dimitri T. , Zieske James D.
Published: February 2017

Specific factors from the corneal epithelium underlying the stimulation of stromal fibrosis and myofibroblast formation in corneal wound healing have not been fully elucidated. Given that exosomes are known to transfer bioactive molecules among cells and play crucial roles in wound healing, angiogenesis, and cancer, we hypothesized that corneal epithelial cell-derived exosomes may gain access to the underlying stromal fibroblasts upon disruption of the epithelial basement membrane and that they induce signaling events essential for corneal wound healing. In the present study, exosome-like vesicles were observed between corneal epithelial cells and the stroma during wound healing after corneal epithelial debridement. These vesicles were also found in the stroma following anterior stromal keratectomy, in which surgical removal of the epithelium, basement membrane, and anterior stroma was performed. Exosomes secreted by mouse corneal epithelial cells were found to fuse to keratocytes in vitro and to induce myofibroblast transformation. In addition, epithelial cell-derived exosomes induced endothelial cell proliferation and ex vivo aortic ring sprouting. Our results indicate that epithelial cell-derived exosomes mediate communication between corneal epithelial cells and corneal keratocytes as well as vascular endothelial cells. These findings demonstrate that epithelial-derived exosomes may be involved in corneal wound healing and neovascularization, and thus, may serve as targets for potential therapeutic interventions.
Seawater acidification induced immune function changes of haemocytes in Mytilus edulis: a comparative study of CO2 and HCl enrichment
Authors: Sun Tianli , Tang Xuexi , Jiang Yongshun , Wang You
Published: February 2017

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of CO2− or HCl-induced seawater acidification (pH 7.7 or 7.1; control: pH 8.1) on haemocytes of Mytilus edulis, and the changes in the structure and immune function were investigated during a 21-day experiment. The results demonstrated that seawater acidification had little effect on the cellular mortality and granulocyte proportion but damaged the granulocyte ultrastructure. Phagocytosis of haemocytes was also significantly inhibited in a clearly concentration-dependent manner, demonstrating that the immune function was affected. Moreover, ROS production was significantly induced in both CO2 and HCl treatments, and four antioxidant components, GSH, GST, GR and GPx, had active responses to the acidification stress. Comparatively, CO2 had more severe destructive effects on haemocytes than HCl at the same pH level, indicating that CO2 stressed cells in other ways beyond the increasing H+ concentration. One possible explanation was that seawater acidification induced ROS overproduction, which damaged the ultrastructure of haemocytes and decreased phagocytosis.
Alterations in rice chloroplast integrity, photosynthesis and metabolome associated with pathogenesis of Rhizoctonia solani
Authors: Ghosh Srayan , Kanwar Poonam , Jha Gopaljee
Published: February 2017

Sheath blight disease is caused by a necrotrophic fungal pathogen Rhizoctonia solani and it continues to be a challenge for sustainable rice cultivation. In this study, we adopted a multi-pronged approach to understand the intricacies of rice undergoing susceptible interactions with R. solani. Extensive anatomical alteration, chloroplast localized ROS, deformed chloroplast ultrastructure along with decreased photosynthetic efficiency were observed in infected tissue. GC-MS based metabolite profiling revealed accumulation of glycolysis and TCA cycle intermediates, suggesting enhanced respiration. Several aromatic and aliphatic amino acids along with phenylpropanoid intermediates were also accumulated, suggesting induction of secondary metabolism during pathogenesis. Furthermore, alterations in carbon metabolism along with perturbation of hormonal signalling were highlighted in this study. The gene expression analysis including RNAseq profiling reinforced observed metabolic alterations in the infected tissues. In conclusion, the present study unravels key events associated during susceptible rice-R. solani interactions and identifies metabolites and transcripts that are accumulated in infected tissues.
High affinity anchoring of the decoration protein pb10 onto the bacteriophage T5 capsid
Authors: Vernhes Emeline , Renouard Madalena , Gilquin Bernard , Cuniasse Philippe , Durand Dominique , England Patrick , Hoos Sylviane , Huet Alexis , Conway James F. , Glukhov Anatoly , Ksenzenko Vladimir , Jacquet Eric , Nhiri Naïma , Zinn-Justin Sophie , Boulanger Pascale
Published: February 2017

