bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary Origin of
MicroRNAs
Authors: Chevalier David , Roberts Justin T , Borchert Glen M 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small RNAs that regulate gene expression and are involved in crucial cellular functions such as development, metabolism and disease. While the biogenesis pathway leading to the formation of functional miRNAs is relatively well understood, the evolutionary origin of miRNAs remains controversial. In the past 10 years, a marked amount of computational and more recently experimental evidence points to an original formation of many miRNAs from transposable elements (TEs). Thousands of miRNAs have been shown to have striking sequence similarity with a wide range of TEs, and the genomic events resulting in the formation of many of these miRNAs have now been well described. This article primarily focusses on the origins of miRNAs and the relationship between miRNAs and TEs summarising the evidence supporting the existence and relevance of TE‐derived miRNAs followed by an examination of the implications of a TE origin for miRNA regulations in target prediction.

Key Concepts

MiRNAs are important regulators of gene expression.

Many miRNAs were formed from TEs.

The transcripts of the gene targets of the TE‐derived miRNAs contain 3′ UTR sequences that have sequence homology to TEs.

Experiments confirmed that TE‐derived miRNAs are functional and can regulate gene expression using the same mechanism as non‐transposable element‐derived miRNAs.

Taxa‐specific miRNAs can be identified by analysing taxa‐specific TEs.

The formation of miRNAs from TEs may have played an important role during evolution of organisms including the development of complex organisms.
Inversions and Evolution of the Human Genome
Authors: Hellen Elizabeth HB 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Inversions are a type of naturally occurring DNA mutation in which the sequence of the DNA is reversed, resulting in it being read in the opposite direction to the wild type. Most of these inversion mutations are thought to have no direct phenotypic effect, although those that do are often lethal. Although inversions are mostly phenotypically functionless, inversions cause recombination suppression both within and extending slightly outwards from the inverted region. Recombination suppression between heterozygotic inversions can lead to linkage disequilibrium and cause the independent evolution of chromosomes, eventually leading to speciation. Comparative genomics of humans and primates has identified many inversions which may have contributed to the evolution of the human genome. Population genomics has also identified many inversions which are polymorphic in humans, some of these are under selection and may be contributing to the continued evolution of the human genome.

Key Concepts

Inversions are naturally occurring mutations within a genome where the DNA has been excised and reinserted in the opposite orientation.

Inversions have a range of phenotypic effects including lethality, amino acids changes, regulatory changes or no discernible effect.

Alu and L1 elements may have directly caused many inversions in primates through recombination between very similar elements.

Inversions suppress recombination within the inverted region and may be involved in evolution and speciation through the recombination‐suppression mechanism.

Nine large inversions can be detected cytogenetically when comparing human and chimpanzee genomes, approximately 1500 further microinversions have been identified through sequencing.

Polymorphic inversions exist in the human population, some of which have been found to be under positive selection.
Models of Primate Evolution
Authors: Sayers Ken 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Models are generalised abstractions or explanatory hypotheses used to organise or understand data. Primates are the order of mammals to which humans belong, and for that reason have attracted considerable attention. Competing models have been proposed to explain the origin of primates, their evolutionary relationships, their unique social and ecological behaviour and their remarkable intelligence and brain complexity. Other models have focused on the origins of perhaps the strangest primate, the human being. All can be examined with ever‐accumulating information from both living and extinct species, and problematic proposals can be discarded or modified. While a considerable amount is known about primate anatomical and behavioural evolution, it is likely that the most comprehensive models regarding many relevant topics have actually yet to be constructed.

Key Concepts

Model building is key to scientific progress, and is vital for helping to understand primate evolution.

The models of primate origins developed to date focus on anatomical features related to locomotion and feeding, as opposed to social or other life variables.

There is wide consensus on the broad outline of primate evolutionary relationships, but often less consensus on the recognition of particular genera or species, or relationships between species.

The two major approaches to explaining patterns of primate socioecology have focused on identifying environmental and/or physiological determinants; future work should give detailed consideration to both.

Models of primate brain evolution have in the past emphasised either complex feeding behaviour or social relationships; some more recent work incorporates these and other factors.

