bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
XPNPEP3 is a novel transcriptional target of canonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling
Authors: Kumar Raju , Kotapalli Viswakalyan , Naz Ashmala , Gowrishankar Swarnalata , Rao Satish , Pollack Jonathan R , Bashyam Murali Dharan 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCanonical Wnt/β‐catenin signaling plays important roles in embryonic development and adult tissue regeneration while aberrant Wnt activation is the major driver of sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC). Thus, it is important to characterize the complete β‐catenin target transcriptome. We previously performed microarray‐based mRNA profiling of rectal cancer samples stratified for Wnt status. In addition to AXIN2 and EPHB2, XPNPEP3 transcripts were significantly elevated in tumors exhibiting activated Wnt/β‐catenin signaling, validated by Q‐PCR. Three different cell lines supported elevated XPNPEP3 transcript levels upon activation of Wnt signaling, confirmed using promoter‐luciferase assays. Ectopic expression of XPNPEP3 promoted tumorigenic properties in CRC cells. Immunohistochemistry on a CRC tissue microarray revealed significant correlation between β‐catenin nuclear localization and XPNPEP3 levels. More importantly, XPNPEP3 expression was upregulated compared to normal samples in published expression data sets from several cancers including CRC. Finally, XPNPEP3 expression correlated with poor survival in many cancers. Our results therefore suggest XPNPEP3 to be a transcriptional target of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway with particular significance for CRC.
A framework for testing the equality between the health concentration curve and the 45‐degree line
Authors: Khaled Mohamad A. , Makdissi Paul , Tabri Rami V. , Yazbeck Myra 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThe health concentration curve is the standard graphical tool to depict socioeconomic health inequality in the literature on health inequality. This paper shows that testing for the absence of socioeconomic health inequality is equivalent to testing if the conditional expectation of health on income is a constant function that is equal to average health status. In consequence, any test for parametric specification of a regression function can be used to test for the absence of socioeconomic health inequality (subject to regularity conditions). Furthermore, this paper illustrates how to test for this equality using a test for parametric regression functional form and applies it to health‐related behaviors from the National Health Survey 2014.
Narrow band imaging for head and neck malignancies: Lessons learned from mistakes
Authors: Valls‐Mateus Meritxell , Nogués‐Sabaté Anna , Blanch Jose Luis , Bernal‐Sprekelsen Manuel , Avilés‐Jurado Francesc Xavier , Vilaseca Isabel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe accuracy of white light endoscopy in combination with narrow band imaging (WLE + NBI) for diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) does not reach 100%. We evaluated the characteristics of the false‐negative and false‐positive cases.MethodsFive hundred thirty lesions of the upper airways were evaluated. The WLE was followed by NBI examination before performing a biopsy.ResultsThe false‐negative lesions (7.36%) were represented by submucosal and non‐SCC tumors. Among the 25 non‐SCC tumors, 72% did not show any suspicious vascular pattern under NBI. The false‐positive lesions (6.04%) were mainly represented by postradiotherapy mucosal changes, ulcers, and infections. Regarding papillomas, NBI accuracy reached 95.32%, although cases with dysplasia were difficult to distinguish from SCC.ConclusionThe WLE + NBI improved diagnostic accuracy, but not all lesions were ideally evaluated with current defined patterns. An accurate anamnesis is mandatory, because, in some cases, it may be more relevant than the NBI pattern.
ON THE PHYLOGENETIC CLASSIFICATION OF PLANTS
Authors: Sporne K. R. 
Published: January 2018

Sporne, K. R. (Botany School, Cambridge, Eng.) On the phylogenetic classification of plants. Amer. Jour. Bot. 46(5): 385–394. Illus. 1959.—A knowledge of the fossil record is essential to the study of evolutionary relationships in the plant kingdom for, otherwise, it can be nothing but conjecture. Fossil remains of fungi and bryophytes are so few that the course of evolution in these groups is almost entirely a matter for speculation. Even when fossil remains do exist, they may well be so atypical of the group as to be almost worthless, as in the case of the algae. Fossil pteridophytes and gymnosperms are, however, numerous and there is no reason to suppose that they are grossly unrepresentative of their contemporaries. From them can be derived information that is of the greatest value to morphologists, in that it throws light on the true nature of plant organs and enables character‐phylogenies to be constructed. Nowhere, however, can genealogical trees (organism‐phylogenies) be built up with any degree of confidence and whether this will always be so remains to be seen. In the meantime, every encouragement must be given to palaeobotanists all over the world, for they alone hold the keys that can reveal the course of evolution.“Ingenious men will readily advance plausible arguments to support whatever theory they shall choose to maintain; but then the misfortune is, every one's hypothesis is each as good as another's since they are all founded on conjecture.”Gilbert White, Selbourne; in a letter to Thomas Pennant, Esq., 29 May, 1769.
