bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal Stem Cells are Recruited and Activated into Carcinoma-Associated Fibroblasts by Prostate Cancer Microenvironment-Derived TGF-β1
Authors: Barcellos-de-Souza Pedro , Comito Giuseppina , Pons-Segura Coral , Taddei Maria Letizia , Gori Valentina , Becherucci Valentina , Bambi Franco , Margheri Francesca , Laurenzana Anna , Del Rosso Mario , Chiarugi Paola 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Tumor stromal cells can supply appropriate signals that may develop aggressive phenotypes of carcinoma cells and establish a complex scenario which culminates in metastasis. Recent works proposed that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are recruited to primary tumors. However, the exact functions of these cells in the tumor microenvironment are not well characterized, as it is reported that MSC can either promote or inhibit tumor progression. In the present study, we aim at investigating the signaling molecules which regulate the interplay between MSC, prostate carcinoma (PCa) cells and two important cellular types constituting the tumor-associated stroma, macrophages and fibroblasts, during their progression toward malignancy. We identified TGF-β1 as a crucial molecule able to attract MSC recruitment both to PCa cells as well as to tumor stroma components. Moreover, PCa- and tumor stroma-secreted TGF-β1 is important to induce MSC transdifferentiation into carcinoma-associated fibroblast (CAF)-like cells. Consequently, the CAF-like phenotype acquired by MSC is central to promote tumor progression related effects. Thus, tumor-educated MSC enhance PCa invasiveness compared to nonactivated MSC. Additionally, differing from normal MSC, CAF-like MSC perform vascular mimicry and recruit monocytes, which can be further polarized to M2 macrophages within the PCa environment. Our findings indicate a prominent role for TGF-β1 in MSC mobilization and activation strengthened by the fact that the blockade of TGF-β1 signaling impairs MSC promotion of PCa progression.
Suppression of Neutrophil-Mediated Tissue Damage—A Novel Skill of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Jiang Dongsheng , Muschhammer Jana , Qi Yu , Kügler Andrea , de Vries Juliane C. , Saffarzadeh Mona , Sindrilaru Anca , Beken Seppe Vander , Wlaschek Meinhard , Kluth Mark A. , Ganss Christoph , Frank Natasha Y. , Frank Markus H. , Preissner Klaus T. , Scharffetter-Kochanek Karin 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are crucial for tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Though of prime interest, their potentially protective role on neutrophil-induced tissue damage, associated with high morbidity and mortality, has not been explored in sufficient detail. Here we report the therapeutic skill of MSCs to suppress unrestrained neutrophil activation and to attenuate severe tissue damage in a murine immune-complex mediated vasculitis model of unbalanced neutrophil activation. MSC-mediated neutrophil suppression was due to intercellular adhesion molecule 1-dependent engulfment of neutrophils by MSCs, decreasing overall neutrophil numbers. Similar to MSCs in their endogenous niche of murine and human vasculitis, therapeutically injected MSCs via upregulation of the extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3), reduced superoxide anion concentrations and consequently prevented neutrophil death, neutrophil extracellular trap formation and spillage of matrix degrading neutrophil elastase, gelatinase and myeloperoxidase. SOD3-silenced MSCs did not exert tissue protective effects. Thus, MSCs hold substantial therapeutic promise to counteract tissue damage in conditions with unrestrained neutrophil activation.
sPLA2-IIA Overexpression in Mice Epidermis Depletes Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Induces Differentiation Mediated Through Enhanced JNK/c-Jun Activation
Authors: Sarate Rahul M. , Chovatiya Gopal L. , Ravi Vagisha , Khade Bharat , Gupta Sanjay , Waghmare Sanjeev K. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Secretory phospholipase A2 Group-IIA (sPLA2-IIA) catalyzes the hydrolysis of the sn-2 position of glycerophospholipids to yield fatty acids and lysophospholipids. sPLA2-IIA is deregulated in various cancers; however, its role in hair follicle stem cell (HFSC) regulation is obscure. Here we report a transgenic mice overexpressing sPLA2-IIA (K14-sPLA2-IIA) showed depletion of HFSC pool. This was accompanied with increased differentiation, loss of ortho-parakeratotic organization and enlargement of sebaceous gland, infundibulum and junctional zone. The colony forming efficiency of keratinocytes was significantly reduced. Microarray profiling of HFSCs revealed enhanced level of epithelial mitogens and transcription factors, c-Jun and FosB that may be involved in proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, K14-sPLA2-IIA keratinocytes showed enhanced activation of EGFR and JNK1/2 that led to c-Jun activation, which co-related with enhanced differentiation. Further, depletion of stem cells in bulge is associated with high levels of chromatin silencing mark, H3K27me3 and low levels of an activator mark, H3K9ac suggestive of alteration in gene expression contributing toward stem cells differentiation. Our results, first time uncovered that overexpression of sPLA2-IIA lead to depletion of HFSCs and differentiation associated with altered histone modification. Thus involvement of sPLA2-IIA in stem cells regulation and disease pathogenesis suggest its prospective clinical implications.
