bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Stathmin-like 4 is critical for the maintenance of neural progenitor cells in dorsal midbrain of zebrafish larvae
Authors: Lin Meng-Ju , Lee Shyh-Jye 
Published: November 2016

AbstractA delicate balance between proliferating and differentiating signals is necessary to ensure proper growth and neuronal specification. By studying the developing zebrafish brain, we observed a specific and dynamic expression of a microtubule destabilizer gene, stathmin-like 4 (stmn4), in the dorsal midbrain region. The expression of stmn4 was mutually exclusive to a pan-neuronal marker, elavl3 that indicates its role in regulating neurogenesis. We showed the knockdown or overexpression of stmn4 resulted in premature neuronal differentiation in dorsal midbrain. We also generated stmn4 maternal-zygotic knockout zebrafish by the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Unexpectedly, only less than 10% of stmn4 mutants showed similar phenotypes observed in that of stmn4 morphants. It might be due to the complementation of the increased stmn1b expression observed in stmn4 mutants. In addition, time-lapse recordings revealed the changes in cellular proliferation and differentiation in stmn4 morphants. Stmn4 morphants displayed a longer G2 phase that could be rescued by Cdc25a. Furthermore, the inhibition of Wnt could reduce stmn4 transcripts. These results suggest that the Wnt-mediated Stmn4 homeostasis is crucial for preventing dorsal midbrain from premature differentiation via the G2 phase control during the neural keel stage.
HepaCAM associates with connexin 43 and enhances its localization in cellular junctions
Authors: Wu Meihui , Moh Mei Chung , Schwarz Herbert 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHepaCAM (GlialCAM) is frequently deleted in carcinomas, and reintroduction of hepaCAM into transformed cell lines reduces cellular growth and induces senescence. Mutations in HEPACAM give rise to the neurodegenerative disease megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) since mutated hepaCAM prevents shuttling of MLC1 protein to astrocytic junctions in the plasma membrane. Here we identify that hepaCAM associates with connexin 43, a main component of gap junctions, and enhances connexin 43 localization to the plasma membrane at cellular junctions. HepaCAM also increases the levels of connexin 43, not by enhancing its transcription but by stabilizing connexin 43 protein. In the absence of hepaCAM, connexin 43 undergoes a faster degradation via the lysosomal pathway while proteasomal degradation seems not to be involved. Mutations in hepaCAM that cause MLC, or neutralization of hepaCAM by antibodies disrupt its association with connexin 43 at cellular junctions. By discovering the requirement of hepaCAM for localizing connexin 43, a well-established tumor suppressor, to cellular junctions and stabilizing it there, this study suggests a mechanism by which deletion of hepaCAM may support tumor progression.
Comparative analyses of longevity and senescence reveal variable survival benefits of living in zoos across mammals
Authors: Tidière Morgane , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Berger Vérane , Müller Dennis W. H. , Bingaman Lackey Laurie , Gimenez Olivier , Clauss Marcus , Lemaître Jean-François 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWhile it is commonly believed that animals live longer in zoos than in the wild, this assumption has rarely been tested. We compared four survival metrics (longevity, baseline mortality, onset of senescence and rate of senescence) between both sexes of free-ranging and zoo populations of more than 50 mammal species. We found that mammals from zoo populations generally lived longer than their wild counterparts (84% of species). The effect was most notable in species with a faster pace of life (i.e. a short life span, high reproductive rate and high mortality in the wild) because zoos evidently offer protection against a number of relevant conditions like predation, intraspecific competition and diseases. Species with a slower pace of life (i.e. a long life span, low reproduction rate and low mortality in the wild) benefit less from captivity in terms of longevity; in such species, there is probably less potential for a reduction in mortality. These findings provide a first general explanation about the different magnitude of zoo environment benefits among mammalian species, and thereby highlight the effort that is needed to improve captive conditions for slow-living species that are particularly susceptible to extinction in the wild.
