bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Actin-binding protein coronin 1A controls osteoclastic bone resorption by regulating lysosomal secretion of cathepsin K
Authors: Ohmae Saori , Noma Naruto , Toyomoto Masayasu , Shinohara Masahiro , Takeiri Masatoshi , Fuji Hiroaki , Takemoto Kenji , Iwaisako Keiko , Fujita Tomoko , Takeda Norihiko , Kawatani Makoto , Aoyama Mineyoshi , Hagiwara Masatoshi , Ishihama Yasushi , Asagiri Masataka 
Published: March 2017

AbstractOsteoclasts degrade bone matrix proteins via the secretion of lysosomal enzymes. However, the precise mechanisms by which lysosomal components are transported and fused to the bone-apposed plasma membrane, termed ruffled border membrane, remain elusive. Here, we identified coronin 1A as a negative regulator of exocytotic release of cathepsin K, one of the most important bone-degrading enzymes in osteoclasts. The modulation of coronin 1A expression did not alter osteoclast differentiation and extracellular acidification, but strongly affected the secretion of cathepsin K and osteoclast bone-resorption activity, suggesting the coronin 1A-mediated regulation of lysosomal trafficking and protease exocytosis. Further analyses suggested that coronin 1A prevented the lipidation-mediated sorting of the autophagy-related protein LC3 to the ruffled border and attenuated lysosome–plasma membrane fusion. In this process, the interactions between coronin 1A and actin were crucial. Collectively, our findings indicate that coronin 1A is a pivotal component that regulates lysosomal fusion and the secretion pathway in osteoclast-lineage cells and may provide a novel therapeutic target for bone diseases.
Evidence and mapping of extinction debts for global forest-dwelling reptiles, amphibians and mammals
Authors: Chen Youhua , Peng Shushi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEvidence of extinction debts for the global distributions of forest-dwelling reptiles, mammals and amphibians was tested and the debt magnitude was estimated and mapped. By using different correlation tests and variable importance analysis, the results showed that spatial richness patterns for the three forest-dwelling terrestrial vertebrate groups had significant and stronger correlations with past forest cover area and other variables in the 1500 s, implying the evidence for extinction debts. Moreover, it was likely that the extinction debts have been partially paid, given that their global richness patterns were also significantly correlated with contemporary forest variables in the 2000 s (but the absolute magnitudes of the correlation coefficients were usually smaller than those calculated for historical forest variables). By utilizing species-area relationships, spatial extinction-debt magnitudes for the three vertebrate groups at the global scale were estimated and the hotspots of extinction debts were identified. These high-debt hotspots were generally situated in areas that did not spatially overlap with hotspots of species richness or high extinction-risk areas based on IUCN threatened status to a large extent. This spatial mismatch pattern suggested that necessary conservation efforts should be directed toward high-debt areas that are still overlooked.
Superconductivity in HfTe5 across weak to strong topological insulator transition induced via pressures
Authors: Liu Y. , Long Y. J. , Zhao L. X. , Nie S. M. , Zhang S. J. , Weng Y. X. , Jin M. L. , Li W. M. , Liu Q. Q. , Long Y. W. , Yu R. C. , Gu C. Z. , Sun F. , Yang W. G. , Mao H. K. , Feng X. L. , Li Q. , Zheng W. T. , Weng H. M. , Dai X. , Fang Z. , Chen G. F. , Jin C. Q. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRecently, theoretical studies show that layered HfTe5 is at the boundary of weak & strong topological insulator (TI) and might crossover to a Dirac semimetal state by changing lattice parameters. The topological properties of 3D stacked HfTe5 are expected hence to be sensitive to pressures tuning. Here, we report pressure induced phase evolution in both electronic & crystal structures for HfTe5 with a culmination of pressure induced superconductivity. Our experiments indicated that the temperature for anomaly resistance peak (Tp) due to Lifshitz transition decreases first before climbs up to a maximum with pressure while the Tp minimum corresponds to the transition from a weak TI to strong TI. The HfTe5 crystal becomes superconductive above ~5.5 GPa where the Tp reaches maximum. The highest superconducting transition temperature (Tc) around 5 K was achieved at 20 GPa. Crystal structure studies indicate that HfTe5 transforms from a Cmcm phase across a monoclinic C2/m phase then to a P-1 phase with increasing pressure. Based on transport, structure studies a comprehensive phase diagram of HfTe5 is constructed as function of pressure. The work provides valuable experimental insights into the evolution on how to proceed from a weak TI precursor across a strong TI to superconductors.