Models for human origins and evolution are particularly controversial.

Models for human origins (e.g. why hominids walk on two legs) have focused on carrying tools, thermoregulation, reproductive behaviour and other factors.

Models of primate evolution are continuously subject to reevaluation as new data from living and fossil species accumulates.

Successful models of primate evolution should consider their subjects in a holistic sense, as opposed to focusing on a small subset of anatomical and/or behavioural characters.
Stereochemical Studies of the Karlotoxin Class Using NMR Spectroscopy and DP4 Chemical‐Shift Analysis: Insights into their Mechanism of Action
Authors: Waters Amanda L. , Oh Joonseok , Place Allen R. , Hamann Mark T. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAfter publication of karlotoxin 2 (KmTx2; 1), the harmful algal bloom dinoflagellate Karlodinium sp. was collected and scrutinized to identify additional biologically active complex polyketides. The structure of 1 was validated and revised at C49 using computational NMR tools including J‐based configurational analysis and chemical‐shift calculations. The characterization of two new compounds [KmTx8 (2) and KmTx9 (3)] was achieved through overlaid 2D HSQC NMR techniques, while the relative configurations were determined by comparison to 1 and computational chemical‐shift calculations. The detailed evaluation of 2 using the NCI‐60 cell lines, NMR binding studies, and an assessment of the literature supports a mode of action (MoA) for targeting cancer‐cell membranes, especially of cytostatic tumors. This MoA is uniquely different from that of current agents employed in the control of cancers for which 2 shows sensitivity.
Conductivity‐Dependent Completion of Oxygen Reduction on Oxide Catalysts
Authors: Lee Dong‐Gyu , Gwon Ohhun , Park Han‐Saem , Kim Su Hwan , Yang Juchan , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kim Guntae , Song Hyun‐Kon 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe electric conductivity‐dependence of the number of electrons transferred during the oxygen reduction reaction is presented. Intensive properties, such as the number of electrons transferred, are difficult to be considered conductivity‐dependent. Four different perovskite oxide catalysts of different conductivities were investigated with varying carbon contents. More conductive environments surrounding active sites, achieved by more conductive catalysts (providing internal electric pathways) or higher carbon content (providing external electric pathways), resulted in higher number of electrons transferred toward more complete 4e reduction of oxygen, and also changed the rate‐determining steps from two‐step 2e process to a single‐step 1e process. Experimental evidence of the conductivity dependency was described by a microscopic ohmic polarization model based on effective potential localized nearby the active sites.
The New Nationalism in Indonesia
Authors: Aspinall Edward 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA new nationalist mood is visible in Indonesia, expressed in increasingly bellicose rejection of alleged foreign interference in Indonesia's affairs and in demands for greater international recognition of Indonesia's power and status. This new mood has been visible for several years, but became particularly marked during the 2014 presidential election and under the new Joko Widodo administration. This article analyses Indonesia's new nationalism, especially as manifested in economic, cultural and territorial spheres, noting both continuities with past episodes, and novel features. A chief novelty is contemporary nationalism's markedly non‐ideological and non‐intellectual form; continuity is visible in its discursive style, with many contemporary nationalists anachronistically reproducing tropes rooted in earlier periods. The article concludes by identifying forces driving the contemporary resurgence of nationalism, notably the effects of democratisation as well as deeper feelings of insecurity about Indonesia's achievements.
The Contemporary Politics of Child Protection: Part Two (the BASPCAN Founder's Lecture 2015)
Authors: Parton Nigel 
Published: November 2015

This paper is based on the Founder's lecture of the same title presented at the BASPCAN Congress, ‘New Directions in Child Protection and Well‐being’, in April 2015 in Edinburgh. In a very schematic way, it attempts to critically review changes in child protection policies in the UK since the first BASPCAN Congress in 1991. It argues that while there are similarities, there are also important differences. The nature of the problems to be addressed has become both broader and more complex and this is reflected in developments in policy and practice. At the same time, the challenges for child protection have become increasingly politicised such that the narrative of professional and system failure has become more dominant and pervasive. This has the effect of deflecting political and policy attention from the size and nature of the social problems to be addressed. The paper concludes by considering the most recent developments and their possible impact including the statutory Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse chaired by Justice Lowell Goddard.‘Attempts to critically review changes in child protection policies in the UK’Key Practitioner Messages

