bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Livestock mobility and the territorial state: South-Western Niger (1890–1920)
Authors: Turner Matthew D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractColonial rule in West Africa initiated the incorporation of mobile people, particularly pastoralists, into Western territorial states. This article reports on the early period of French colonial rule of the area that is now South-Western Niger – a strategically important area with respect to territorial competition among the French colonies of Dahomey and Soudan (later the colonies of Senegambia and Niger) as well as the British colony of Nigeria. Building from the study of contemporary patterns of livestock mobility and their logics, archival and secondary literatures are used to develop an understanding of dominant herd mobility patterns at the time (transhumance for grazing and trekking to distant markets); the importance of livestock as a source of tax revenue; colonial anxieties about the loss of livestock from within their borders; and efforts of colonial administrators to reduce the potential loss of livestock from their territories. This case illustrates the limitations of the territorial state model where the state lacks sufficient power over mobile subjects utilizing a sparse and fluctuating resource base. The actions of French administrators and Fulɓe pastoralists worked as a form of ‘hands-off’ negotiation, with each group monitoring and reacting to the actions of the other. Due to the limitations of colonial state control, the existence of boundaries elicited greater monitoring of livestock movements by colonial administrators but also increased the leverage held by mobile pastoralists as the French sought to increase the attractiveness of their territory to the principal managers of its wealth (livestock). The proximity of borders to the study area complicated the task of French colonial administrators, who necessarily became increasingly focused on monitoring the movements of their subjects (labour and capital) to avoid their possible escape as they moved within the borderlands of what is now South-Western Niger. The limits of colonial power to monitor and control these movements led administrators to initiate policies favouring pastoralists.
Barriers to and facilitators of ultra-processed food consumption: perceptions of Brazilian adults
Authors: Almeida Luara Bellinghausen , Scagliusi Fernanda Baeza , Duran Ana Clara , Jaime Patricia Constante 
Published: July 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo explore how individuals perceive the availability of ultra-processed foods in their neighbourhoods and the barriers to and facilitators of consumption of such foods.DesignA qualitative design was chosen. In-depth, face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted and a content analysis was performed.SettingSão Paulo, Brazil.SubjectsA purposeful sample of adults (n 48), stratified by sex and age group (20–39 years and 40–59 years).ResultsAll participants perceived their neighbourhoods as favourable regarding the availability of ultra-processed foods. Three barriers were identified: health concerns, not appreciating the taste of these foods and not being used to eating them. Five facilitators, however, were identified: appreciating the taste of these foods, their children’s preference, convenience, addiction and cost.ConclusionsParticipants perceived their neighbourhoods as favourable to the consumption of ultra-processed foods and reported more facilitators than barriers to their consumption. Reported barriers point to the need to include measures promoting a healthy food system and traditional eating practices. The facilitators reinforce the idea that these foods are habit-forming and that regulatory measures to offset the exposure to ultra-processed foods are necessary.
High abundance and expression of transposases in bacteria from the Baltic Sea
Authors: Vigil-Stenman Theoden , Ininbergs Karolina , Bergman Birgitta , Ekman Martin 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Transposases are mobile genetic elements suggested to have an important role in bacterial genome plasticity and host adaptation but their transcriptional activity in natural bacterial communities is largely unexplored. Here we analyzed metagenomes and -transcriptomes of size fractionated (0.1–0.8, 0.8–3.0 and 3.0–200 μm) bacterial communities from the brackish Baltic Sea, and adjacent marine waters. The Baltic Sea transposase levels, up to 1.7% of bacterial genes and 2% of bacterial transcripts, were considerably higher than in marine waters and similar to levels reported for extreme environments. Large variations in expression were found between transposase families and groups of bacteria, with a two-fold higher transcription in Cyanobacteria than in any other phylum. The community-level results were corroborated at the genus level by Synechococcus transposases reaching up to 5.2% of genes and 6.9% of transcripts, which is in contrast to marine Synechococcus that largely lack these genes. Levels peaked in Synechococcus from the largest size fraction, suggesting high frequencies of lateral gene transfer and high genome plasticity in colony-forming picocyanobacteria. Together, the results support an elevated rate of transposition-based genome change and adaptation in bacterial populations of the Baltic Sea, and possibly also of other highly dynamic estuarine waters.