Disaster declarations associated with bushfires, floods and storms in New South Wales, Australia between 2004 and 2014
Authors: Sewell T. , Stephens R. E. , Dominey-Howes D. , Bruce E. , Perkins-Kirkpatrick S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAustralia regularly experiences disasters triggered by natural hazards and New South Wales (NSW) the most populous State is no exception. To date, no publically available spatial and temporal analyses of disaster declarations triggered by hazards (specifically, bushfires, floods and storms) in NSW have been undertaken and no studies have explored the relationship between disaster occurrence and socio-economic disadvantage. We source, collate and analyse data about bushfire, flood and storm disaster declarations between 2004 and 2014. Floods resulted in the most frequent type of disaster declaration. The greatest number of disaster declarations occurred in 2012–2013. Whilst no significant Spearman’s correlation exists between bushfire, flood and storm disaster declarations and the strength of the El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phase, we observe that bushfire disaster declarations were much more common during El Niño, and flood disaster declarations were five times more common during La Niña phases. We identify a spatial cluster or ‘hot spot’ of disaster declarations in the northeast of the State that is also spatially coincident with 43% of the most socio-economically disadvantaged Local Government Areas in NSW. The results have implications for disaster risk management in the State.
A Shorter Route to Antibody Binders via Quantitative in vitro Bead-Display Screening and Consensus Analysis
Authors: Mankowska Sylwia A. , Gatti-Lafranconi Pietro , Chodorge Matthieu , Sridharan Sudharsan , Minter Ralph R. , Hollfelder Florian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAffinity panning of large libraries is a powerful tool to identify protein binders. However, panning rounds are followed by the tedious re-screening of the clones obtained to evaluate binders precisely. In a first application of Bead Surface Display (BeSD) we show successfulin vitroaffinity selections based on flow cytometric analysis that allows fine quantitative discrimination between binders. Subsequent consensus analysis of the resulting sequences enables identification of clones that bind tighter than those arising directly from the experimental selection output. This is demonstrated by evolution of an anti-Fas receptor single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that was improved 98-foldvsthe parental clone. Four rounds of quantitative screening by fluorescence-activated cell sorting of an error-prone library based on fine discrimination between binders in BeSD were followed by analysis of 200 full-length output sequences that suggested a new consensus design with aKd∼140 pM. This approach shortens the time and effort to obtain high affinity reagents and its cell-free nature transcends limitations inherent in previousin vivodisplay systems.
RNA-seq based transcriptomic analysis uncovers α-linolenic acid and jasmonic acid biosynthesis pathways respond to cold acclimation in Camellia japonica
Authors: Li Qingyuan , Lei Sheng , Du Kebing , Li Lizhi , Pang Xufeng , Wang Zhanchang , Wei Ming , Fu Shao , Hu Limin , Xu Lin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractCamellia is a well-known ornamental flower native to Southeast of Asia, including regions such as Japan, Korea and South China. However, most species in the genus Camellia are cold sensitive. To elucidate the cold stress responses in camellia plants, we carried out deep transcriptome sequencing of ‘Jiangxue’, a cold-tolerant cultivar of Camellia japonica, and approximately 1,006 million clean reads were generated using Illumina sequencing technology. The assembly of the clean reads produced 367,620 transcripts, including 207,592 unigenes. Overall, 28,038 differentially expressed genes were identified during cold acclimation. Detailed elucidation of responses of transcription factors, protein kinases and plant hormone signalling-related genes described the interplay of signal that allowed the plant to fine-tune cold stress responses. On the basis of global gene regulation of unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis- and jasmonic acid biosynthesis-related genes, unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and jasmonic acid biosynthesis pathways were deduced to be involved in the low temperature responses in C. japonica. These results were supported by the determination of the fatty acid composition and jasmonic acid content. Our results provide insights into the genetic and molecular basis of the responses to cold acclimation in camellia plants.