Bacteriophage capsids constitute icosahedral shells of exceptional stability that protect the viral genome. Many capsids display on their surface decoration proteins whose structure and function remain largely unknown. The decoration protein pb10 of phage T5 binds at the centre of the 120 hexamers formed by the major capsid protein. Here we determined the 3D structure of pb10 and investigated its capsid-binding properties using NMR, SAXS, cryoEM and SPR. Pb10 consists of an α-helical capsid-binding domain and an Ig-like domain exposed to the solvent. It binds to the T5 capsid with a remarkably high affinity and its binding kinetics is characterized by a very slow dissociation rate. We propose that the conformational exchange events observed in the capsid-binding domain enable rearrangements upon binding that contribute to the quasi-irreversibility of the pb10-capsid interaction. Moreover we show that pb10 binding is a highly cooperative process, which favours immediate rebinding of newly dissociated pb10 to the 120 hexamers of the capsid protein. In extreme conditions, pb10 protects the phage from releasing its genome. We conclude that pb10 may function to reinforce the capsid thus favouring phage survival in harsh environments.
Structural and magnetic properties of core-shell Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: León Félix L. , Coaquira J. A. H. , Martínez M. A. R. , Goya G. F. , Mantilla J. , Sousa M. H. , Valladares L. de los Santos , Barnes C. H. W. , Morais P. C.
Published: February 2017

We present a systematic study of core-shell Au/Fe3O4 nanoparticles produced by thermal decomposition under mild conditions. The morphology and crystal structure of the nanoparticles revealed the presence of Au core of d = (6.9 ± 1.0) nm surrounded by Fe3O4 shell with a thickness of ~3.5 nm, epitaxially grown onto the Au core surface. The Au/Fe3O4 core-shell structure was demonstrated by high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy analysis. The magnetite shell grown on top of the Au nanoparticle displayed a thermal blocking state at temperatures below TB = 59 K and a relaxed state well above TB. Remarkably, an exchange bias effect was observed when cooling down the samples below room temperature under an external magnetic field. Moreover, the exchange bias field (HEX) started to appear at T~40 K and its value increased by decreasing the temperature. This effect has been assigned to the interaction of spins located in the magnetically disordered regions (in the inner and outer surface of the Fe3O4 shell) and spins located in the ordered region of the Fe3O4 shell.
Goliath catfish spawning in the far western Amazon confirmed by the distribution of mature adults, drifting larvae and migrating juveniles
Authors: Barthem Ronaldo B. , Goulding Michael , Leite Rosseval G. , Cañas Carlos , Forsberg Bruce , Venticinque Eduardo , Petry Paulo , Ribeiro Mauro L. de B. , Chuctaya Junior , Mercado Armando
Published: February 2017

We mapped the inferred long-distance migrations of four species of Amazonian goliath catfishes (Brachyplatystoma rousseauxii, B. platynemum, B. juruense and B. vaillantii) based on the presence of individuals with mature gonads and conducted statistical analysis of the expected long-distance downstream migrations of their larvae and juveniles. By linking the distribution of larval, juvenile and mature adult size classes across the Amazon, the results showed: (i) that the main spawning regions of these goliath catfish species are in the western Amazon; (ii) at least three species—B. rousseauxii, B. platynemum, and B. juruense—spawn partially or mainly as far upstream as the Andes; (iii) the main spawning area of B. rousseauxii is in or near the Andes; and (iv) the life history migration distances of B. rousseauxii are the longest strictly freshwater fish migrations in the world. These results provide an empirical baseline for tagging experiments, life histories extrapolated from otolith microchemistry interpretations and other methods to establish goliath catfish migratory routes, their seasonal timing and possible return (homing) to western headwater tributaries where they were born.
Pharmacological Inhibition of c-Jun N-terminal Kinase Reduces Food Intake and Sensitizes Leptin’s Anorectic Signaling Actions
Authors: Gao Su , Howard Shannon , LoGrasso Philip V.
Published: February 2017