The changing political contexts are significant for the way in which practice is and can be carried out.
In many ways, developments over the last 24 years can be seen as a story of growing social awareness and progress rather than one of ‘blame and failure’.
‘Changing political contexts are significant for the way in which practice is and can be carried out’
Chemistry and Biology of the GenusFlourensia(Asteraceae)
Authors: Rios María Yolanda 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFlourensiaspecies are dominant plants that are adapted to semidesertic and desertic regions. It is believed that they are successful plants because they employ several protection mechanisms, including the formation of a waxy film on their aerial parts to protect them from dehydration. This waxy film contains chemical compounds that are capable of inhibiting the growth of other plants and of acting as allelopathic and herbicidal agents and as germination inhibitors. These plants also limit herbivory, and they exhibit insecticidal, insect antifeedant, antibacterial, antifungal, antialgal, and antitermite activities. Sesquiterpenes, flavonoids, benzofurans, chromenes, coumarins, lupan triterpenes, aliphatic lactones, and aromatic and acetilenic compounds have all been isolated from the organic extracts ofFlourensiaspecies. Monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and aliphatic hydrocarbons are the main constituents found in their essential oils. This review is an overview of the chemical constituents and of the biological activities ofFlourensiaspecies.
Chemical Composition and Character Impact Odorants in Volatile Oils from Edible Mushrooms
Authors: Usami Atsushi , Motooka Ryota , Nakahashi Hiroshi , Marumoto Shinsuke , Miyazawa Mitsuo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate the chemical composition and the odor‐active components of volatile oils from three edible mushrooms, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus eryngii, and Pleurotus abalonus, which are well‐known edible mushrooms. The volatile components in these oils were extracted by hydrodistillation and identified by GC/MS, GC‐olfactometry (GC‐O), and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA). The oils contained 40, 20, and 53 components, representing 83.4, 86.0, and 90.8% of the total oils in P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, and P. abalonus, respectively. Odor evaluation of the volatile oils from the three edible mushrooms was also carried out using GC‐O, AEDA, and odor activity values, by which 13, eight, and ten aroma‐active components were identified in P. ostreatus, P. eryngii, and P. abalonus, respectively. The most aroma‐active compounds were C8‐aliphatic compounds (oct‐1‐en‐3‐ol, octan‐3‐one, and octanal) and/or C9‐aliphatic aldehydes (nonanal and (2E)‐non‐2‐enal).
Indole Alkaloids from the Sea Anemone Heteractis aurora and Homarine from Octopus cyanea
Authors: Shaker Kamel H. , Göhl Matthias , Müller Tobias , Seifert Karlheinz 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe two new indole alkaloids 2‐amino‐1,5‐dihydro‐5‐(1H‐indol‐3‐ylmethyl)‐4H‐imidazol‐4‐one (1), 2‐amino‐5‐[(6‐bromo‐1H‐indol‐3‐yl)methyl]‐3,5‐dihydro‐3‐methyl‐4H‐imidazol‐4‐one (2), and auramine (3) have been isolated from the sea anemone Heteractis aurora. Both indole alkaloids were synthesized for the confirmation of the structures. Homarine (4), along with uracil (5), hypoxanthine (6), and inosine (7) have been obtained from Octopus cyanea.
4α‐Acetoxyamijidictyol – A New Antifeeding Dolastane Diterpene from the Brazilian Brown Alga Canistrocarpus cervicornis
Authors: Miguel Bianco Éverson , Martins Francisco Thiago , Basílio Pinheiro Carlos , Bagueira de Vasconcellos Azeredo Rodrigo , Laneuville Teixeira Valéria , Crespo Pereira Renato 
Published: November 2015