Concurrent profiling of polar metabolites and lipids in human plasma using HILIC-FTMS
Authors: Cai Xiaoming , Li Ruibin 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBlood plasma is the most popularly used sample matrix for metabolite profiling studies, which aim to achieve global metabolite profiling and biomarker discovery. However, most of the current studies on plasma metabolite profiling focused on either the polar metabolites or lipids. In this study, a comprehensive analysis approach based on HILIC-FTMS was developed to concurrently examine polar metabolites and lipids. The HILIC-FTMS method was developed using mixed standards of polar metabolites and lipids, the separation efficiency of which is better in HILIC mode than in C5 and C18 reversed phase (RP) chromatography. This method exhibits good reproducibility in retention times (CVs < 3.43%) and high mass accuracy (<3.5 ppm). In addition, we found MeOH/ACN/Acetone (1:1:1, v/v/v) as extraction cocktail could achieve desirable gathering of demanded extracts from plasma samples. We further integrated the MeOH/ACN/Acetone extraction with the HILIC-FTMS method for metabolite profiling and smoking-related biomarker discovery in human plasma samples. Heavy smokers could be successfully distinguished from non smokers by univariate and multivariate statistical analysis of the profiling data, and 62 biomarkers for cigarette smoke were found. These results indicate that our concurrent analysis approach could be potentially used for clinical biomarker discovery, metabolite-based diagnosis, etc.
Relation between brain temperature and white matter damage in subacute carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Fujiwara Shunrou , Yoshioka Yoshichika , Matsuda Tsuyoshi , Nishimoto Hideaki , Ogawa Akira , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Beppu Takaaki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn the previous studies, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning showed an imbalance between cerebral perfusion and metabolism in the acute phase and the brain temperature (BT) in these patients remained abnormally high from the acute to the subacute phase. As observed in chronic ischemic patients, BT can continuously remain high depending on impairments of cerebral blood flow and metabolism; this is because heat removal and production system in the brain may mainly be maintained by the balance of these two factors; thus, cerebral white matter damage (WMD) affecting normal metabolism may affect the BT in patients with CO poisoning. Here, we investigated whether the BT correlates with the degree of WMD in patients with subacute CO-poisoning. In 16 patients with subacute CO-poisoning, the BT and degree of WMD were quantitatively measured by using magnetic resonance spectroscopy and the fractional anisotropy (FA) value from diffusion tensor imaging dataset. Consequently, the BT significantly correlated with the degree of WMD. In particular, BT observed in patients with delayed neuropsychiatric sequelae, a crucial symptom with sudden-onset in the chronic phase after CO exposure, might indicate cerebral hypo-metabolism and abnormal hemodynamics like “matched perfusion,” in which the reduced perfusion matches the reduced metabolism.
Underwater superoleophobicity, anti-oil and ultra-broadband enhanced absorption of metallic surfaces produced by a femtosecond laser inspired by fish and chameleons
Authors: Yin K. , Song Y. X. , Dong X. R. , Wang C. , Duan J. A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractReported here is the bio-inspired and robust function of underwater superoleophobic, anti-oil metallic surfaces with ultra-broadband enhanced optical absorption obtained through femtosecond laser micromachining. Three distinct surface structures are fabricated using a wide variety of processing parameters. Underwater superoleophobic and anti-oil surfaces containing coral-like microstructures with nanoparticles and mount-like microstructures are achieved. These properties of the as-prepared surfaces exhibit good chemical stability when exposed to various types of oils and when immersed in water with a wide range of pH values. Moreover, coral-like microstructures with nanoparticle surfaces show strongly enhanced optical absorption over a broadband wavelength range from 0.2–25 μm. The potential mechanism for the excellent performance of the coral-like microstructures with a nanoparticle surface is also discussed. This multifunctional surface has potential applications in military submarines, amphibious military aircraft and tanks, and underwater anti-oil optical counter-reconnaissance devices.
