bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selective binding modes and allosteric inhibitory effects of lupane triterpenes on protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B
Authors: Jin Tiantian , Yu Haibo , Huang Xu-Feng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractProtein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been recognized as a promising therapeutic target for treating obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers for over a decade. Previous drug design has focused on inhibitors targeting the active site of PTP1B. However, this has not been successful because the active site is positively charged and conserved among the protein tyrosine phosphatases. Therefore, it is important to develop PTP1B inhibitors with alternative inhibitory strategies. Using computational studies including molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and binding free energy calculations, we found that lupane triterpenes selectively inhibited PTP1B by targeting its more hydrophobic and less conserved allosteric site. These findings were verified using two enzymatic assays. Furthermore, the cell culture studies showed that lupeol and betulinic acid inhibited the PTP1B activity stimulated by TNFα in neurons. Our study indicates that lupane triterpenes are selective PTP1B allosteric inhibitors with significant potential for treating those diseases with elevated PTP1B activity.
Genomic study of the Ket: a Paleo-Eskimo-related ethnic group with significant ancient North Eurasian ancestry
Authors: Flegontov Pavel , Changmai Piya , Zidkova Anastassiya , Logacheva Maria D. , Altınışık N. Ezgi , Flegontova Olga , Gelfand Mikhail S. , Gerasimov Evgeny S. , Khrameeva Ekaterina E. , Konovalova Olga P. , Neretina Tatiana , Nikolsky Yuri V. , Starostin George , Stepanova Vita V. , Travinsky Igor V. , Tříska Martin , Tříska Petr , Tatarinova Tatiana V. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe Kets, an ethnic group in the Yenisei River basin, Russia, are considered the last nomadic hunter-gatherers of Siberia and Ket language has no transparent affiliation with any language family. We investigated connections between the Kets and Siberian and North American populations, with emphasis on the Mal’ta and Paleo-Eskimo ancient genomes, using original data from 46 unrelated samples of Kets and 42 samples of their neighboring ethnic groups (Uralic-speaking Nganasans, Enets and Selkups). We genotyped over 130,000 autosomal SNPs, identified mitochondrial and Y-chromosomal haplogroups and performed high-coverage genome sequencing of two Ket individuals. We established that Nganasans, Kets, Selkups and Yukaghirs form a cluster of populations most closely related to Paleo-Eskimos in Siberia (not considering indigenous populations of Chukotka and Kamchatka). Kets are closely related to modern Selkups and to some Bronze and Iron Age populations of the Altai region, with all these groups sharing a high degree of Mal’ta ancestry. Implications of these findings for the linguistic hypothesis uniting Ket and Na-Dene languages into a language macrofamily are discussed.
Comprehensive behavioral analysis of RNG105 (Caprin1) heterozygous mice: Reduced social interaction and attenuated response to novelty
Authors: Ohashi Rie , Takao Keizo , Miyakawa Tsuyoshi , Shiina Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRNG105 (also known as Caprin1) is a major RNA-binding protein in neuronal RNA granules and is responsible for mRNA transport to dendrites and neuronal network formation. A recent study reported that a heterozygous mutation in the Rng105 gene was found in an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patient, but it remains unclear whether there is a causal relation between RNG105 deficiency and ASD. Here, we subjected Rng105+/− mice to a comprehensive behavioral test battery and revealed the influence of RNG105 deficiency on mouse behavior. Rng105+/− mice exhibited a reduced sociality in a home cage and a weak preference for social novelty. Consistently, the Rng105+/− mice also showed a weak preference for novel objects and novel place patterns. Furthermore, although the Rng105+/− mice exhibited normal memory acquisition, they tended to have relative difficulty in reversal learning in the spatial reference tasks. These findings suggest that the RNG105 heterozygous knockout leads to a reduction in sociality, response to novelty and flexibility in learning, which are implicated in ASD-like behavior.