spalt is functionally conserved in Locusta and Drosophila to promote wing growth
Authors: Wang Dan , Li Juanjuan , Liu Suning , Zhou Hang , Zhang Long , Shi Wangpeng , Shen Jie 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLocusta has strong fly wings to ensure its long distance migration, but the molecular mechanism that regulates the Locusta wing development is poorly understood. To address the developmental mechanism of the Locusta flying wing, we cloned the Dpp target gene spalt (sal) and analyzed its function in wing growth in the Locusta. The Locusta wing size is apparently reduced with vein defects when sal is interfered by injection of dsRNA, indicating that sal is required for locust wing growth and vein formation. This function is conserved during the Drosophila wing development. To better understand sal’s function in wing growth, we then used Drosophila wing disc as a model for further study. We found that sal promotes cell proliferation in the whole wing disc via positive regulation of a microRNA bantam. Our results firstly unravel sal’s function in the Locusta wing growth and confirm a highly conserved function of sal in Locusta and Drosophila.
A combination mode of climate variability responsible for extremely poor recruitment of the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica)
Authors: Lin Yong-Fu , Wu Chau-Ron , Han Yu-San 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSatellite data and assimilation products are used to investigate fluctuations in the catch of Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) in eastern Asian countries. It has been reported that the salinity front has extended farther south, which has shifted the eel’s spawning grounds to a lower latitude, resulting in smaller eel catches in 1983, 1992, and 1998. This study demonstrates that interannual variability in the eel catch is strongly correlated with the combination mode (C-mode), but not with the El Niño–Southern Oscillation. These eels continue to spawn within the North Equatorial Current (NEC), but the salinity front shifts south during a canonical El Niño. On the other hand, the spawning grounds accompanied by the salinity front extend farther south during the C-mode of climate variability, and eel larvae fail to join the nursery in the NEC, resulting in extremely poor recruitment in East Asia. We propose an appropriate sea surface temperature index to project Japanese eel larval catch.
One-step generation of mice carrying a conditional allele together with an HA-tag insertion for the delta opioid receptor
Authors: Su Dongru , Wang Min , Ye Chenli , Fang Jiahui , Duan Yanhui , Zhang Zhenghong , Hua Qiuhong , Shi Changjie , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Ru , Xie Xin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractG protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are important modulators of many physiological functions and excellent drug targets for many diseases. However, to study the functions of endogenous GPCRs is still a challenging task, partially due to the low expression level of GPCRs and the lack of highly potent and selective GPCR antibodies. Overexpression or knock-in of tagged GPCRs, or knockout of specific GPCRs in mice, are common strategies used to study the in vivo functions of these receptors. However, generating separate mice carrying tagged GPCRs or conditional alleles for GPCRs is labor intensive, and requires additional breeding costs. Here we report the generation of mice carrying an HA-tagged DOR (delta opioid receptor) flanked by LoxP sequences at the endogenous DOR locus using a single recombination step, aided by the TALEN system. These animals can be used directly to study the expression, localization, protein-protein interaction and signal transduction of endogenous DOR using anti-HA antibodies. By crossing with mice expressing tissue-specific Cre, these mice can also generate offspring with DOR knockout within specific tissues. These mice are powerful tools to study the in vivo functions of DOR. Furthermore, the gene modification strategy could also be used to study the functions of many other GPCRs.
