bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect mimicry of plants dates back to the Permian
Authors: Garrouste Romain , Hugel Sylvain , Jacquelin Lauriane , Rostan Pierre , Steyer J.-Sébastien , Desutter-Grandcolas Laure , Nel André 
Published: December 2016

AbstractIn response to predation pressure, some insects have developed spectacular plant mimicry strategies (homomorphy), involving important changes in their morphology. The fossil record of plant mimicry provides clues to the importance of predation pressure in the deep past. Surprisingly, to date, the oldest confirmed records of insect leaf mimicry are Mesozoic. Here we document a crucial step in the story of adaptive responses to predation by describing a leaf-mimicking katydid from the Middle Permian. Our morphometric analysis demonstrates that leaf-mimicking wings of katydids can be morphologically characterized in a non-arbitrary manner and shows that the new genus and speciesPermotettigonia gallicadeveloped a mimicking pattern of forewings very similar to those of the modern leaf-like katydids. Our finding suggests that predation pressure was already high enough during the Permian to favour investment in leaf mimicry.
A genome-scale Escherichia coli kinetic metabolic model k-ecoli457 satisfying flux data for multiple mutant strains
Authors: Khodayari Ali , Maranas Costas D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractKinetic models of metabolism at a genome scale that faithfully recapitulate the effect of multiple genetic interventions would be transformative in our ability to reliably design novel overproducing microbial strains. Here, we introduce k-ecoli457, a genome-scale kinetic model of Escherichia coli metabolism that satisfies fluxomic data for wild-type and 25 mutant strains under different substrates and growth conditions. The k-ecoli457 model contains 457 model reactions, 337 metabolites and 295 substrate-level regulatory interactions. Parameterization is carried out using a genetic algorithm by simultaneously imposing all available fluxomic data (about 30 measured fluxes per mutant). The Pearson correlation coefficient between experimental data and predicted product yields for 320 engineered strains spanning 24 product metabolites is 0.84. This is substantially higher than that using flux balance analysis, minimization of metabolic adjustment or maximization of product yield exhibiting systematic errors with correlation coefficients of, respectively, 0.18, 0.37 and 0.47 (k-ecoli457 is available for download at http://www.maranasgroup.com).
Tunable molecular separation by nanoporous membranes
Authors: Wang Zhengbang , Knebel Alexander , Grosjean Sylvain , Wagner Danny , Bräse Stefan , Wöll Christof , Caro Jürgen , Heinke Lars 
Published: December 2016

AbstractMetal-organic frameworks offer tremendous potential for efficient separation of molecular mixtures. Different pore sizes and suitable functionalizations of the framework allow for an adjustment of the static selectivity. Here we report membranes which offer dynamic control of the selectivity by remote signals, thus enabling a continuous adjustment of the permeate flux. This is realized by assembling linkers containing photoresponsive azobenzene-side-groups into monolithic, crystalline membranes of metal-organic frameworks. The azobenzene moieties can be switched from the trans to the cis configuration and vice versa by irradiation with ultraviolet or visible light, resulting in a substantial modification of the membrane permeability and separation factor. The precise control of the cis:trans azobenzene ratio, for example, by controlled irradiation times or by simultaneous irradiation with ultraviolet and visible light, enables the continuous tuning of the separation. For hydrogen:carbon-dioxide, the separation factor of this smart membrane can be steplessly adjusted between 3 and 8.
MicroRNA-182 targets SMAD7 to potentiate TGFβ-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of cancer cells
Authors: Yu Jingyi , Lei Rong , Zhuang Xueqian , Li Xiaoxun , Li Gang , Lev Sima , Segura Miguel F. , Zhang Xue , Hu Guohong 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) pathway plays critical roles during cancer cell epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis. SMAD7 is both a transcriptional target and a negative regulator of TGFβ signalling, thus mediating a negative feedback loop that may potentially restrain TGFβ responses of cancer cells. Here, however, we show that TGFβ treatment induces SMAD7 transcription but not its protein level in a panel of cancer cells. Mechanistic studies reveal that TGFβ activates the expression of microRNA-182 (miR-182), which suppresses SMAD7 protein. miR-182 silencing leads to SMAD7 upregulation on TGFβ treatment and prevents TGFβ-induced EMT and invasion of cancer cells. Overexpression of miR-182 promotes breast tumour invasion and TGFβ-induced osteoclastogenesis for bone metastasis. Furthermore, miR-182 expression inversely correlates with SMAD7 protein in human tumour samples. Therefore, our data reveal the miR-182-mediated disruption of TGFβ self-restraint and provide a mechanism to explain the unleashed TGFβ responses in metastatic cancer cells.