AbstractChemical investigation of the CH2Cl2 crude extract from the brown alga Canistrocarpus cervicornis (Dictyotaceae) led to isolation of one new (1) and four previously reported dolastane diterpenes (2–5). Their structures were characterized by 1D‐ and 2D‐NMR spectroscopic techniques, including a full single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis for 1, 2, and 4. In addition, the new structure 1 was assayed as chemical defense inhibiting the feeding by the sea urchin Lytechinus variegatus. This study constitutes an additional report broadening the known spectrum of action and defensive roles of secondary metabolites of the C. cervicornis and Dictyotales species.
Antioxidants, Enzyme Inhibitors, and Biogenic Compounds in Grain Extracts of Barleys
Authors: Maliar Tibor , Slaba Gabriela , Nemeček Peter , Maliarová Mária , Benková Michaela , Havrlentová Michaela , Ondrejovič Miroslav , Kraic Ján 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe content of biogenic compounds and the biological activities of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)‐grain extracts was evaluated. The sufficiently large and heterogeneous set of barley genotypes (100 accessions) enabled the selection of special genotypes interesting for potential industrial, pharmaceutical, and medicinal applications. Barley genotypes with the highest contents of phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, biogenic thiols, and amines, radical‐scavenging activity, as well as inhibitory activities of trypsin, thrombin, collagenase, urokinase, and cyclooxygenase were identified.
Application of NMR Spectroscopy in the Assessment of Radiation Dose in Human Primary Cells
Authors: Kang Chang‐Mo , Seong Hyeon Jin , Ra Kim So , Kyeong Lee Eun , Jin Yun Hyun , Young Kim Sun , Kee Chae Young 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe employed the primary cell model system as a first step toward establishing a method to assess the influence of ionizing radiation by using a combination of common and abundant metabolites. We applied X‐ray irradiation amounts of 0, 1, and 5 Gy to the cells that were harvested 24, 48, or 72 h later, and profiled metabolites by 2D‐NMR spectroscopy to sort out candidate molecules that could be used to distinguish the samples under different irradiation conditions. We traced metabolites stemming from the input 13C‐glucose, identified twelve of them from the cell extracts, and applied statistical analysis to find out that all the metabolites, including glycine, alanine, and gluatamic acid, increased upon irradiation. The combinatorial use of the selected metabolites showed promising results where the product of signal intensities of alanine and lactate could differentiate samples according to the dose of X‐ray irradiation. We hope that this work can form a base for treating radiation‐poisoned patients in the future.
Investigations into Metal Leaching from Polystyrene‐Supported Rhodium Catalysts
Authors: Fischer Christian , Thede Richard , Baumann Wolfgang , Drexler Hans‐Joachim , König Anja , Heller Detlef 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe anchoring of molecularly well‐defined Rh complexes on a solid support allows the combination of the advantages of homogeneous catalysis with the benefit of catalyst recycling offered by heterogeneous catalysis. Unfortunately, the common approach to attach the soluble Rh catalyst onto a variety of polystyrene supports has not in general led to useful catalysts, and a major problem is metal leaching into the solution. We report herein that, besides the binding of the Rh catalysts to the polymeric matrix, in principle η6‐aromatic complexes can also be formed, as shown by NMR spectroscopy and XRD. The stability constants of such complexes for styrene and soluble polystyrenes (PS4000, 38.4 monomers and PS30000, 288 monomers) have been measured by UV/Vis spectroscopic titrations. The establishment of equilibrium with the Rh‐solvent complex is very rapid to the point that, after the anchoring of the catalyst to the polystyrene matrix, the rinsing of the material with solvent during work‐up causes part of the Rh coordinated originally as an aromatic complex to be washed away.
PPV Polymerization through the Gilch Route: Diradical Character of Monomers