Structure and Function of FS50, a salivary protein from the flea Xenopsylla cheopis that blocks the sodium channel NaV1.5
Authors: Xu Xueqing , Zhang Bei , Yang Shilong , An Su , Ribeiro José M. C. , Andersen John F. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractNaturally occurring toxins have been invaluable tools for the study of structural and functional relationships of voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSC). Few studies have been made of potential channel-modulating substances from blood-feeding arthropods. He we describe the characterization FS50, a salivary protein from the flea, Xenopsylla cheopis, that exhibits an inhibitory activity against the NaV1.5 channel with an IC50 of 1.58 μM. The pore-blocking mechanism of this toxin is evident from the kinetics of activation and inactivation suggesting that FS50 does not interfere with the voltage sensor of NaV1.5. FS50 exhibits high specificity for NaV1.5, since 10 μM FS50 had no discernable effect on voltage-gated Na+, K+ and Ca2+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglia or VGSC forms individually expressed in HEK 293T cells. Furthermore, intravenous injection of FS50 into rats and monkeys elicited recovery from arrhythmia induced by BaCl2, as would be expected from a blockade of NaV1.5. The crystal structure of FS50 revealed a βαββ domain similar to that of scorpion β toxin and a small N-terminal βαβ domain. Site-directed mutagenesis experiments have implicated a basic surface including the side chains of Arg 6, His 11 and Lys 32 as potentially important in the FS50 NaV1.5 interaction.
SIRT1 deacetylates the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2.5 and inhibits its transcriptional activity
Authors: Tang Xiaoqiang , Ma Han , Han Lei , Zheng Wei , Lu Yun-Biao , Chen Xiao-Feng , Liang Shu-Ting , Wei Gong-Hong , Zhang Zhu-Qin , Chen Hou-Zao , Liu De-Pei 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe homeodomain transcription factor Nkx2.5/Csx is critically essential for heart specification, morphogenesis, and homeostasis. Acetylation/deacetylation is important for the localization, stability and activation of transcription factors. It remains unknown how Nkx2.5 is deacetylated and how Nkx2.5 acetylation determines its activity. In this study, we provide evidence that the NAD+-dependent class III protein deacetylase SIRT1 deacetylates Nkx2.5 in cardiomyocytes and represses the transcriptional activity of Nkx2.5. We show that SIRT1 interacts with the C-terminus of Nkx2.5 and deacetylates Nkx2.5 at lysine 182 in the homeodomain. The mutation of Nkx2.5 at lysine 182 reduces its transcriptional activity. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibits the transcriptional activity of Nkx2.5 and represses the expression of its target genes partly by reducing Nkx2.5 binding to its co-factors, including SRF and TBX5. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that SIRT1 deacetylates Nkx2.5 and inhibits the transcriptional activity of Nkx2.5.
Transcriptomic analysis on the formation of the viable putative non-culturable state of beer-spoilage Lactobacillus acetotolerans
Authors: Liu Junyan , Deng Yang , Peters Brian M. , Li Lin , Li Bing , Chen Lequn , Xu Zhenbo , Shirtliff Mark E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractLactic acid bacteria (LAB) are the most common beer-spoilage bacteria regardless of beer type, and thus pose significant problems for the brewery industry. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic mechanisms involved in the ability of the hard-to-culture beer-spoilage bacteriumLactobacillus acetotoleransto enter into the viable putative non-culturable (VPNC) state. A genome-wide transcriptional analysis of beer-spoilageL. acetotoleransstrains BM-LA14526, BM-LA14527, and BM-LA14528 under normal, mid-term and VPNC states were performed using RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and further bioinformatics analyses. GO function, COG category, and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were conducted to investigate functional and related metabolic pathways of the differentially expressed genes. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that heightened stress response and reduction in genes associated with transport, metabolic process, and enzyme activity might play important roles in the formation of the VPNC state. This is the first transcriptomic analysis on the formation of the VPNC state of beer spoilageL. acetotolerans.
HARPS-N high spectral resolution observations of Cepheids I. The Baade-Wesselink projection factor of δ Cep revisited
Authors: Nardetto N. , Poretti E. , Rainer M. , Fokin A. , Mathias P. , Anderson R. I. , Gallenne A. , Gieren W. , Graczyk D. , Kervella P. , Mérand A. , Mourard D. , Neilson H. , Pietrzynski G. , Pilecki B. , Storm J. 
Published: November 2016

Context. The projection factor p is the key quantity used in the Baade-Wesselink (BW) method for distance determination; it converts radial velocities into pulsation velocities. Several methods are used to determine p, such as geometrical and hydrodynamical models or the inverse BW approach when the distance is known.