Disease surveillance based on Internet-based linear models: an Australian case study of previously unmodeled infection diseases
Authors: Rohart Florian , Milinovich Gabriel J. , Avril Simon M. R. , Lê Cao Kim-Anh , Tong Shilu , Hu Wenbiao 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEffective disease surveillance is critical to the functioning of health systems. Traditional approaches are, however, limited in their ability to deliver timely information. Internet-based surveillance systems are a promising approach that may circumvent many of the limitations of traditional health surveillance systems and provide more intelligence on cases of infection, including cases from those that do not use the healthcare system. Infectious disease surveillance systems built on Internet search metrics have been shown to produce accurate estimates of disease weeks before traditional systems and are an economically attractive approach to surveillance; they are, however, also prone to error under certain circumstances. This study sought to explore previously unmodeled diseases by investigating the link between Google Trends search metrics and Australian weekly notification data. We propose using four alternative disease modelling strategies based on linear models that studied the length of the training period used for model construction, determined the most appropriate lag for search metrics, used wavelet transformation for denoising data and enabled the identification of key search queries for each disease. Out of the twenty-four diseases assessed with Australian data, our nowcasting results highlighted promise for two diseases of international concern, Ross River virus and pneumococcal disease.
The Quantum Biology of Reactive Oxygen Species Partitioning Impacts Cellular Bioenergetics
Authors: Usselman Robert J. , Chavarriaga Cristina , Castello Pablo R. , Procopio Maria , Ritz Thorsten , Dratz Edward A. , Singel David J. , Martino Carlos F. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractQuantum biology is the study of quantum effects on biochemical mechanisms and biological function. We show that the biological production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in live cells can be influenced by coherent electron spin dynamics, providing a new example of quantum biology in cellular regulation. ROS partitioning appears to be mediated during the activation of molecular oxygen (O2) by reduced flavoenzymes, forming spin-correlated radical pairs (RPs). We find that oscillating magnetic fields at Zeeman resonance alter relative yields of cellular superoxide (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) ROS products, indicating coherent singlet-triplet mixing at the point of ROS formation. Furthermore, the orientation-dependence of magnetic stimulation, which leads to specific changes in ROS levels, increases either mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis rates. Our results reveal quantum effects in live cell cultures that bridge atomic and cellular levels by connecting ROS partitioning to cellular bioenergetics.
TIARP attenuates autoantibody-mediated arthritis via the suppression of neutrophil migration by reducing CXCL2/CXCR2 and IL-6 expression
Authors: Inoue Asuka , Matsumoto Isao , Tanaka Yuki , Umeda Naoto , Takai Chinatsu , Kawaguchi Hoshimi , Ebe Hiroshi , Yoshida Hiroto , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Segawa Seiji , Takahashi Satoru , Sumida Takayuki 
Published: December 2016

AbstractTNFα-induced adipose-related protein (TIARP) is a six-transmembrane protein expressed on macrophages, neutrophils and synoviocytes. We reported recently that mice deficient in TIARP (TIARP−/−) spontaneously develop arthritis and are highly susceptible to collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) with enhanced interleukin (IL)-6 production. However, the effects of TIARP on neutrophils and fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) have not been elucidated. We analyzed the roles of TIARP in K/BxN serum transfer model using TIARP−/− mice. Arthritis in TIARP−/− mice transferred with K/BxN serum was significantly exacerbated compared with WT mice. We characterized the differences in neutrophils between wild-type (WT) and TIARP−/− mice by DNA microarray. Overexpression of CXCR1 and CXCR2 was noted in TIARP−/− neutrophils. Neutrophils of TIARP−/− mice showed strong migration activity, which was markedly facilitated by CXCL2 in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, enhanced production of CXCL2 and IL-6 and cell proliferation was noted in TIARP−/− TNFα-stimulated FLS. Blockade of IL-6R significantly attenuated serum-transferred TIARP−/− arthritis with diminished neutrophil recruitment in joints. Our findings suggested that TIARP independently down-regulated CXCL2 and IL-6 production by FLS, and the expression of chemokine receptors (CXCR1 and CXCR2) in neutrophils, with resultant reduction of neutrophil migration into arthritic joints.