Changes in nutrient stoichiometry, elemental homeostasis and growth rate of aquatic litter-associated fungi in response to inorganic nutrient supply
Authors: Gulis Vladislav , Kuehn Kevin A , Schoettle Louie N , Leach Desiree , Benstead Jonathan P , Rosemond Amy D 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
Aquatic fungi mediate important energy and nutrient transfers in freshwater ecosystems, a role potentially altered by widespread eutrophication. We studied the effects of dissolved nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations and ratios on fungal stoichiometry, elemental homeostasis, nutrient uptake and growth rate in two experiments that used (1) liquid media and a relatively recalcitrant carbon (C) source and (2) fungi grown on leaf litter in microcosms. Two monospecific fungal cultures and a multi-species assemblage were assessed in each experiment. Combining a radioactive tracer to estimate fungal production (C accrual) with N and P uptake measurements provided an ecologically relevant estimate of mean fungal C:N:P of 107:9:1 in litter-associated fungi, similar to the 92:9:1 obtained from liquid cultures. Aquatic fungi were found to be relatively homeostatic with respect to their C:N ratio (~11:1), but non-homeostatic with respect to C:P and N:P. Dissolved N greatly affected fungal growth rate and production, with little effect on C:nutrient stoichiometry. Conversely, dissolved P did not affect fungal growth and production but controlled biomass C:P and N:P, probably via luxury P uptake and storage. The ability of fungi to immobilize and store excess P may alter nutrient flow through aquatic food webs and affect ecosystem functioning.
Nrp2 is sufficient to instruct circuit formation of mitral-cells to mediate odour-induced attractive social responses
Authors: Inokuchi Kasumi , Imamura Fumiaki , Takeuchi Haruki , Kim Ryang , Okuno Hiroyuki , Nishizumi Hirofumi , Bito Haruhiko , Kikusui Takefumi , Sakano Hitoshi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractOdour information induces various innate responses that are critical to the survival of the individual and for the species. An axon guidance molecule, Neuropilin 2 (Nrp2), is known to mediate targeting of olfactory sensory neurons (primary neurons), to the posteroventral main olfactory bulb (PV MOB) in mice. Here we report that Nrp2-positive (Nrp2+) mitral cells (MCs, second-order neurons) play crucial roles in transmitting attractive social signals from the PV MOB to the anterior part of medial amygdala (MeA). Semaphorin 3F, a repulsive ligand to Nrp2, regulates both migration of Nrp2+ MCs to the PV MOB and their axonal projection to the anterior MeA. In the MC-specific Nrp2 knockout mice, circuit formation of Nrp2+ MCs and odour-induced attractive social responses are impaired. In utero, electroporation demonstrates that activation of the Nrp2 gene in MCs is sufficient to instruct their circuit formation from the PV MOB to the anterior MeA.
Chemical characterization of the adhesive secretions of the salamander Plethodon shermani (Caudata, Plethodontidae)
Authors: von Byern Janek , Grunwald Ingo , Kosok Max , Saporito Ralph A. , Dicke Ursula , Wetjen Oliver , Thiel Karsten , Borcherding Kai , Kowalik Thomas , Marchetti-Deschmann Martina 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSalamanders have developed a wide variety of antipredator mechanisms, including tail autotomy, colour patterns, and noxious skin secretions. As an addition to these tactics, the red-legged salamander (Plethodon shermani) uses adhesive secretions as part of its defensive strategy. The high bonding strength, the fast-curing nature, and the composition of the biobased materials makes salamander adhesives interesting for practical applications in the medical sector. To understand the adhesive secretions ofP.shermani, its components were chemically analysed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), amino acid analysis, and spectroscopy (ATR-IR, Raman). In addition, proteins were separated by gel-electrophoresis and selected spots were characterised by peptide mass fingerprinting. The salamander secretion contains a high amount of water and predominantly proteins (around 77% in the dry stage). The gel-electrophoresis and peptide mass fingerprint analyses revealed ade novoset of peptides/proteins, largely with a pI between 5.0 and 8.0 and a molecular mass distribution between 10 and 170 kDa. Only low homologies with other proteins present in known databases could be identified. The results indicate that the secretions of the salamanderPlethodonclearly differ chemically from those shown for other glue-producing terrestrial or marine species and thus represent a unique glue system.