Health Habits of Employees in a Large Medical Center: Time Trends and Impact of a Worksite Wellness Facility
Authors: Abu Dabrh Abd Moain , Gorty Archana , Jenkins Sarah M. , Murad Mohammad Hassan , Hensrud Donald D. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWorksite health interventions are not novel but their effect remains subject of debate. We examined employer-based wellness program to determine health habits trends, and compare prevalence estimates to national data. We conducted serial surveys (1996 and 2007–10) to employees of a large medical center that included questions measuring outcomes, including obesity, regular exercise, cardiovascular activity, and smoking status. Logistic regression models were estimated to compare data by membership across years, considering p-values ≤ 0.01 as statistically significant. 3,206 employees responded (Response rates 59–68%). Obesity prevalence increased over time in members and nonmembers of the wellness facility, consistent with national trends. Members had a lower prevalence of cigarette smoking compared to nonmembers (overall year-adjusted odds ratio 0.66, P < 0.001). Further, employees had a lower prevalence of cigarette smoking (9.7 vs. 17.3% in 2010, P < 0.001) compared with national data. Wellness facility membership was associated with increased regular exercise and cardiovascular exercise (P < 0.001) compared to nonmembers. In summary, working in a medical center was associated with a decreased prevalence of cigarette smoking, but not with lower prevalence of obesity. Worksite wellness facility membership was associated with increased exercise and decreased cigarette smoking. Employer-based interventions may be effective in improving some health behaviors.
The Tactile Window to Consciousness is Characterized by Frequency-Specific Integration and Segregation of the Primary Somatosensory Cortex
Authors: Frey Julia Natascha , Ruhnau Philipp , Leske Sabine , Siegel Markus , Braun Christoph , Weisz Nathan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe recently proposed that besides levels of local cortical excitability, also distinct pre-stimulus network states (windows to consciousness) determine whether a near-threshold stimulus will be consciously perceived. In the present magnetoencephalography study, we scrutinised these pre-stimulus network states with a focus on the primary somatosensory cortex. For this purpose participants performed a simple near-threshold tactile detection task. Confirming previous studies, we found reduced alpha and beta power in the somatosensory region contralateral to stimulation prior to correct stimulus detection as compared to undetected stimuli and stronger event-related responses following successful stimulus detection. As expected, using graph theoretical measures, we also observed modulated pre-stimulus network level integration. Specifically, the right primary somatosensory cortex contralateral to stimulation showed an increased integration in the theta band and additionally, a decreased integration in the beta band. Overall, these results underline the importance of network states for enabling conscious perception. Moreover, they indicate that also a reduction of irrelevant functional connections contributes to the window to consciousness by tuning pre-stimulus pathways of information flow.
Microbial communities affecting albumen photography heritage: a methodological survey
Authors: Puškárová Andrea , Bučková Mária , Habalová Božena , Kraková Lucia , Maková Alena , Pangallo Domenico 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis study is one of the few investigations which analyze albumen prints, perhaps the most important photographic heritage of the late 19thand early 20thcenturies. The chemical composition of photographic samples was assessed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence. These two non-invasive techniques revealed the complex nature of albumen prints, which are composed of a mixture of proteins, cellulose and salts. Microbial sampling was performed using cellulose nitrate membranes which also permitted the trapped microflora to be observed with a scanning electron microscope. Microbial analysis was performed using the combination of culture-dependent (cultivation in different media, including one 3% NaCl) and culture-independent (bacterial and fungal cloning and sequencing) approaches. The isolated microorganisms were screened for their lipolytic, proteolytic, cellulolytic, catalase and peroxidase activities. The combination of the culture-dependent and -independent techniques together with enzymatic assays revealed a substantial microbial diversity with several deteriogen microorganisms from the generaBacillus,Kocuria,StreptomycesandGeobacillusand the fungal strainsAcrostalagmus luteoalbus,Bjerkandera adusta,Pleurotus pulmonariusandTrichothecium roseum.
Analyzing the Release of Copeptin from the Heart in Acute Myocardial Infarction Using a Transcoronary Gradient Model
Authors: Boeckel Jes-Niels , Oppermann Jana , Anadol Remzi , Fichtlscherer Stephan , Zeiher Andreas M. , Keller Till 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCopeptin is the C-terminal end of pre-provasopressin released equimolar to vasopressin into circulation and recently discussed as promising cardiovascular biomarker amendatory to established markers such as troponins. Vasopressin is a cytokine synthesized in the hypothalamus. A direct release of copeptin from the heart into the circulation is implied by data from a rat model showing a cardiac origin in hearts put under cardiovascular wall stress. Therefore, evaluation of a potential release of copeptin from the human heart in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been done.