A DEVELOPMENTAL STUDY OF GUTTULINOPSIS VULGARIS (ACRASIALES)
Authors: Olive Lindsay S. 
Published: January 2018

The cellular slime mold, Guttulinopsis vulgaris E. W. Olive, is a common and widely distributed species. Its myxamoebae have lobose pseudopodia and aggregate, not by streaming, but by movement singly or in small groups into the aggregation center. The resulting shield‐shaped pseudoplasmodium gives rise to one (or possibly more on occasion) whitish, simple or compound sorocarp. Sorocarps are 95–465 μ in height, typically with relatively short, stout stalks and with mucilaginous spore heads that measure 75–350 μ broad. The spores are mostly irregular, with flattened or concave sides, and are surrounded by a thin spore wall. They measure 3.8–9.2 μ diam., or 2.6–7.8 × 3.9–9.2 μ. During sorocarp development the myxamoebae become grouped within membranous compartments both in the sorocarp and pseudoplasmodium. In the upper part of the sorocarp they develop almost entirely into spores, while in the lower stalk region of the sorocarp and in the pseudoplasmodium, some myxamoebae develop into spores while others degenerate. The phylogenetic position of Guttulinopsis is unclear, but the genus is probably not closely related to the Dictyosteliaceae.This investigation has been supported by National Science Foundation Grants G–44263 and GB‐501. The writer is grateful to Miss Carmen Stoianovitch for her assistance.
MECHANICAL STRESS AND CELL WALL ORIENTATION IN PLANTS. II. THE APPLICATION OF CONTROLLED DIRECTIONAL STRESS TO GROWING PLANTS; WITH A DISCUSSION ON THE NATURE OF THE WOUND REACTION
Authors: Lintilhac Philip M. , Vesecky Thompson B. 
Published: January 2018

This paper describes an attempt to present living stem tissue with defined mechanical stress in a spatial configuration which can be easily interpreted in section. We have applied compressive stress to a growing Coleus internode in vivo, using stainless‐steel spring‐clips which act through a double‐edged glass interface of known area.We have found that cambial activity consisting of cell division and enlargement continues even under applied compressive stress ranging up to 20 atm. Tissue reactions to applied stress are discussed in terms of the equilibration of forces propagating through the tissue before, during, and after the presentation of externally applied stress.
SMITHSONIELLA GEN. NOV., A POSSIBLE EVOLUTIONARY LINK BETWEEN THE MULTICELLULAR AND SIPHONOUS HABITS IN THE ULVOPHYCEAE, CHLOROPHYTA
Authors: Sears James R. , Brawley Susan H. 
Published: January 2018

A low relief, green turf‐forming alga of a heterotrichous habit was discovered in the coral reef microcosm, Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution. Erect filaments bore lateral, specialized sporangia and together with basal filaments possessed septal plugs between adjacent cells, grossly similar to the “pit connections” of red algae.Data are presented which: 1) establish the identity of our plant with a plant recently described asPilinia earleaeGallagheretHumm from the Florida Gulf coast; 2) support our establishment of the new genusSmithsoniellaand our transfer ofP. earleaeto this new taxon.Additional data on pigmentation and cytology are related to the fine structure of other selected green algae to develop and test three hypotheses, viz.Smithsoniella earleaerepresents either: 1) a symbiotic association between a green and a red alga; 2) an alga which belongs to either theUlotrichales, Chaetophoralesor theChroolepidales; or 3) an alga representing an evolutionary link between filamentous forms of the Ulvophyceae and members of the coenocytic siphonalean complex (e.g., Codiales or Caulerpales) of the Chlorophyta. Data refute hypotheses 1 and 2 but do lend support to the third hypothesis.
DNA, RNA, AND PROTEIN COMPARISONS BETWEEN NODULATED AND NON‐NODULATED MALE‐STERILE AND MALE‐FERTILE GENOTYPES OF SOYBEAN (GLYCINE MAX L.)
Authors: Artis Deogratis E. , Miksche Jerome P. , Dhillon Sukhraj S. 