ALS Along the Axons – Expression of Coding and Noncoding RNA Differs in Axons of ALS models
Authors: Rotem Nimrod , Magen Iddo , Ionescu Ariel , Gershoni-Emek Noga , Altman Topaz , Costa Christopher J. , Gradus Tal , Pasmanik-Chor Metsada , Willis Dianna E. , Ben-Dov Iddo Z. , Hornstein Eran , Perlson Eran 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a multifactorial lethal motor neuron disease with no known treatment. Although the basic mechanism of its degenerative pathogenesis remains poorly understood, a subcellular spatial alteration in RNA metabolism is thought to play a key role. The nature of these RNAs remains elusive, and a comprehensive characterization of the axonal RNAs involved in maintaining neuronal health has yet to be described. Here, using cultured spinal cord (SC) neurons grown using a compartmented platform followed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology, we find that RNA expression differs between the somatic and axonal compartments of the neuron, for both mRNA and microRNA (miRNA). Further, the introduction of SOD1G93Aand TDP43A315T, established ALS-related mutations, changed the subcellular expression and localization of RNAs within the neurons, showing a spatial specificity to either the soma or the axon. Altogether, we provide here the first combined inclusive profile of mRNA and miRNA expression in two ALS models at the subcellular level. These data provide an important resource for studies on the roles of local protein synthesis and axon degeneration in ALS and can serve as a possible target pool for ALS treatment.
Fine-tuning the extent and dynamics of binding cleft opening as a potential general regulatory mechanism in parvulin-type peptidyl prolyl isomerases
Authors: Czajlik András , Kovács Bertalan , Permi Perttu , Gáspári Zoltán 
Published: March 2017

AbstractParvulins or rotamases form a distinct group within peptidyl prolyl cis-trans isomerases. Their exact mode of action as well as the role of conserved residues in the family are still not unambiguously resolved. Using backbone S2 order parameters and NOEs as restraints, we have generated dynamic structural ensembles of three distinct parvulins, SaPrsA, TbPin1 and CsPinA. The resulting ensembles are in good agreement with the experimental data but reveal important differences between the three enzymes. The largest difference can be attributed to the extent of the opening of the substrate binding cleft, along which motional mode the three molecules occupy distinct regions. Comparison with a wide range of other available parvulin structures highlights structural divergence along the bottom of the binding cleft acting as a hinge during the opening-closing motion. In the prototype WW-domain containing parvulin, Pin1, this region is also important in forming contacts with the WW domain known to modulate enzymatic activity of the catalytic domain. We hypothesize that modulation of the extent and dynamics of the identified ‘breathing motion’ might be one of the factors responsible for functional differences in the distinct parvulin subfamilies.
Identification of a novel locus associated with skin colour in African-admixed populations
Authors: Hernandez-Pacheco Natalia , Flores Carlos , Alonso Santos , Eng Celeste , Mak Angel C. Y. , Hunstman Scott , Hu Donglei , White Marquitta J. , Oh Sam S. , Meade Kelley , Farber Harold J. , Avila Pedro C. , Serebrisky Denise , Thyne Shannon M. , Brigino-Buenaventura Emerita , Rodriguez-Cintron William , Sen Saunak , Kumar Rajesh , Lenoir Michael , Rodriguez-Santana Jose R. , Burchard Esteban G. , Pino-Yanes Maria 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSkin pigmentation is a complex trait that varies largely among populations. Most genome-wide association studies of this trait have been performed in Europeans and Asians. We aimed to uncover genes influencing skin colour in African-admixed individuals. We performed a genome-wide association study of melanin levels in 285 Hispanic/Latino individuals from Puerto Rico, analyzing 14 million genetic variants. A total of 82 variants with p-value ≤1 × 10−5 were followed up in 373 African Americans. Fourteen single nucleotide polymorphisms were replicated, of which nine were associated with skin colour at genome-wide significance in a meta-analysis across the two studies. These results validated the association of two previously known skin pigmentation genes, SLC24A5 (minimum p = 2.62 × 10−14, rs1426654) and SLC45A2 (minimum p = 9.71 × 10−10, rs16891982), and revealed the intergenic region of BEND7 and PRPF18 as a novel locus associated with this trait (minimum p = 4.58 × 10−9, rs6602666). The most significant variant within this region is common among African-descent populations but not among Europeans or Native Americans. Our findings support the advantages of analyzing African-admixed populations to discover new genes influencing skin pigmentation.