Alternative interpretations for decreasing voltage with increasing charge in ferroelectric capacitors
Authors: Song Seul Ji , Kim Yu Jin , Park Min Hyuk , Lee Young Hwan , Kim Han Joon , Moon Taehwan , Do Kim Keum , Choi Jung-Hae , Chen Zhihui , Jiang Anquan , Hwang Cheol Seong 
Published: February 2016

AbstractRecent claim on the direct observation of a negative capacitance (NC) effect from a single layer epitaxial Pb(Zr0.2,Ti0.8)O3 (PZT) thin film was carefully reexamined, and alternative interpretations that can explain the experimental results without invoking the NC effect are provided. Any actual ferroelectric capacitor has an interfacial layer, and experiment always measures the sum of voltages across the interface layer and the ferroelectric layer. The main observation of decreasing ferroelectric capacitor voltage (VF) for increasing ferroelectric capacitor charge (QF), claimed to be the direct evidence for the NC effect, could be alternatively interpreted by either the sudden increase in the positive capacitance of a ferroelectric capacitor or decrease in the voltage across the interfacial layer due to resistance degradation. The experimental time-transient VF and QF could be precisely simulated by these alternative models that fundamentally assumes the reverse domain nucleation and growth. Supplementary experiments using an epitaxial BaTiO3 film supported this claim. This, however, does not necessarily mean that the realization of the NC effect within the ferroelectric layer is impractical under appropriate conditions. Rather, the circuit suggested by Khan et al. may not be useful to observe the NC effect directly.
tRNA-Derived Small Non-Coding RNAs in Response to Ischemia Inhibit Angiogenesis
Authors: Li Qing , Hu Bin , Hu Guo-wen , Chen Chun-yuan , Niu Xin , Liu Juan , Zhou Shu-min , Zhang Chang-qing , Wang Yang , Deng Zhi-Feng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIschemic injuries will lead to necrotic tissue damage and post-ischemia angiogenesis plays critical roles in blood flow restoration and tissue recovery. Recently, several types of small RNAs have been reported to be involved in this process. In this study, we first generated a rat brain ischemic model to investigate the involvement of new types of small RNAs in ischemia. We utilized deep sequencing and bioinformatics analyses to demonstrate that the level of small RNA fragments derived from tRNAs strikingly increased in the ischemic rat brain. Among these sequences, tRNAVal- and tRNAGly-derived small RNAs account for the most abundant segments. The up-regulation of tRNAVal- and tRNAGly-derived fragments was verified through northern blot and quantitative PCR analyses. The levels of these two fragments also increased in a mouse hindlimb ischemia model and cellular hypoxia model. Importantly, up-regulation of the tRNAVal- and tRNAGly-derived fragments in endothelial cells inhibited cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. Furthermore, we showed that these small RNAs are generated by angiogenin cleavage. Our results indicate that tRNA-derived fragments are involved in tissue ischemia and we demonstrate for the first time that tRNAVal- and tRNAGly-derived fragments inhibit angiogenesis by modulating the function of endothelial cells.
Seasonal forecasting of lightning and thunderstorm activity in tropical and temperate regions of the world
Authors: Dowdy Andrew J. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThunderstorms are convective systems characterised by the occurrence of lightning. Lightning and thunderstorm activity has been increasingly studied in recent years in relation to the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and various other large-scale modes of atmospheric and oceanic variability. Large-scale modes of variability can sometimes be predictable several months in advance, suggesting potential for seasonal forecasting of lightning and thunderstorm activity in various regions throughout the world. To investigate this possibility, seasonal lightning activity in the world’s tropical and temperate regions is examined here in relation to numerous different large-scale modes of variability. Of the seven modes of variability examined, ENSO has the strongest relationship with lightning activity during each individual season, with relatively little relationship for the other modes of variability. A measure of ENSO variability (the NINO3.4 index) is significantly correlated to local lightning activity at 53% of locations for one or more seasons throughout the year. Variations in atmospheric parameters commonly associated with thunderstorm activity are found to provide a plausible physical explanation for the variations in lightning activity associated with ENSO. It is demonstrated that there is potential for accurately predicting lightning and thunderstorm activity several months in advance in various regions throughout the world.