Synergistic blending of high-valued heterocycles inhibits growth of Plasmodium falciparum in culture and P. berghei infection in mouse model
Authors: Kumar Prashant , Achieng Angela O. , Rajendran Vinoth , Ghosh Prahlad C. , Singh Brajendra K. , Rawat Manmeet , Perkins Douglas J. , Kempaiah Prakasha , Rathi Brijesh 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA series of phthalimide analogues, novelized with high-valued bioactive scaffolds was synthesized by means of click-chemistry under non-conventional microwave heating and evaluated as noteworthy growth inhibitors of Plasmodium falciparum (3D7 and W2) in culture. Analogues 6a, 6h and 6 u showed highest activity to inhibit the growth of the parasite with IC50 values in submicromolar range. Structure-activity correlation indicated the necessity of unsubstituted triazoles and leucine linker to obtain maximal growth inhibition of the parasite. Notably, phthalimide 6a and 6u selectively inhibited the ring-stage growth and parasite maturation. On other hand, phthalimide 6h displayed selective schizonticidal activity. Besides, they displayed synergistic interactions with chloroquine and dihydroartemisinin against parasite. Additional in vivo experiments using P. berghei infected mice showed that administration of 6h and 6u alone, as well as in combination with dihydroartemisinin, substantially reduced the parasite load. The high antimalarial activity of 6h and 6u, coupled with low toxicity advocate their potential role as novel antimalarial agents, either as standalone or combination therapies.
High resolution temporal transcriptomics of mouse embryoid body development reveals complex expression dynamics of coding and noncoding loci
Authors: Gloss Brian S. , Signal Bethany , Cheetham Seth W. , Gruhl Franziska , Kaczorowski Dominik C. , Perkins Andrew C. , Dinger Marcel E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCellular responses to stimuli are rapid and continuous and yet the vast majority of investigations of transcriptional responses during developmental transitions typically use long interval time courses; limiting the available interpretive power. Moreover, such experiments typically focus on protein-coding transcripts, ignoring the important impact of long noncoding RNAs. We therefore evaluated coding and noncoding expression dynamics at unprecedented temporal resolution (6-hourly) in differentiating mouse embryonic stem cells and report new insight into molecular processes and genome organization. We present a highly resolved differentiation cascade that exhibits coding and noncoding transcriptional alterations, transcription factor network interactions and alternative splicing events, little of which can be resolved by long-interval developmental time-courses. We describe novel short lived and cycling patterns of gene expression and dissect temporally ordered gene expression changes in response to transcription factors. We elucidate patterns in gene co-expression across the genome, describe asynchronous transcription at bidirectional promoters and functionally annotate known and novel regulatory lncRNAs. These findings highlight the complex and dynamic molecular events underlying mammalian differentiation that can only be observed though a temporally resolved time course.
Characterization and expression analysis of the WRKY gene family in moso bamboo
Authors: Li Long , Mu Shaohua , Cheng Zhanchao , Cheng Yuanwen , Zhang Ying , Miao Ying , Hou Chenglin , Li Xueping , Gao Jian 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe WRKY family of transcription factors (TFs) is one of the ten largest families of TFs in higher plants and has been implicated in multiple biological processes. Here, we identified 121 WRKY TFs in moso bamboo, including five novel members that were not annotated in the Phyllostachys edulis genomic database. Estimation of the divergence time of paralogous gene pairs revealed an important role of the recent whole-genome duplication in the expansion of the WRKY family. Expression analysis based on quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) data revealed that a large number of PheWRKY genes varied significantly under cold or drought stress treatments, which could be defined as abiotic stress-responsive genes. The overexpression of PheWRKY72-2 in Arabidopsis resulted in a decreased sensitivity to drought stress during early seedling growth. PheWRKY72-2 may enhance plant tolerance to stress by functioning as a positive regulator of stoma closure. Our study provides a theoretical foundation and some experimental evidence for further functional verification of the PheWRKY family of TFs.