Published: January 2018

Four soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) lines isogenic except for loci controlling male sterility (ms1) and nodulation (rj1) were developed to study the effects of reproductive development and nitrogen source on the nucleic acid and protein levels within the leaves. Changes in DNA, RNA, protein, and cellular viability were measured from flowering (77 days after emergence) until maturity (147 days after emergence) in leaves of nodulated and non‐nodulated male‐sterile and fertile soybean genotypes. Leaf nuclei from the sterile genotypes yielded DNA amounts that were significantly higher than those from the fertile lines. The average DNA values for the nodulated sterile and nodulated fertile lines at 147 days after emergence were 7.01 and 2.45 picograms, respectively. The average 2C DNA amount as determined from dividing root‐tip nuclei was 2.83 picograms, which indicated occurrence of endopolyploid mechanisms in the sterile lines and age‐related loss of DNA in fertile lines. Similar to DNA findings, the RNA and protein values in the sterile lines were significantly higher than those values observed in the fertile lines, suggesting an increased capacity to synthesize protein. The soybean leaf nuclear DNA declined, especially in the fertile lines in terms of the percent endopolyploid nuclei as well as the average DNA content during maturation. The DNA decline in leaves of fertile genotypes suggests that the leaves may be exporting nucleosides and phosphates to the seeds during embryo formation. In the sterile lines, due to the reduced pod‐set, these ready reserves of nucleosides and phosphates tended to accumulate in the chromatin of the leaf nucleus as manifested by the DNA specific Feulgen stain.By the end of the study (147 days after emergence), the nodulated fertile genotypes had experienced a dramatic loss in DNA, RNA, and protein. The nodulated sterile genotypes, however, indicated 65% more DNA, 59% more RNA, and 53% more protein as compared to the nodulated fertile genotypes at 147 days after emergence. The sterile lines also indicated the slowest increase in the death of cells, while the fertile lines indicated the fastest increase in nonviable cells, as shown by trypan blue staining. The fertile lines displayed normal monocarpic senescence throughout the study. The reproductive structures of fertile plants utilized the molecules in seed production, whereas in the sterile lines, these accumulated in leaf cells.
GENETIC POLYMORPHISM IN THE MORPHOLOGICALLY REDUCED DWARF MISTLETOES (ARCEUTHOBIUM, VISCACEAE): AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY
Authors: Nickrent Daniel L. 
Published: January 2018

Arceuthobium is a well defined genus of obligate parasites of conifers. Assessment of taxonomic and phylogenetic relationships in this group is difficult owing to morphological reductions and complex host relationships. In the present study, genetic relationships within and among 19 taxa were examined using starch gel electrophoresis of triploid seed endosperm tissue. Allelic frequency data for eleven polymorphic loci were derived from analysis of 40 natural populations collected from the U.S. and Mexico. The genus showed remarkably high levels of genetic diversity: averaged across the 19 taxa, 66.7% of the loci were polymorphic with an average of 2.23 alleles per locus. This level of polymorphism is approximately double the average value reported for many dicotyledons and stands in contrast to the overall uniform morphology of these parasites.Unweighted pair group cluster analysis (UPGMA) of genetic similarity measures was conducted for all sampled populations and the results compared to a phenetic system of classification for the genus. Similarities between the two studies include the recognition of two subgenera based upon the segregation of the verticillately branched Arceuthobium americanum from the remainder of the taxa examined. Analysis of isozyme data supported a grouping of six taxa: A. vaginatum ssp. cryptopodum, A. vaginatum ssp. durangense, A. gillii, A. rubrum, A. divaricatum, and A. douglasii. The placement of the latter three taxa in other groups by phenetic criteria provides evidence for molecular divergence not seen using morphological features. The Campylopodum group of taxa comprised eleven members that were linked at similarity values of 80% or greater. Populations were not unambiguously grouped according to species as defined by the phenetic study or at similarity levels comparable to other well defined species in this study. This group is either not reproductively isolated or molecular differentiation is cryptic due to rapid adaptive radiation onto numerous host tree species.