Ulk4 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Pool
Authors: Liu Min , Guan Zhenlong , Shen Qin , Flinter Frances , Domínguez Laura , Ahn Joo Wook , Collier David A. , O'Brien Timothy , Shen Sanbing 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The size of neural stem cell (NSC) pool at birth determines the starting point of adult neurogenesis. Aberrant neurogenesis is associated with major mental illness, in which ULK4 is proposed as a rare risk factor. Little is known about factors regulating the NSC pool, or function of the ULK4. Here, we showed that Ulk4tm1a/tm1a mice displayed a dramatically reduced NSC pool at birth. Ulk4 was expressed in a cell cycle-dependent manner and peaked in G2/M phases. Targeted disruption of the Ulk4 perturbed mid-neurogenesis and significantly reduced cerebral cortex in postnatal mice. Pathway analyses of dysregulated genes in Ulk4tm1a/tm1a mice revealed Ulk4 as a key regulator of cell cycle and NSC proliferation, partially through regulation of the Wnt signaling. In addition, we identified hemizygous deletion of ULK4 gene in 1.2/1,000 patients with pleiotropic symptoms including severe language delay and learning difficulties. ULK4, therefore, may significantly contribute to neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders.
Brief Report: Consecutive Alendronate Administration-Mediated Inhibition of Osteoclasts Improves Long-Term Engraftment Potential and Stress Resistance of HSCs
Authors: Sim Hyun-Jaung , Kook Sung-Ho , Yun Chi-Young , Bhattarai Govinda , Cho Eui-Sic , Lee Jeong-Chae 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Osteoclasts form a bone marrow (BM) cavity serving as a hematopoietic niche for the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, the role of osteoclasts in the BM has been controversially reported and remains to be further understood. In the present study, we investigated how osteoclasts affect the modulation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in the BM by administering bisphosphate alendronate (ALN) to B6 mice for 21 consecutive days to inhibit osteoclast activity. ALN treatment caused a reduction in the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphate (TRAP)-positive osteoclast cells and an increase in bone mineral density, particularly in the trabecular zone, but not in the cortical zone of the BM. Osteoclast inhibition caused by ALN treatment decreased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and SA-β-gal activity of CD150+CD48−Lineage-Sca-1+c-Kit+ (LSK) cells, eventually leading to an improvement in the engraftment potential and self-renewal activity of HSCs. Moreover, ALN-treated mice exhibited an enhanced resistance of HSCs in response to the genotoxic stress of 5-fluorouracil, as determined by mitochondrial ROS generation, SA-β-gal activity, and p16INK4a expression in subsets of LSK and CD150+CD48−LSK cells as well as competitive assay. Collectively, our findings indicate that inhibition of osteoclast activity improves the long–term engraftment potential and stress resistance of HSCs.