Mapping forests in monsoon Asia with ALOS PALSAR 50-m mosaic images and MODIS imagery in 2010
Authors: Qin Yuanwei , Xiao Xiangming , Dong Jinwei , Zhang Geli , Roy Partha Sarathi , Joshi Pawan Kumar , Gilani Hammad , Murthy Manchiraju Sri Ramachandra , Jin Cui , Wang Jie , Zhang Yao , Chen Bangqian , Menarguez Michael Angelo , Biradar Chandrashekhar M. , Bajgain Rajen , Li Xiangping , Dai Shengqi , Hou Ying , Xin Fengfei , Moore III Berrien 
Published: February 2016

AbstractExtensive forest changes have occurred in monsoon Asia, substantially affecting climate, carbon cycle and biodiversity. Accurate forest cover maps at fine spatial resolutions are required to qualify and quantify these effects. In this study, an algorithm was developed to map forests in 2010, with the use of structure and biomass information from the Advanced Land Observation System (ALOS) Phased Array L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (PALSAR) mosaic dataset and the phenological information from MODerate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MOD13Q1 and MOD09A1) products. Our forest map (PALSARMOD50 m F/NF) was assessed through randomly selected ground truth samples from high spatial resolution images and had an overall accuracy of 95%. Total area of forests in monsoon Asia in 2010 was estimated to be ~6.3 × 106 km2. The distribution of evergreen and deciduous forests agreed reasonably well with the median Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) in winter. PALSARMOD50 m F/NF map showed good spatial and areal agreements with selected forest maps generated by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA F/NF), European Space Agency (ESA F/NF), Boston University (MCD12Q1 F/NF), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO FRA) and University of Maryland (Landsat forests), but relatively large differences and uncertainties in tropical forests and evergreen and deciduous forests.
5-hydroxymethylcytosine loss is associated with poor prognosis for patients with WHO grade II diffuse astrocytomas
Authors: Zhang Feng , Liu Yifan , Zhang Zhiwen , Li Jie , Wan Yi , Zhang Liying , Wang Yangmei , Li Xia , Xu Yuqiao , Fu Xin , Zhang Xiumin , Zhang Ming , Zhang Zhekai , Zhang Jing , Yan Qingguo , Ye Jing , Wang Zhe , Chen Charlie Degui , Lin Wei , Li Qing 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCurrently, the reliable prognostic biomarkers for WHO grade II diffuse astrocytomas (DA) are still limited. We investigated the relations between the level of 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC), an oxidated production of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) by the ten eleven translocated (TET) enzymes, and clinicopathological features of glioma patients. With an identified anti-5hmC antibody, we performed immunohistochemistry in 287 glioma cases. We detected that 5hmC variably reduced in most gliomas and 5hmC reduction was closely associated with higher pathological grades and shortened survival of glioma patients. In multivariate analysis, 5hmC had no independent prognostic value in the entire patient cohort. However, multivariate analysis within subtypes of gliomas revealed that 5hmC was still a prognostic marker confined to DA. In addition, we detected that IDH1 mutation by DNA sequencing was associated with favorable survival within DA. Lastly, we detected that the combination of 5hmC/KI67 was a useful prognostic marker for restratification of DA.