Effect of pesticides on microbial communities in container aquatic habitats
Authors: Muturi Ephantus J. , Donthu Ravi Kiran , Fields Christopher J. , Moise Imelda K. , Kim Chang-Hyun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractContainer aquatic habitats support a specialized community of macroinvertebrates (e.g. mosquitoes) that feed on microbial communities associated with decaying organic matter. These aquatic habitats are often embedded within and around agricultural lands and are frequently exposed to pesticides. We used a microcosm approach to examine the single and combined effects of two herbicides (atrazine, glyphosate), and three insecticides (malathion, carbaryl, permethrin) on microbial communities of container aquatic habitats. MiSeq sequencing of the V4 region of both bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA gene was used to characterize the microbial communities of indoor microcosms that were either exposed to each pesticide alone, a mix of herbicides, a mix of insecticides, or a mix of all five insecticides. Individual insecticides but not herbicides reduced the microbial diversity and richness and two insecticides, carbaryl and permethrin, also altered the microbial community structure. A mixture of herbicides had no effect on microbial diversity or structure but a mixture of insecticides or all five pesticides reduced microbial diversity and altered the community structure. These findings suggest that exposure of aquatic ecosystems to individual pesticides or their mixtures can disrupt aquatic microbial communities and there is need to decipher how these changes affect resident macroinvertebrate communities.
Genome-wide analysis of complex wheat gliadins, the dominant carriers of celiac disease epitopes
Authors: Wang Da-Wei , Li Da , Wang Junjun , Zhao Yue , Wang Zhaojun , Yue Guidong , Liu Xin , Qin Huanju , Zhang Kunpu , Dong Lingli , Wang Daowen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGliadins, specified by six compound chromosomal loci (Gli-A1/B1/D1 and Gli-A2/B2/D2) in hexaploid bread wheat, are the dominant carriers of celiac disease (CD) epitopes. Because of their complexity, genome-wide characterization of gliadins is a strong challenge. Here, we approached this challenge by combining transcriptomic, proteomic and bioinformatic investigations. Through third-generation RNA sequencing, full-length transcripts were identified for 52 gliadin genes in the bread wheat cultivar Xiaoyan 81. Of them, 42 were active and predicted to encode 25 α-, 11 γ-, one δ- and five ω-gliadins. Comparative proteomic analysis between Xiaoyan 81 and six newly-developed mutants each lacking one Gli locus indicated the accumulation of 38 gliadins in the mature grains. A novel group of α-gliadins (the CSTT group) was recognized to contain very few or no CD epitopes. The δ-gliadins identified here or previously did not carry CD epitopes. Finally, the mutant lacking Gli-D2 showed significant reductions in the most celiac-toxic α-gliadins and derivative CD epitopes. The insights and resources generated here should aid further studies on gliadin functions in CD and the breeding of healthier wheat.
Dynamic cortical participation during bilateral, cyclical ankle movements: effects of aging
Authors: Yoshida Takashi , Masani Kei , Zabjek Karl , Chen Robert , Popovic Milos R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe precise role of the human primary motor cortex in walking is unknown. Our previous study showed that the primary motor cortex may contribute to specific requirements of walking (i.e., maintaining a constant movement frequency and bilaterally coordinating the feet). Because aging can impair (i) the ability to fulfill the aforementioned requirements and (ii) corticomuscular communication, we hypothesized that aging would impair the motoneuronal recruitment by the primary motor cortex during bilateral cyclical movements. Here, we used corticomuscular coherence (i.e., coherence between the primary motor cortex and the active muscles) to examine whether corticomuscular communication is affected in older individuals during cyclical movements that shared some functional requirements with walking. Fifteen young men and 9 older men performed cyclical, anti-phasic dorsiflexion and plantarflexion of the feet while seated. Coherence between the midline primary motor cortex and contracting leg muscles cyclically increased in both age groups. However, the coherence of older participants was characterized by (i) lower magnitude and (ii) mediolaterally broader and more rostrally centered cortical distributions. These characteristics suggest that aging changes how the primary motor cortex participates in the cyclical movements, and such change may extend to walking.