The role for c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) in the control of feeding and energy balance is not well understood. Here, by use of novel and highly selective JNK inhibitors, we investigated the actions of JNK in the control of feeding and body weight homeostasis. In lean mice, intraperitoneal (i.p.) or intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of SR-3306, a brain-penetrant and selective pan-JNK (JNK1/2/3) inhibitor, reduced food intake and body weight. Moreover, i.p. and i.c.v. administrations of SR11935, a brain-penetrant and JNK2/3 isoform-selective inhibitor, exerted similar anorectic effects as SR3306, which suggests JNK2 or JNK3 mediates aspect of the anorectic effect by pan-JNK inhibition. Furthermore, daily i.p. injection of SR3306 (7 days) prevented the increases in food intake and weight gain in lean mice upon high-fat diet feeding, and this injection paradigm reduced high-fat intake and obesity in diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. In the DIO mice, JNK inhibition sensitized leptin’s anorectic effect, and enhanced leptin-induced STAT3 activation in the hypothalamus. The underlying mechanisms likely involve the downregulation of SOCS3 by JNK inhibition. Collectively, our data suggest that JNK activity promotes positive energy balance, and the therapeutic intervention inhibiting JNK activities represents a promising approach to ameliorate diet-induced obesity and leptin resistance.
Alcohol and nicotine codependence-associated DNA methylation changes in promoter regions of addiction-related genes
Authors: Xu Hongqin , Wang Fan , Kranzler Henry R. , Gelernter Joel , Zhang Huiping
Published: February 2017

Altered DNA methylation in addiction-related genes may modify the susceptibility to alcohol or drug dependence (AD or ND). We profiled peripheral blood DNA methylation levels of 384 CpGs in promoter regions of 82 addiction-related genes in 256 African Americans (AAs) (117 cases with AD-ND codependence and 139 controls) and 196 European Americans (103 cases with AD-ND codependence and 93 controls) using Illumina’s GoldenGate DNA methylation array assays. AD-ND codependence-associated DNA methylation changes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models with consideration of batch effects and covariates age, sex, and ancestry proportions. Seventy CpGs (in 41 genes) showed nominally significant associations (P < 0.05) with AD-ND codependence in both AAs and EAs. One CpG (HTR2Bcg27531267) was hypomethylated in AA cases (P = 7.2 × 10−5), while 17 CpGs in 16 genes (includingHTR2Bcg27531267) were hypermethylated in EA cases (5.6 × 10−9 ≤ P ≤ 9.5 × 10−5). Nevertheless, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) nearbyHTR2Bcg27531267 and the interaction of these SNPs and cg27531267 did not show significant effects on AD-ND codependence in either AAs or EAs. Our study demonstrated that DNA methylation changes in addiction-related genes could be potential biomarkers for AD-ND co-dependence. Future studies need to explore whether DNA methylation alterations influence the risk of AD-ND codependence or the other way around.
Insight into the Role of Surface Wettability in Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reactions Using Light-Sensitive Nanotubular TiO2 Supported Pt Electrodes
Authors: Meng Chenhui , Wang Bing , Gao Ziyue , Liu Zhaoyue , Zhang Qianqian , Zhai Jin
Published: February 2017

Surface wettability is of importance for electrochemical reactions. Herein, its role in electrochemical hydrogen evolution reactions is investigated using light-sensitive nanotubular TiO2 supported Pt as hydrogen evolution electrodes (HEEs). The HEEs are fabricated by photocatalytic deposition of Pt particles on TiO2 nanotubes followed by hydrophobization with vaporized octadecyltrimethoxysilane (OTS) molecules. The surface wettability of HEEs is subsequently regulated in situ from hydrophobicity to hydrophilicity by photocatalytic decomposition of OTS molecules using ultraviolet light. It is found that hydrophilic HEEs demonstrate a larger electrochemical active area of Pt and a lower adhesion force to a gas bubble when compared with hydrophobic ones. The former allows more protons to react on the electrode surface at small overpotential so that a larger current is produced. The latter leads to a quick release of hydrogen gas bubbles from the electrode surface at large overpotential, which ensures the contact between catalysts and electrolyte. These two characteristics make hydrophilic HEEs generate a much high current density for HERs. Our results imply that the optimization of surface wettability is of significance for improving the electrocatalytic activity of HEEs.
Multi-Instance Metric Transfer Learning for Genome-Wide Protein Function Prediction
Authors: Xu Yonghui , Min Huaqing , Wu Qingyao , Song Hengjie , Ye Bicui
Published: February 2017