Inhibition of Growth and Metastasis of Colon Cancer by Delivering 5-Fluorouracil-loaded Pluronic P85 Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Zhu Pengxi , Zhao Naping , Sheng Dandan , Hou Jing , Hao Chong , Yang Xue , Zhu Bing , Zhang Shanshan , Han Zhipeng , Wei Lixin , Zhang Li 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHepatic metastasis is the leading cause of mortality of colon cancer, which is still lack of an effective therapy. A new delivery system, pluronic P85 block copolymers, conveying chemotherapeutic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-Fu) for inhibiting growth and metastasis of colon cancer was designed and developed. In this study, we demonstrated that 5-Fu produce strong pesticide effect at lower doses in the present of pluronic P85 compared with control groups. The migration and invasion of HCT116 cells and RKO cells were examined and the results showed that migration and invasion capacities of HCT116 cells and RKO cells were reduced by administering 5-Fu/P85 copolymer micelles in vitro and in vivo which indicating an effectively activity. Interestingly, the content of CD133 + CXCR4+ cells in HCT116 cancer cells and RKO cells treated by 5-Fu/P85 copolymer micelles was decreased. Importantly, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of CD133 + CXCR4+ cells, which was strongly associated with liver metastasis of colon cancer, was also suppressed by giving 5-Fu/P85 copolymer micelles. The results indicated that 5-Fu/P85 copolymer micelles could inhibit the growth and metastasis of colon cancer, which could be attributed to the decrease of the content of CD133 + CXCR4+ cells and suppression of EMT of CD133 + CXCR4+ cells.
ATP-containing vesicles in stria vascular marginal cell cytoplasms in neonatal rat cochlea are lysosomes
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Wenjing , Yang Jun 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe confirmed that ATP is released from cochlear marginal cells in the stria vascular but the cell organelle in which ATP stores was not identified until now. Thus, we studied the ATP-containing cell organelles and suggest that these are lysosomes. Primary cultures of marginal cells of Sprague-Dawley rats aged 1–3 days was established. Vesicles within marginal cells stained with markers were identified under confocal laser scanning microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM). Then ATP release from marginal cells was measured after glycyl-L-phenylalanine-ß- naphthylamide (GPN) treatment using a bioluminescent assay. Quinacrine-stained granules within marginal cells were labeled with LysoTracker, a lysosome tracer and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1(LAMP1), but not labeled with the mitochondrial tracer MitoTracker. Furthermore, LysoTracker-labelled puncta showed accumulation of Mant-ATP, an ATP analog. Treatment with 200 μM GPN quenched fluorescently labeled puncta after incubation with LysoTracker or quinacrine, but not MitoTracker. Quinacrine-labeled organelles observed by TEM were lysosomes and an average 27.7 percent increase in ATP luminescence was observed in marginal cells extracellular fluid after GPN treatment. ATP-containing vesicles in cochlear marginal cells of the stria vascular from neonatal rats are likely lysosomes. ATP release from marginal cells may be via Ca2+-dependent lysosomal exocytosis.
Membrane tubule formation by banana-shaped proteins with or without transient network structure
Authors: Noguchi Hiroshi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn living cells, membrane morphology is regulated by various proteins. Many membrane reshaping proteins contain a Bin/Amphiphysin/Rvs (BAR) domain, which consists of a banana-shaped rod. The BAR domain bends the biomembrane along the rod axis and the features of this anisotropic bending have recently been studied. Here, we report on the role of the BAR protein rods in inducing membrane tubulation, using large-scale coarse-grained simulations. We reveal that a small spontaneous side curvature perpendicular to the rod can drastically alter the tubulation dynamics at high protein density, whereas no significant difference is obtained at low density. A percolated network is intermediately formed depending on the side curvature. This network suppresses tubule protrusion, leading to the slow formation of fewer tubules. Thus, the side curvature, which is generated by protein–protein and membrane–protein interactions, plays a significant role in tubulation dynamics. We also find that positive surface tensions and the vesicle membrane curvature can stabilize this network structure by suppressing the tubulation.
Developing genetic tools to exploit Chaetomium thermophilum for biochemical analyses of eukaryotic macromolecular assemblies
Authors: Kellner Nikola , Schwarz Johannes , Sturm Miriam , Fernandez-Martinez Javier , Griesel Sabine , Zhang Wenzhu , Chait Brian T. , Rout Michael P. , Kück Ulrich , Hurt Ed 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe describe a method to genetically manipulate Chaetomium thermophilum, a eukaryotic thermophile, along with various biochemical applications. The transformation method depends on a thermostable endogenous selection marker operating at high temperatures combined with chromosomal integration of target genes. Our technique allows exploiting eukaryotic thermophiles as source for purifying thermostable native macromolecular complexes with an emphasis on the nuclear pore complex, holding great potential for applications in basic science and biotechnology.