Authors: Nikolić Jelena D. , Wouters Sebastian , Romanova Julia , Shimizu Akihiro , Champagne Benoît , Junkers Tanja , Vanderzande Dirk , Van Neck Dimitri , Waroquier Michel , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Catak Saron 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDespite various studies on the polymerization of poly(p‐phenylene vinylene) (PPV) through different precursor routes, detailed mechanistic knowledge on the individual reaction steps and intermediates is still incomplete. The present study aims to gain more insight into the radical polymerization of PPV through the Gilch route. The initial steps of the polymerization involve the formation of a p‐quinodimethane intermediate, which spontaneously self‐initiates through a dimerization process leading to the formation of diradical species; chain propagation ensues on both sides of the diradical or chain termination occurs by the formation of side products, such as [2.2]paracyclophanes. Furthermore, different p‐quinodimethane systems were assessed with respect to the size of their aromatic core as well as the presence of heteroatoms in/on the conjugated system. The nature of the aromatic core and the specific substituents alter the electronic structure of the p‐quinodimethane monomers, affecting the mechanism of polymerization. The diradical character of the monomers has been investigated with several advanced methodologies, such as spin‐projected UHF, CASSCF, CASPT2, and DMRG calculations. It was shown that larger aromatic cores led to a higher diradical character in the monomers, which in turn is proposed to cause rapid initiation.
Polymer‐Decorated Carbon Nanotubes as Transducers for Label‐Free Photonic Biosensors
Authors: Villemin Elise , Gravel Edmond , Izard Nicolas , Filoramo Arianna , Vivien Laurent , Doris Eric 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA biosensor taking advantage of the optical properties of sorted carbon nanotubes has been developed. A polyfluorene polymer bearing azido groups was synthesized and used for the selective extraction of semi‐conducting nanotubes from the bulk population. The resulting polymer‐decorated nanotubes were then conjugated by click‐chemistry to a ligand unit (biotin), and the sensing properties of the biotinylated nanotubes were investigated by photoluminescence measurements, upon interaction with the streptavidin target.
Total Synthesis and Stereochemical Revision of Phacelocarpus 2‐Pyrone A
Authors: Ronson Thomas O. , Burns Michael J. , Voelkel Martin H. H. , Evans Kieren J. , Lynam Jason M. , Taylor Richard J. K. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe first total synthesis of phacelocarpus 2‐pyrone A is reported. The original natural compound was tentatively assigned (by NMR spectroscopy) as containing two cis‐alkenes and a trans‐vinyl ether connected to a 2‐pyrone ring motif. Our computational predictions indicated that a cis‐vinyl ether motif was equally feasible. Attempts to prepare the trans‐vinyl ether were met with no success. The all cis‐target compound was synthesised in nine steps, employing key regio‐ and stereoselective reactions including AuI‐catalysed vinyl etherification, Wittig alkenylation and end‐game Stille macrocyclisation. Analysis of the NMR data enabled identification and confirmation of the correct structure of phacelocarpus 2‐pyrone A, containing a cis‐vinyl ether. Our studies pave the way for future development of methodologies to these structurally distinct pyrone skipped‐polyenyne natural products.
Concise Synthesis and Facile Nanotube Assembly of a Symmetrically Multifunctionalized Cycloparaphenylene
Authors: Miyauchi Yuta , Johmoto Kohei , Yasuda Nobuhiro , Uekusa Hidehiro , Fujii Shintaro , Kiguchi Manabu , Ito Hideto , Itami Kenichiro , Tanaka Ken 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe concise synthesis of C3‐symmetrical [12]CPP‐hexacarboxylate has been achieved through macrocyclization by the rhodium‐catalyzed intermolecular cross‐cyclotrimerization and subsequent reductive aromatization. C3‐Symmetrical functionalization of CPP with highly polar alkoxycarbonyl groups enabled the structurally uniform nanotube assembly in the crystalline state through multiple hydrogen‐bonding interactions giving a dimer followed by one‐dimensional stacking.
Palladium‐Catalysed Synthesis of α‐(Trifluoromethyl)styrenes by Means of Directed C–H Bond Functionalization
Authors: Zhao Qun , Besset Tatiana , Poisson Thomas , Bouillon Jean‐Philippe , Pannecoucke Xavier 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe report the first introduction of 2‐bromo‐3,3,3‐trifluoropropene (BTP) by directed C–H bond functionalization. The developed method gives straightforward access to α‐(trifluoromethyl)styrene derivatives without prior prefunctionalization of the substrates. This palladium‐catalysed transformation was applied to a broad range of substrates, and the corresponding trifluoromethylated products were obtained in good yields. This approach represents an alternative pathway to the classical method previously used to access such molecules.