Multi-Instance (MI) learning has been proven to be effective for the genome-wide protein function prediction problems where each training example is associated with multiple instances. Many studies in this literature attempted to find an appropriate Multi-Instance Learning (MIL) method for genome-wide protein function prediction under a usual assumption, the underlying distribution from testing data (target domain,i.e., TD) is the same as that from training data (source domain,i.e., SD). However, this assumption may be violated in real practice. To tackle this problem, in this paper, we propose a Multi-Instance Metric Transfer Learning (MIMTL) approach for genome-wide protein function prediction. In MIMTL, we first transfer the source domain distribution to the target domain distribution by utilizing the bag weights. Then, we construct a distance metric learning method with the reweighted bags. At last, we develop an alternative optimization scheme for MIMTL. Comprehensive experimental evidence on seven real-world organisms verifies the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed MIMTL approach over several state-of-the-art methods.
Enhanced Development of Skeletal Myotubes from Porcine Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Genovese Nicholas J. , Domeier Timothy L. , Telugu Bhanu Prakash V. L. , Roberts R. Michael
Published: February 2017

The pig is recognized as a valuable model in biomedical research in addition to its agricultural importance. Here we describe a means for generating skeletal muscle efficiently from porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSC) in vitro thereby providing a versatile platform for applications ranging from regenerative biology to the ex vivo cultivation of meat. The GSK3B inhibitor, CHIR99021 was employed to suppress apoptosis, elicit WNT signaling events and drive naïve-type piPSC along the mesoderm lineage, and, in combination with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-cytidine, to activate an early skeletal muscle transcription program. Terminal differentiation was then induced by activation of an ectopically expressed MYOD1. Myotubes, characterized by myofibril development and both spontaneous and stimuli-elicited excitation-contraction coupling cycles appeared within 11 days. Efficient lineage-specific differentiation was confirmed by uniform NCAM1 and myosin heavy chain expression. These results provide an approach for generating skeletal muscle that is potentially applicable to other pluripotent cell lines and to generating other forms of muscle.
Novel Protective Role of Myeloid Differentiation 1 in Pathological Cardiac Remodelling
Authors: Xiong Xiaojv , Liu Yu , Mei Yang , Peng Jianye , Wang Zhiqiang , Kong Bin , Zhong Peng , Xiong Liang , Quan Dajun , Li Qi , Wang Guangji , Huang He
Published: February 2017

Myeloid differentiation 1 (MD-1), a secreted protein interacting with radioprotective 105 (RP105), plays an important role in Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling pathway. Previous studies showed that MD-1 may be restricted in the immune system. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that MD-1 was highly expressed in both human and animal hearts. We also discovered that cardiac-specific overexpression of MD-1 significantly attenuated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction, whereas loss of MD-1 had the opposite effects. Similar results were observed forin vitroangiotensin II-induced neonatal rat cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. The antihypertrophic effects of MD-1 under hypertrophic stimuli were associated with the blockage of MEK-ERK 1/2 and NF-κB signalling. Blocking MEK-ERK 1/2 signalling with a pharmacological inhibitor (U0126) greatly attenuated the detrimental effects observed in MD-1 knockout cardiomyocytes exposed to angiotensin II stimuli. Similar results were observed by blocking NF-κB signalling with a pharmacological inhibitor (BAY11–7082). Our data indicate that MD-1 inhibits cardiac hypertrophy and suppresses cardiac dysfunction during the remodelling process, which is dependent on its modulation of the MEK-ERK 1/2 and NF-κB signalling pathways. Thus, MD-1 might be a novel target for the treatment of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
The interrelated effect of sleep and learning in dogs (Canis familiaris); an EEG and behavioural study
Authors: Kis Anna , Szakadát Sára , Gácsi Márta , Kovács Enikő , Simor Péter , Török Csenge , Gombos Ferenc , Bódizs Róbert , Topál József
Published: February 2017