Intragenic CFTR Duplication and 5T/12TG Variant in a Patient with Non-Classic Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Celestino-Soper Patricia B. S. , Simpson Edward , Tumbleson Brink Danika , Lynnes Ty C. , Dlouhy Stephen , Vatta Matteo , Yeley Jana , Brown Cynthia , Bai Shaochun 
Published: December 2016

AbstractCystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of sticky and heavy mucus that can damage several organs. CF shows variable expressivity in affected individuals, but it typically causes respiratory and digestive complications as well as congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens in males. Individuals with classic CF usually have variants that produce a defective protein from both alleles of the CFTR gene. Individuals with other variants may present with classic, non-classic, or milder forms of CF due to lower levels of functional CFTR protein. This article reports the genetic analysis of a female with features of asthma and mild or non-classic CF. CFTR sequencing demonstrated that she is a carrier for a maternally derived 5T/12TG variant. Deletion/duplication analysis by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) showed the presence of an intragenic paternally derived duplication involving exons 7–11 of the CFTR gene. This duplication is predicted to result in the production of a truncated CFTR protein lacking the terminal part of the nucleotide-binding domain 1 (NBD1) and thus is likely to be a non-functioning allele. The combination of this large intragenic duplication and 5T/12TG is the probable cause of the mild or non-classic CF features in this individual.
Intelligence and eeg measures of information flow: efficiency and homeostatic neuroplasticity
Authors: Thatcher R. W. , Palmero-Soler E. , North D. M. , Biver C. J. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between the magnitude of EEG information flow and intelligence. The electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded from 19 scalp locations from 371 subjects ranging in age from 5 years to 17.6 years. The Wechler Intelligence Scale for Children (WISC-R) was administered for individuals between 5 years of age and 16 years and the Weschler Adult Intelligence Scale revised (WAIS-R) was administered to subjects older than 16 years to estimate I.Q. The phase slope index estimated the magnitude of information flow between all electrode combinations for difference frequency bands. Discriminant analyses were performed between high I.Q. (>120) and low I.Q. groups (<90). The magnitude of information flow was inversely related to I.Q. especially in the alpha and beta frequency bands. Long distance inter-electrode distances exhibited greater information flow than short inter-electrode distances. Frontal-parietal correlations were the most significant. It is concluded that higher I.Q. is related to increased efficiency of local information processing and reduced long distance compensatory dynamics that supports a small-world model of intelligence.
Identification of an evolutionary conserved structural loop that is required for the enzymatic and biological function of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase
Authors: Michels Helen , Seinstra Renée I. , Uitdehaag Joost C. M. , Koopman Mandy , van Faassen Martijn , Martineau Céline N. , Kema Ido P. , Buijsman Rogier , Nollen Ellen A. A. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe enzyme TDO (tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase; TDO-2 in Caenorhabditis elegans) is a potential therapeutic target to cancer but is also thought to regulate proteotoxic events seen in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. To better understand its function and develop specific compounds that target TDO we need to understand the structure of this molecule. In C. elegans we compared multiple different CRISPR/Cas9-induced tdo-2 deletion mutants and identified a motif of three amino acids (PLD) that is required for the enzymatic conversion of tryptophan to N-formylkynurenine. Loss of TDO-2’s enzymatic activity in PDL deletion mutants was accompanied by an increase in motility during aging and a prolonged lifespan, which is in line with the previously observed phenotypes induced by a knockdown of the full enzyme. Comparison of sequence structures suggests that blocking this motif might interfere with haem binding, which is essential for the enzyme’s activity. The fact that these three residues are situated in an evolutionary conserved structural loop of the enzyme suggests that the findings can be translated to humans. The identification of this specific loop region in TDO-2–essential for its catalytic function–will aid in the design of novel inhibitors to treat diseases in which the TDO enzyme is overexpressed or hyperactive.