Aims. We analyze new HARPS-N spectra of δ Cep to measure its cycle-averaged atmospheric velocity gradient in order to better constrain the projection factor.
Methods. We first apply the inverse BW method to derive p directly from observations. The projection factor can be divided into three subconcepts: (1) a geometrical effect (p0); (2) the velocity gradient within the atmosphere (fgrad); and (3) the relative motion of the optical pulsating photosphere with respect to the corresponding mass elements (fo−g). We then measure the fgrad value of δ Cep for the first time.
Results. When the HARPS-N mean cross-correlated line-profiles are fitted with a Gaussian profile, the projection factor is pcc−g = 1.239 ± 0.034(stat.) ± 0.023(syst.). When we consider the different amplitudes of the radial velocity curves that are associated with 17 selected spectral lines, we measure projection factors ranging from 1.273 to 1.329. We find a relation between fgrad and the line depth measured when the Cepheid is at minimum radius. This relation is consistent with that obtained from our best hydrodynamical model of δ Cep and with our projection factor decomposition. Using the observational values of p and fgrad found for the 17 spectral lines, we derive a semi-theoretical value of fo−g. We alternatively obtain fo−g = 0.975 ± 0.002 or 1.006 ± 0.002 assuming models using radiative transfer in plane-parallel or spherically symmetric geometries, respectively.
Conclusions. The new HARPS-N observations of δ Cep are consistent with our decomposition of the projection factor. The next step will be to measure p0 directly from the next generation of visible interferometers. With these values in hand, it will be possible to derive fo−g directly from observations.
Souvenirs to Forget
Authors: Marcoux Jean-Sébastien 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn consumer research, the relationship between memory work and forgetting remains largely unexplored, and the “forgetful” role that souvenirs can play in remembering is misunderstood, even denigrated. The present study explores the connections between memory work, forgetting, and material culture. Drawing on contemporary material culture studies, it offers a reflection on the memory practices of New Yorkers in the wake of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001. Based on ethnographic research conducted in New York City, it provides evidence that remembering and forgetting can coexist and interconnect in complex ways. Uncovering the mechanics of forgetting in memory practices with souvenirs, it takes the research on memory and material culture beyond the semiotic analysis of signs and symbols, and shows that souvenirs can play a fundamental role in the process of obliterating and/or compartmentalizing aspects of past experiences. Although it may be true that New Yorkers—especially those who personally experienced 9/11—have no need of souvenirs to remember, many of them have memory practices that involve using souvenirs to forget.
The effect of subthreshold transcranial magnetic stimulation on the excitation of corticospinal volleys with different conduction times
Authors: Niemann Niclas , Wiegel Patrick , Rothwell John C. , Leukel Christian 
Published: November 2016

AbstractPrevious studies in humans interested in inhibitory synaptic activity at the level of the primary motor cortex (M1) have frequently used an electrophysiological technique call short intracortical inhibition (SICI). This technique consists of two subsequent pulses with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), of which the first pulse (S1) has been argued to target local inhibitory connections, reducing corticospinal output generated by the second pulse (S2). However, the reduction of corticospinal output is not seen in every tested subject, sometimes S1 even increased corticospinal output. Thus there seems to be more occurring than just the targeting of local inhibitory connections by S1, indicating that the mechanisms of SICI are not fully understood. In the present study, in 18 healthy young subjects we applied a method allowing to segregate corticospinal volleys with different conduction times and investigated the effect of S1 on the excitation of these volleys. Our results revealed three major findings, which can be summarized as follows: i) S1 acted not only locally at the level of M1, but produced corticospinal activity which may influence corticospinal output by S2 at the spinal level; ii) there was not only reduced excitation of corticospinal volleys by S1, but also an increased excitation of corticospinal volleys with longer conduction times; iii) at the level of M1, S1 indeed targeted preferentially inhibitory synaptic connections, and these reduced corticospinal excitation of the fastest conduction corticospinal volleys.Our results indicate that underlying mechanisms in studies applying SICI should be interpreted with caution.