The active role of sleep in memory consolidation is still debated, and due to a large between-species variation, the investigation of a wide range of different animal species (besides humans and laboratory rodents) is necessary. The present study applied a fully non-invasive methodology to study sleep and memory in domestic dogs, a species proven to be a good model of human awake behaviours. Polysomnography recordings performed following a command learning task provide evidence that learning has an effect on dogs’ sleep EEG spectrum. Furthermore, spectral features of the EEG were related to post-sleep performance improvement. Testing an additional group of dogs in the command learning task revealed that sleep or awake activity during the retention interval has both short- and long-term effects. This is the first evidence to show that dogs’ human-analogue social learning skills might be related to sleep-dependent memory consolidation.
Restenosis Inhibition and Re-differentiation of TGFβ/Smad3-activated Smooth Muscle Cells by Resveratrol
Authors: Zhu Yichen , Takayama Toshio , Wang Bowen , Kent Alycia , Zhang Mengxue , Binder Bernard Y.K. , Urabe Go , Shi Yatao , DiRenzo Daniel , Goel Shakti A. , Zhou Yifan , Little Christopher , Roenneburg Drew A. , Shi Xu Dong , Li Lingjun , Murphy William L. , Kent K. Craig , Ke Jianjuan , Guo Lian-Wang
Published: February 2017

To date, there is no periadventitial drug delivery method available in the clinic to prevent restenotic failure of open vascular reconstructions. Resveratrol is a promising anti-restenotic natural drug but subject to low bioavailability when systemically administered. In order to reconcile these two prominent issues, we tested effects of periadventitial delivery of resveratrol on all three major pro-restenotic pathologies including intimal hyperplasia (IH), endothelium impairment, and vessel shrinkage. In a rat carotid injury model, periadventitial delivery of resveratrol either via Pluronic gel (2-week), or polymer sheath (3-month), effectively reduced IH without causing endothelium impairment and vessel shrinkage. In an in vitro model, primary smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were stimulated with elevated transforming growth factor (TGFβ) and its signaling protein Smad3, known contributors to IH. TGFβ/Smad3 up-regulated Kruppel-like factor (KLF5) protein, and SMC de-differentiation which was reversed by KLF5 siRNA. Furthermore, TGFβ/Smad3-stimulated KLF5 production and SMC de-differentiation were blocked by resveratrol via its inhibition of the Akt-mTOR pathway. Concordantly, resveratrol attenuated Akt phosphorylation in injured arteries. Taken together, periadventitial delivery of resveratrol produces durable inhibition of all three pro-restenotic pathologies — a rare feat among existing anti-restenotic methods. Our study suggests a potential anti-restenotic modality of resveratrol application suitable for open surgery.
Therapeutic effects of Euphorbia Pekinensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra on Hepatocellular Carcinoma Ascites Partially Via Regulating the Frk-Arhgdib-Inpp5d-Avpr2-Aqp4 Signal Axis
Authors: Zhang Yanqiong , Yan Chen , Li Yuting , Mao Xia , Tao Weiwei , Tang Yuping , Lin Ya , Guo Qiuyan , Duan Jingao , Lin Na
Published: February 2017

To clarify unknown rationalities of herbaceous compatibility of Euphorbia Pekinensis (DJ) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (GC) acting on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) ascites, peritoneum transcriptomics profiling of 15 subjects, including normal control (Con), HCC ascites mouse model (Mod), DJ-alone, DJ/GC-synergy and DJ/GC-antagonism treatment groups were performed on OneArray platform, followed by differentially expressed genes (DEGs) screening. DEGs between Mod and Con groups were considered as HCC ascites-related genes, and those among different drug treatment and Mod groups were identified as DJ/GC-combination-related genes. Then, an interaction network of HCC ascites-related gene-DJ/GC combination-related gene-known therapeutic target gene for ascites was constructed. Based on nodes’ degree, closeness, betweenness and k-coreness, the Frk-Arhgdib-Inpp5d-Avpr2-Aqp4 axis with highly network topological importance was demonstrated to be a candidate target of DJ/GC combination acting on HCC ascites. Importantly, both qPCR and western blot analyses verified this regulatory effects based on HCC ascites mice in vivo and M-1 collecting duct cells in vitro. Collectively, different combination designs of DJ and GC may lead to synergistic or antagonistic effects on HCC ascites partially via regulating the Frk-Arhgdib-Inpp5d-Avpr2-Aqp4 axis, implying that global gene expression profiling combined with network analysis can offer an effective way to understand pharmacological mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions.
Acellular Urethra Bioscaffold: Decellularization of Whole Urethras for Tissue Engineering Applications
Authors: Simões Irina N. , Vale Paulo , Soker Shay , Atala Anthony , Keller Daniel , Noiva Rute , Carvalho Sandra , Peleteiro Conceição , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , Eberli Daniel , da Silva Cláudia L. , Baptista Pedro M.
Published: February 2017