Selective dual-band metamaterial perfect absorber for infrared stealth technology
Authors: Kim Jagyeong , Han Kiwook , Hahn Jae W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe propose a dual-band metamaterial perfect absorber with a metal–insulator–metal structure (MIM) for use in infrared (IR) stealth technology. We designed the MIM structure to have surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and magnetic polariton (MP) resonance peaks at 1.54 μm and 6.2 μm, respectively. One peak suppresses the scattering signals used by laser-guided missiles, and the other matches the atmospheric absorption band, thereby enabling the suppression of long-wavelength IR (LWIR) and mid-wavelength IR (MWIR) signals from objects as they propagate through the air. We analysed the spectral properties of the resonance peaks by comparing the wavelength of the MP peak calculated using the finite-difference time-domain method with that obtained by utilizing an inductor–capacitor circuit model. We evaluated the dependence of the performance of the dual-band metamaterial perfect absorber on the incident angle of light at the surface. The proposed absorber was able to reduce the scattering of 1.54 μm IR laser light by more than 90% and suppress the MWIR and LWIR signatures by more than 92%, as well as maintain MWIR and LWIR signal reduction rates greater than 90% across a wide temperature range from room temperature to 500 °C.
MiR-199a Inhibits Secondary Envelopment of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 Through the Downregulation of Cdc42-specific GTPase Activating Protein Localized in Golgi Apparatus
Authors: Kobayashi Kyousuke , Suemasa Fumiko , Sagara Hiroshi , Nakamura Shinya , Ino Yasushi , Kobayashi Kazuyoshi , Hiramatsu Hiroaki , Haraguchi Takeshi , Kurokawa Kazuo , Todo Tomoki , Nakano Akihiko , Iba Hideo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBecause several studies have shown that exogenous miR-199a has antiviral effects against various viruses, including herpesviruses, we examined how miR-199a exerts its antiviral effects using epithelial tumour cell lines infected with herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1). We found that both miR-199a-5p and -3p impair the secondary envelopment of HSV-1 by suppressing their common target, ARHGAP21, a Golgi-localized GTPase-activating protein for Cdc42. We further found that the trans-cisternae of the Golgi apparatus are a potential membrane compartment for secondary envelopment. Exogenous expression of either pre-miR-199a or sh-ARHGAP21 exhibited shared phenotypes i.e. alteration of Golgi function in uninfected cells, inhibition of HSV-1 secondary envelopment, and reduction of trans-Golgi proteins upon HSV-1 infection. A constitutively active form of Cdc42 also inhibited HSV-1 secondary envelopment. Endogenous levels of miR-199a in epithelial tumour cell lines were negatively correlated with the efficiency of HSV-1 secondary envelopment within these cells. These results suggest that miR-199a is a crucial regulator of Cdc42 activity on Golgi membranes, which is important for the maintenance of Golgi function and for the secondary envelopment of HSV-1 upon its infection.
Global biogeography, cryptic species and systematic issues in the shrimp genus Hippolyte Leach, 1814 (Decapoda: Caridea: Hippolytidae) by multimarker analyses
Authors: Terossi Mariana , De Grave Sammy , Mantelatto Fernando L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHippolyteis a genus of small bodied marine shrimps, with a global distribution. Here, we studied the phylogenetic and biogeographic relationships amongst the species of this genus with two mitochondrial and two nuclear markers, using Bayesian Inference, Maximum Likelihood, genetic divergence, molecular clock and S-DIVA. In addition, the Indo-West Pacific genusAlcyonohippolytewas included. Based on sequences from 57 specimens of 27 species, we recovered a robust biogeographic scenario that shows the Indo-West Pacific as the probable ancestral area of the genusHippolyte, which emerged in the Paleocene, followed by dispersal in three general directions: (1) South Pacific, (2) eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea and (3) Americas, the latter with a primary colonization in the eastern Pacific followed by a radiation into the western Atlantic. Our analysis reveals that the species of theH.ventricosagroup do not constitute a monophyletic group andAlcyonohippolytedoes not constitute a reciprocally monophyletic group toHippolyte, with both genera herein synonimised. The relationships and systematic status of several transisthmian and Atlantic species are clarified.