Compound C induces protective autophagy in human cholangiocarcinoma cells via Akt/mTOR‐independent pathway
Authors: Zhao Xiaofang , Luo Guosong , Cheng Ying , Yu Wenjing , Chen Run , Xiao Bin , Xiang Yuancai , Feng Chunhong , Fu Wenguang , Duan Chunyan , Yao Fuli , Xia Xianming , Tao Qinghua , Wei Mei , Dai Rongyang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCompound C, a well‐known inhibitor of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK), has been reported to exert antitumor activities in some types of cells. Whether compound C can exert antitumor effects in human cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains unknown. Here, we demonstrated that compound C is a potent inducer of cell death and autophagy in human CCA cells. Autophagy inhibitors increased the cytotoxicity of compound C towards human CCA cells, as confirmed by increased LDH release, and PARP cleavage. It is notable that compound C treatment increased phosphorylated Akt, sustained high levels of phosphorylated p70S6K, and decreased mTOR regulated p‐ULK1 (ser757). Based on the data that blocking PI3K/Akt or mTOR had no apparent influence on autophagic response, we suggest that compound C induces autophagy independent of Akt/mTOR signaling in human CCA cells. Further study demonstrated that compound C inhibited the phosphorylation of JNK and its target c‐Jun. Blocking JNK by SP600125 or siRNA suppressed autophagy induction upon compound C treatment. Moreover, compound C induced p38 MAPK activation, and its inhibition promoted autophagy induction via JNK activation. In addition, compound C induced p53 expression, and its inhibition attenuated compound C‐induced autophagic response. Thus, compound C triggers autophagy, at least in part, via the JNK and p53 pathways in human CCA cells. In conclusion, suppresses autophagy could increase compound C sensitivity in human CCA.
Electron microscopic characterization of nuclear egress in the sea urchin gastrula
Authors: LaMassa Nicole , Arenas‐Mena Cesar , Phillips Greg R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNuclear egress, also referred to as nuclear envelope (NE) budding, is a process of transport in which vesicles containing molecular complexes or viral particles leave the nucleus through budding from the inner nuclear membrane (INM) to enter the perinuclear space. Following this event, the perinuclear vesicles (PNVs) fuse with the outer nuclear membrane (ONM), where they release their contents into the cytoplasm. Nuclear egress is thought to participate in many functions such as viral replication, cellular differentiation, and synaptic development. The molecular basis for nuclear egress is now beginning to be elucidated. Here, we observe in the sea urchin gastrula, using serial section transmission electron microscopy, strikingly abundant PNVs containing as yet unidentified granules that resemble the ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) previously observed in similar types of PNVs. Some PNVs were observed in the process of fusion with the ONM where they appeared to release their contents into the cytoplasm. These vesicles were abundantly observed in all three presumptive germ layers. These findings indicate that nuclear egress is likely to be an important mechanism for nucleocytoplasmic transfer during sea urchin development. The sea urchin may be a useful model to characterize further and gain a better understanding of the process of nuclear egress.
Homogeneity analysis of wind data from 213 m high Cabauw tower
Authors: Petrović Predrag , Romanic Djordje , Ćurić Mladjen 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTHomogeneous meteorological data are a prerequisite for reliable climatological studies. This paper investigates the homogeneity of wind data from 213 m high Cabauw tower located in The Netherlands. The wind measurements are conducted at 10, 20, 40, 80, 140 and 200 m above ground. The analysed data cover the period from February 1986 to January 1997 and from April 2000 to December 2015. This study presents the first homogeneity analysis of wind data from a tall meteorological mast. Homogeneities of wind speed and wind direction series were investigated independently using the ReDistribution Method. Overall, the wind measurements at Cabauw tower are very homogeneous. The only wind speed inhomogeneity was detected at 200 m above ground and it seems to be, at least to a certain extent, caused by the rapid expansion of the town of Lopik in the 1990s. Lopik's growth to the west, however, only influenced the east winds on the Cabauw tower. Small inhomogeneities in wind direction data were detected at 20, 40 and 80 m levels, whereas a fairly large inhomogeneity was observed at 10 m above ground. Several potential causes of inhomogeneities in wind direction data are discussed, but the major contributor could not be determined with certainty. In addition, the homogeneity of real measurements from Cabauw tower is compared against the synthetically created wind data for Cabauw tower using the Monte‐Carlo method of random sampling. The results show that the detected anomalies are not due to the random noise in the time series.