Patients with stress urinary incontinence mainly suffer from malfunction of the urethra closure mechanism. We established the decellularization of porcine urethras to produce acellular urethra bioscaffolds for future tissue engineering applications, using bioscaffolds or bioscaffold-derived soluble products. Cellular removal was evaluated by H&E, DAPI and DNA quantification. The presence of specific ECM proteins was assessed through immunofluorescence staining and colorimetric assay kits. Human skeletal muscle myoblasts, muscle progenitor cells and adipose-derived stromal vascular fractions were used to evaluate the recellularization of the acellular urethra bioscaffolds. The mechanochemical decellularization system removed ~93% of tissue’s DNA, generally preserving ECM’s components and microarchitecture. Recellularization was achieved, though methodological advances are required regarding cell seeding strategies and functional assessment. Through microdissection and partial digestion, different urethra ECM-derived coating substrates were formulated (i.e. containing smooth or skeletal muscle ECM) and used to culture MPCs in vitro. The skeletal muscle ECM substrates enhanced fiber formation leading to the expression of the main skeletal muscle-related proteins and genes, as confirmed by immunofluorescence and RT-qPCR. The described methodology produced a urethra bioscaffold that retained vital ECM proteins and was liable to cell repopulation, a crucial first step towards the generation of urethra bioscaffold-based Tissue Engineering products.
Hybridogenesis and a potential case of R2 non-LTR retrotransposon horizontal transmission in Bacillus stick insects (Insecta Phasmida)
Authors: Scavariello Claudia , Luchetti Andrea , Martoni Francesco , Bonandin Livia , Mantovani Barbara
Published: February 2017

Horizontal transfer (HT) is an event in which the genetic material is transferred from one species to another, even if distantly related, and it has been demonstrated as a possible essential part of the lifecycle of transposable elements (TEs). However, previous studies on the non-LTR R2 retrotransposon, a metazoan-wide distributed element, indicated its vertical transmission since the Radiata-Bilateria split. Here we present the first possible instances of R2 HT in stick insects of the genus Bacillus (Phasmida). Six R2 elements were characterized in the strictly bisexual subspecies B. grandii grandii, B. grandii benazzii and B. grandii maretimi and in the obligatory parthenogenetic taxon B. atticus. These elements were compared with those previously retrieved in the facultative parthenogenetic species B. rossius. Phylogenetic inconsistencies between element and host taxa, and age versus divergence analyses agree and support at least two HT events. These HT events can be explained by taking into consideration the complex Bacillus reproductive biology, which includes also hybridogenesis, gynogenesis and androgenesis. Through these non-canonical reproductive modes, R2 elements may have been transferred between Bacillus genomes. Our data suggest, therefore, a possible role of hybridization for TEs survival and the consequent reshaping of involved genomes.
New insights into the electrochemical behavior of acid orange 7: Convergent paired electrochemical synthesis of new aminonaphthol derivatives
Authors: Momeni Shima , Nematollahi Davood
Published: February 2017

Electrochemical behavior of acid orange 7 has been exhaustively studied in aqueous solutions with different pH values, using cyclic voltammetry and constant current coulometry. This study has provided new insights into the mechanistic details, pH dependence and intermediate structure of both electrochemical oxidation and reduction of acid orange 7. Surprisingly, the results indicate that a same redox couple (1-iminonaphthalen-2(1H)-one/1-aminonaphthalen-2-ol) is formed from both oxidation and reduction of acid orange 7. Also, an additional purpose of this work is electrochemical synthesis of three new derivatives of 1-amino-4-(phenylsulfonyl)naphthalen-2-ol (3a–3c) under constant current electrolysis via electrochemical oxidation (and reduction) of acid orange 7 in the presence of arylsulfinic acids as nucleophiles. The results indicate that the electrogenerated 1-iminonaphthalen-2(1 H)-one participates in Michael addition reaction with arylsulfinic acids to form the 1-amino-3-(phenylsulfonyl)naphthalen-2-ol derivatives. The synthesis was carried out in an undivided cell equipped with carbon rods as an anode and cathode.