Targeted DNA methylation in human cells using engineered dCas9-methyltransferases
Authors: Xiong Tina , Meister Glenna E. , Workman Rachael E. , Kato Nathaniel C. , Spellberg Michael J. , Turker Fulya , Timp Winston , Ostermeier Marc , Novina Carl D. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMammalian genomes exhibit complex patterns of gene expression regulated, in part, by DNA methylation. The advent of engineered DNA methyltransferases (MTases) to target DNA methylation to specific sites in the genome will accelerate many areas of biological research. However, targeted MTases require clear design rules to direct site-specific DNA methylation and minimize the unintended effects of off-target DNA methylation. Here we report a targeted MTase composed of an artificially split CpG MTase (sMTase) with one fragment fused to a catalytically-inactive Cas9 (dCas9) that directs the functional assembly of sMTase fragments at the targeted CpG site. We precisely map RNA-programmed DNA methylation to targeted CpG sites as a function of distance and orientation from the protospacer adjacent motif (PAM). Expression of the dCas9-sMTase in mammalian cells led to predictable and efficient (up to ~70%) DNA methylation at targeted sites. Multiplexing sgRNAs enabled targeting methylation to multiple sites in a single promoter and to multiple sites in multiple promoters. This programmable de novo MTase tool might be used for studying mechanisms of initiation, spreading and inheritance of DNA methylation, and for therapeutic gene silencing.
Soil microbial community structure and catabolic activity are significantly degenerated in successive rotations of Chinese fir plantations
Authors: Wu Zeyan , Li Jianjuan , Zheng Jie , Liu Jinfu , Liu Shuying , Lin Wenxiong , Wu Chengzhen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis study examined the hypotheses that soil microbial community composition and catabolic activity would significantly degenerated by consecutive monoculture in Chinese fir plantations. The phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and community level physiological profiles (CLPP) methods were used to assess the variations of soil microbial community among the first rotation Chinese fir plantation (FCP), the second rotation plantation (SCP) and the third rotation plantation (TCP). The total content of PLFA biomarkers was highest in FCP, followed by SCP, and TCP was the least detected. Conversely, the fungi/bacteria ratio significantly increased in the SCP and TCP soils. The average well-color development (AWCD) values significantly decreased (FCP > SCP > TCP). However, the sum of AWCD values of amino acids, carboxylic acids and phenolic compounds were higher significantly in the SCP and TCP soils than FCP soils, suggesting that the microflora feeding on acids gradually became predominant in the continuous monoculture plantation soils. Soil C/N ratio was one of the most important factors to soil microbial diversity. Both the PLFA and CLPP results illustrated the long-term pure plantation pattern exacerbated the microecological imbalance in the rhizospheric soils of Chinese fir, and markedly decreased the soil microbial community diversity and metabolic activity.
Tannic acid as a plant-derived polyphenol exerts vasoprotection via enhancing KLF2 expression in endothelial cells
Authors: Xu Yanni , Liu Peng , Xu Suowen , Koroleva Marina , Zhang Shuya , Si Shuyi , Jin Zheng Gen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe transcription factor Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) is a critical anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic molecule in vascular endothelium. Enhancing KLF2 expression and activity improves endothelial function and prevents atherosclerosis. However, the pharmacological and molecular regulators for KLF2 are scarce. Using high-throughput luciferase reporter assay to screen for KLF2 activators, we have identified tannic acid (TA), a polyphenolic compound, as a potent KLF2 activator that attenuates endothelial inflammation. Mechanistic studies suggested that TA induced KLF2 expression in part through the ERK5/MEF2 pathway. Functionally, TA markedly decreased monocyte adhesion to ECs by reducing expression of adhesion molecule VCAM1. Using lung ECs isolated from Klf2+/+ and Klf2+/− mice, we showed that the anti-inflammatory effect of TA is dependent on KLF2. Collectively, our results demonstrate that TA is a potent KLF2 activator and TA attenuated endothelial inflammation through upregulation of KLF2. Our findings provide a novel mechanism for the well-established beneficial cardiovascular effects of TA and suggest that KLF2 could be a novel therapeutic target for atherosclerotic vascular disease.