Strategies to Reduce Catheter‐Related Bloodstream Infections in Pediatric Patients Receiving Home Parenteral Nutrition: The Efficacy of Taurolidine‐Citrate Prophylactic‐Locking
Authors: Lambe Cecile , Poisson Catherine , Talbotec Cecile , Goulet Olivier 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundCatheter‐related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) remain a major issue in patients who are receiving home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The aim of this interventional study was to assess the impact of a new strategy using taurolidine‐citrate (T‐C) prophylactic locks on the CRBSI rate in children with intestinal failure who are receiving HPN.MethodsThe rate of CRBSIs was monitored every calendar year in a prospective cohort of 195 children with intestinal failure. T‐C locks were initiated from October 2011 in children with recurring CRBSIs (≥2 episodes per year).ResultsIn the whole cohort, the median annual CRBSI rate per 1000 catheter days decreased significantly from 2.07 in 2008 to 2010 to 1.23 in 2012 to 2014 (P < .05). T‐C locks were used in 40 patients. No adverse events were reported. In taurolidine‐treated patients, the CRBSI rate per 1000 catheter days decreased from 4.16 to 0.25 (P < .0001). The cumulative percentage of patients free of CRBSI at 18 months was 92% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71–98) on T‐C lock vs 61% (95% CI: 49–72) in controls (P = .01). In multivariate analysis, factors associated with CRBSI were immune deficiency (adjusted hazard ratio 3.49; 95% CI: 1.01–12.17) and the young age of the parents (adjusted hazard ratio 4.79, 95% CI: 2.16–10.62), whereas T‐C locks were protective (adjusted hazard ratio 0.22, 95% CI: 0.06–0.74).ConclusionThis study confirms the efficacy of T‐C catheter locks in decreasing the incidence of CRBSIs in children with intestinal failure who are receiving HPN.
Eating jellyfish: safety, chemical and sensory properties
Authors: Raposo António , Coimbra Alice , Amaral Luís , Gonçalves Amparo , Morais Zilda 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDPeople's preference for fish with a high trophic level, like Atlantic cod and tuna, leads to a large food footprint. Responsible seafood consumption should include underutilised local products; hence the culinary use of edible jellyfish can be an effective contribution. The present work focused on Catostylus tagi to contribute to the consumption of edible jellyfish in the West.RESULTSA questionnaire conducted with 192 young people showed an interest in tasting jellyfish‐based food (64.6%). The resulting product, obtained by an alternative cooking process to traditional Asian ones, was chemically characterised and underwent microbiological and heavy metals control. The results indicated its non‐toxicity. Patients who were allergic to seafood as well as non‐allergic volunteers revealed no allergic reaction to the jellyfish umbrella product (intakes up to 5 mg/kg body weight and 8 mg/kg, respectively). Seafood‐trained panellists defined the product's main impact on the mouth as freshness (72 mg/kg body weight). The preliminary snack, a pâté, was positively accepted by allergic (7 in 9; n = 20) and non‐allergic volunteers (6 in 7; n = 21).CONCLUSIONThe present study confirmed that jellyfish intake is safe, even for allergic individuals, and its organoleptic properties were accepted by the study population. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparative isolation and purification of hainanmurpanin, meranzin, and phebalosin from leaves of Murraya exotica L. using supercritical fluid extraction combined with consecutive high‐speed countercurrent chromatography
Authors: Yan Rongwei , Shen Jie , Liu Xiaojing , Zou Yong , Xu Xinjun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to develop a consecutive preparation method for the isolation and purification of hainanmurpanin, meranzin, and phebalosin from leaves of Murraya exotica L. The process involved supercritical fluid extraction with CO2, solvent extraction, and two‐step high‐speed countercurrent chromatography. Pressure, temperature, and the volume of entrainer were optimized as 27 MPa, 52°C, and 60 mL by response surface methodology in supercritical fluid extraction with CO2, and the yield of the crude extracts was 7.91 g from 100 g of leaves. Subsequently, 80% methanol/water was used to extract and condense the three compounds from the crude extracts, and 4.23 g of methanol/water extracts was obtained. Then, a two‐step high‐speed countercurrent chromatography procedure was developed for the isolation of the three target compounds from methanol/water extracts, including conventional high‐speed countercurrent chromatography for further enrichment and consecutive high‐speed countercurrent chromatography for purification. The yield of concentrates from high‐speed countercurrent chromatography was 2.50 g from 4.23 g of methanol/water extracts. Finally, the consecutive high‐speed countercurrent chromatography produced 103.2 mg of hainanmurpanin, 244.7 mg of meranzin, and 255.4 mg of phebalosin with purities up to 97.66, 99.36, and 98.64%, respectively, from 900 mg of high‐speed countercurrent chromatography concentrates in one run of three consecutive sample loadings without exchanging a solvent system.