Significant decline in anticancer immune capacity during puberty in the Tasmanian devil
Authors: Cheng Yuanyuan , Heasman Kim , Peck Sarah , Peel Emma , Gooley Rebecca M. , Papenfuss Anthony T. , Hogg Carolyn J. , Belov Katherine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTasmanian devils (Sarcophilus harrisii) are at risk of extinction in the wild due to Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), a rare contagious cancer. The prevalence of DFTD differs by age class: higher disease prevalence is seen in adults (2–3 years) versus younger devils (<2 years). Here we propose that immunological changes during puberty may play a role in susceptibility to DFTD. We show that the second year of life is a key developmental period for Tasmanian devils, during which they undergo puberty and pronounced changes in the immune system. Puberty coincides with a significant decrease in lymphocyte abundance resulting in a much higher neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio in adults than subadults. Quantitative PCR analysis of gene expression of transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 and cytokines interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) revealed a drastic increase in GATA-3 and IL-4 expression during puberty. These changes led to a significantly lower IFN-γ:IL-4 ratio in 2-year-olds than <1 year olds (on average 1.3-fold difference in males and 4.0-fold in females), which reflects a major shift of the immune system towards Th2 responses. These results all indicate that adult devils are expected to have a lower anticancer immune capacity than subadults, which may explain the observed pattern of disease prevalence of DFTD in the wild.
Host-guest complexation of cucurbit[8]uril with two enantiomers
Authors: Gao Zhong-Zheng , Lin Rui-Lian , Bai Dong , Tao Zhu , Liu Jing-Xin , Xiao Xin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHost-guest complexation of cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) with two enantiomers, D-3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine (D-NA) and L-3-(2-naphthyl)-alanine (L-NA), has been fully investigated. Experimental data indicate that double guests reside within the cavity of Q[8] in both aqueous solution and solid state, generating highly stable homoternary complexes D-NA2@Q[8] and L-NA2@Q[8].
Short-term air pollution exposure aggravates Parkinson’s disease in a population-based cohort
Authors: Lee Hyewon , Myung Woojae , Kim Doh Kwan , Kim Satbyul Estella , Kim Clara Tammy , Kim Ho 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIncreasing experimental evidence has suggested air pollution as new risk factor for neurological disease. Although long-term exposure is reportedly related to neurological disease, information on association with short-term exposure is scarce. We examined the association of short-term exposure to particles <2.5 μm (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) with PD aggravation in Seoul from the National Health Insurance Service–National Sample Cohort, Korea during 2002–2013. PD aggravation cases were defined as emergency hospital admissions for primarily diagnosed PD and analyzed with a case-crossover analysis, designed for rare acute outcomes. Pollutants concentrations on case and control days were compared and effect modifications were explored. A unit increase in 8-day moving average of concentrations was significantly associated with PD aggravation. The association was consistent for PM2.5(odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.61 [1.14–2.29] per 10 μg/m3), NO2(2.35 [1.39–3.97] per 10 ppb), SO2(1.54 [1.11–2.14] per 1 ppb), and CO (1.46 [1.05–2.04] per 0.1 ppm). The associations were stronger in women, patients aged 65–74 years, and cold season, but not significant. In conclusion, short-term air pollution exposure increased risk of PD aggravation, and may cause neurological disease progression in humans.
Inorganic Photocatalytic Enhancement: Activated RhB Photodegradation by Surface Modification of SnO2 Nanocrystals with V2O5-like species
Authors: Epifani Mauro , Kaciulis Saulius , Mezzi Alessio , Altamura Davide , Giannini Cinzia , Díaz Raül , Force Carmen , Genç Aziz , Arbiol Jordi , Siciliano Pietro , Comini Elisabetta , Concina Isabella 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSnO2 nanocrystals were prepared by precipitation in dodecylamine at 100 °C, then they were reacted with vanadium chloromethoxide in oleic acid at 250 °C. The resulting materials were heat-treated at various temperatures up to 650 °C for thermal stabilization, chemical purification and for studying the overall structural transformations. From the crossed use of various characterization techniques, it emerged that the as-prepared materials were constituted by cassiterite SnO2 nanocrystals with a surface modified by isolated V(IV) oxide species. After heat-treatment at 400 °C, the SnO2 nanocrystals were wrapped by layers composed of vanadium oxide (IV-V mixed oxidation state) and carbon residuals. After heating at 500 °C, only SnO2 cassiterite nanocrystals were obtained, with a mean size of 2.8 nm and wrapped by only V2O5-like species. The samples heat-treated at 500 °C were tested as RhB photodegradation catalysts. At 10−7 M concentration, all RhB was degraded within 1 h of reaction, at a much faster rate than all pure SnO2 materials reported until now.