A functional polymorphism in the NKG2D gene modulates NK-cell cytotoxicity and is associated with susceptibility to Human Papilloma Virus-related cancers
Authors: Espinoza J. Luis , Nguyen Viet H. , Ichimura Hiroshi , Pham Trang T. T. , Nguyen Cuong H. , Pham Thuc V. , Elbadry Mahmoud I. , Yoshioka Katsuji , Tanaka Junji , Trung Ly Q. , Takami Akiyoshi , Nakao Shinji 
Published: December 2016

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted agent worldwide and is etiologically linked to several cancers, including cervical and genital cancers. NKG2D, an activating receptor expressed by NK cells, plays an important role in cancer immune-surveillance. We analyzed the impact of a NKG2D gene variant, rs1049174, on the incidence of HPV-related cancers in Vietnamese patients and utilized various molecular approaches to elucidate the mechanisms of NKG2D receptor regulation by rs1049174. In a group of 123 patients with HPV+ anogenital cancers, the low cytotoxicity allele LNK was significantly associated with increased cancer susceptibility (p = 0.016). Similar results were also observed in a group of 153 women with cervical cancer (p = 0.05). In functional studies, NK cells from individuals with LNK genotype showed a lower NKG2D expression and displayed less efficient NKG2D-mediated functions than NK cells with HNK genotype. Notably, the rs1049174 variant occurs within a targeting site for miR-1245, a negative regulator of NKG2D expression. Compared with the higher cytotoxicity allele HNK, the LNK allele was more efficiently targeted by miR-1245 and thus determined lower NKG2D expression in NK cells with the LNK genotype. The NKG2D variants may influence cancer immunosurveillance and thus determine susceptibility to various malignancies, including HPV-induced cancers.
Evidences for Piperine inhibiting cancer by targeting human G-quadruplex DNA sequences
Authors: Tawani Arpita , Amanullah Ayeman , Mishra Amit , Kumar Amit 
Published: December 2016

AbstractPiperine, a naturally occurring alkaloid, is well known as anti-oxidant, anti-mutagenic, anti-tumor and anti-proliferative agent. Piperine exerts such pharmacological activities by binding or interacting with various cellular targets. Recently, the first report for Piperine interaction with duplex DNA has been published last year but its interaction with G-quadruplex structures has not been studied yet. Herein, we report for the first time the interaction of Piperine with various DNA G-quadruplex structures. Comprehensive biophysical techniques were employed to determine the basis of interaction for the complex formed between Piperine and G-quadruplex DNA sequences. Piperine showed specificity for G-quadruplex DNA over double stranded DNA, with highest affinity for G-quadruplex structure formed at c-myc promoter region. Further, in-vitro studies show that Piperine causes apoptosis-mediated cell death that further emphasizes the potential of this natural product, Piperine, as a promising candidate for targeting G-quadruplex structure and thus, acts as a potent anti-cancer agent.
Biliary Phospholipids Sustain Enterocyte Proliferation and Intestinal Tumor Progression via Nuclear Receptor Lrh1 in mice
Authors: Petruzzelli Michele , Piccinin Elena , Pinto Claudio , Peres Claudia , Bellafante Elena , Moschetta Antonio 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe proliferative-crypt compartment of the intestinal epithelium is enriched in phospholipids and accumulation of phospholipids has been described in colorectal tumors. Here we hypothesize that biliary phospholipid flow could directly contribute to the proliferative power of normal and dysplastic enterocytes. We used Abcb4−/− mice which lack biliary phospholipid secretion. We first show that Abcb4−/− mice are protected against intestinal tumorigenesis. At the molecular level, the transcriptional activity of the nuclear receptor Liver Receptor Homolog-1 (Lrh1) is reduced in Abcb4−/− mice and its re-activation re-establishes a tumor burden comparable to control mice. Feeding Abcb4−/− mice a diet supplemented with phospholipids completely overcomes the intestinal tumor protective phenotype, thus corroborating the hypothesis that the absence of biliary phospholipids and not lack of Abcb4 gene per se is responsible for the protection. In turn, phospholipids cannot re-establish intestinal tumorigenesis in Abcb4−/− mice crossed with mice with intestinal specific ablation of Lrh1, a nuclear hormone receptor that is activates by phospholipids. Our data identify the key role of biliary phospholipids in sustaining intestinal mucosa proliferation and tumor progression through the activation of nuclear receptor Lrh1.
Iron arsenides with three-dimensional FeAs layer networks: Can(n+1)/2(Fe1−xPtx)(2+3n)Ptn(n−1)/2As(n+1)(n+2)/2 (n = 2, 3)
Authors: Katayama Naoyuki , Onari Seiichiro , Matsubayashi Kazuyuki , Uwatoko Yoshiya , Sawa Hiroshi 
Published: December 2016

AbstractWe report the comprehensive studies between synchrotron X-ray diffraction, electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility experiments for the iron arsenides Can(n+1)/2(Fe1−xPtx)(2+3n)Ptn(n−1)/2As(n+1)(n+2)/2 for n = 2 and 3. Both structures crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/m (#11) with three-dimensional FeAs structures. The horizontal FeAs layers are bridged by inclined FeAs planes through edge-sharing FeAs5 square pyramids, resulting in triangular tunneling structures rather than the simple layered structures found in conventional iron arsenides. n = 3 system shows a sign of superconductivity with a small volume fraction. Our first-principles calculations of these systems clearly indicate that the Fermi surfaces originate from strong Fe-3d characters and the three-dimensional nature of the electric structures for both systems, thus offering the playgrounds to study the effects of dimensionality on high Tc superconductivity.
Purified Lesser weever fish venom (Trachinus vipera) induces eryptosis, apoptosis and cell cycle arrest
Authors: Fezai Myriam , Slaymi Chaker , Ben-Attia Mossadok , Lang Florian , Jemaà Mohamed 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAccidents caused by the sting of Trachinus vipera (known as Lesser weever fish) are relatively common in shallow waters of the Mediterranean. Symptoms after the sting vary from severe pain to edema or even tissue necrosis in some cases. Here we show that purified Lesser weever fish venom induces eryptosis, the suicidal erythrocyte death, and apoptosis of human colon carcinoma cells. The venom leads to erythrocyte shrinkage, phosphatidylserine translocation and increased intracellular Ca2+, events typical for eryptosis. According to mitochondrial staining cancer cells dyed after the activation of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. Trachinus vipera venom further causes cell cycle arrest.
Polarization shaping of high-order harmonics in laser-aligned molecules
Authors: Skantzakis E. , Chatziathanasiou S. , Carpeggiani P. A. , Sansone G. , Nayak A. , Gray D. , Tzallas P. , Charalambidis D. , Hertz E. , Faucher O. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThe present work reports on the generation of short-pulse coherent extreme ultraviolet radiation of controlled polarization. The proposed strategy is based on high-order harmonics generated in pre-aligned molecules. Field-free molecular alignment produced by a short linearly-polarized infrared laser pulse is used to break the isotropy of a gas medium. Driving the aligned molecules by a circularly-polarized infrared pulse allows to transfer the anisotropy of the medium to the polarization of the generated harmonic light. The ellipticity of the latter is controlled by adjusting the angular distribution of the molecules at the time they interact with the driving pulse. Extreme ultraviolet radiation produced with high degree of ellipticity (close to circular) is demonstrated.
Yields and Nutritional of Greenhouse Tomato in Response to Different Soil Aeration Volume at two depths of Subsurface drip irrigation
Authors: Li Yuan , Niu Wenquan , Dyck Miles , Wang Jingwei , Zou Xiaoyang 
Published: December 2016

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of 4 aeration levels (varied by injection of air to the soil through subsurface irrigation lines) at two subsurface irrigation line depths (15 and 40 cm) on plant growth, yield and nutritional quality of greenhouse tomato. In all experiments, fruit number, width and length, yield, vitamin C, lycopene and sugar/acid ratio of tomato markedly increased in response to the aeration treatments. Vitamin C, lycopene, and sugar/acid ratio increased by 41%, 2%, and 43%, respectively, in the 1.5 times standard aeration volume compared with the no-aeration treatment. An interaction between aeration level and depth of irrigation line was also observed with yield, fruit number, fruit length, vitamin C and sugar/acid ratio of greenhouse tomato increasing at each aeration level when irrigation lines were placed at 40 cm depth. However, when the irrigation lines were 15 cm deep, the trend of total fruit yields, fruit width, fruit length and sugar/acid ratio first increased and then decreased with increasing aeration level. Total soluble solids and titrable acid decreased with increasing aeration level both at 15 and 40 cm irrigation line placement. When all of the quality factors, yields and economic benefit are considered together, the combination of 40 cm line depth and “standard” aeration level was the optimum combination.