The BER analysis of OFDMA and SC‐FDMA under pilot‐assisted channel estimation and pilot jamming in rayleigh slow‐fading channel
Authors: Mahal Jasmin A. , Clancy T. Charles 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this paper, the authors derived the analytical bit error rate expressions for orthogonal frequency division multiple access and single‐carrier frequency‐division multiple access (SC‐FDMA) in Rayleigh slow‐fading channel for binary phase‐shift keying/quadrature phase‐shift keying/16‐quadrature amplitude modulations under pilot jamming and pilot symbol‐assisted channel estimation. Beginning with the bit error rate analysis from the general case of pilot symbol‐assisted channel estimation technique in Rayleigh slow‐fading channel, the expressions are first modified for different modulations and then further customized to account for the Zero‐Forcing equalization in frequency or time direction with application respectively to orthogonal frequency division multiple access or SC‐FDMA without and with pilot jamming. Piecewise‐linear interpolation is used for its simplicity. The simulation results match perfectly with the theoretical predictions except for some discrepancies with SC‐FDMA, which imply that the generalized equations developed here have to be further modified to account for system‐specific features like discrete Fourier transform precoding for SC‐FDMA. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduced ant defenses in Macaranga myrmecophytes (Euphorbiaceae) infested with a winged phasmid Orthomeria cuprinus
Authors: Shimizu‐kaya Usun , Itioka Takao 
Published: June 2016

AbstractMacaranga is a tree genus that includes many species of myrmecophytes, which are plants that harbor ant colonies within hollow structures known as domatia. The symbiotic ants (plant–ants) protect their host plants against herbivores; this defense mechanism is called ‘ant defense’. A Bornean phasmid species Orthomeriacuprinus feeds on two myrmecophytic Macaranga species, Macaranga beccariana and Macaranga hypoleuca, which are obligately associated with Crematogaster ant species. The phasmids elude the ant defense using specialized behavior. However, the mechanisms used by the phasmid to overcome ant defenses have been insufficiently elucidated. We hypothesized that O.cuprinus only feeds on individual plants with weakened ant defenses. To test the hypothesis, we compared the ant defense intensity in phasmid‐infested and non‐infested M. beccariana trees. The number of plant–ants on the plant surface, the ratio of plant–ant biomass to tree biomass, and the aggressiveness of plant–ants towards experimentally introduced herbivores were significantly lower on the phasmid‐infested trees than on the non‐infested trees. The phasmid nymphs experimentally introduced into non‐infested trees, compared with those experimentally introduced into phasmid‐infested trees, were more active on the plant surface, avoiding the plant–ants. These results support the hypothesis and suggest that ant defenses on non‐infested trees effectively prevent the phasmids from remaining on the plants. Thus, we suggest that O.cuprinus feeds only on the individual M. beccariana trees having decreased ant defenses, although the factors that reduce the intensity of the ant defenses remain unclear.
Seed Oils of Five Black Tartary Buckwheat Cultivars with Biochemical Characterization and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Zhang Zhen , He Caian , Zhu Ruixue , Shen Jing , Yu Yueli , Peng Qiang , Gao Jinfeng , Li Yunlong , Wang Min 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBlack tartary buckwheat oils (BTBOs) were extracted from five major industrial tartary buckwheat cultivars grown under similar agronomical activities and environmental conditions. These oils were characterized for the bioactive compounds containing fatty acids, β‐carotene, lutein, α‐, β‐, δ‐ and γ‐tocopherol, and for their antioxidant properties. The total tocopherol contents that were obtained ranged from 704.66 to 1156.19 mg/kg, with γ‐tocopherol (588.98–977.91 mg/kg) as the main component. The concentration of lutein ranged from 253.14 to 429.63 mg/kg, which was almost ten times higher than that of β‐carotenoid (46.71–69.2 mg/kg), indicating that black tartary buckwheat seed oils were a good source of lutein. The predominant fatty acids were unsaturated oleic acid (C18:1) (35.27–40.61 %) and linoleic acid (C18:2) (38.25–42.90 %). Excellent values of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH), diammonium salt (ABTS) radical scavenging activities were obtained and the highest oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value of 13.89 mmol Trolox equiv/g oil was detected in the variety of Chuanqiao No. 1, which was clearly separated by principal component analysis (PCA) on the basis of the highest content of tocopherols and carotenoids. Moreover, the correlation analysis showed that tocopherols and carotenoids were the major contributors to the antioxidant activities of the BTBOs. This study demonstrates that lipophilic extraction in the tartary buckwheat seed contains many interesting bioactive compounds, which are beneficial for human health.
Mechanical model of nanoparticles for material removal in chemical mechanical polishing process
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Dan , Xie Guoxin , Pan Guoshun 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) is the most effective method for surface planarization in the semiconductor industry. Nanoparticles are significant for material removal and ultra-smooth surface formation. This research investigates the mechanical effects of the material removal in the CMP process. The various contact states of pad, individual particle, and wafer caused by the variations of working conditions and material properties are analyzed. Three different mechanical models for the material removal in the CMP process, i.e., abrasive wear, adhesive wear, and erosive wear are investigated, with a focus on the comparison of the results for different models. The conclusions and methods obtained could potentially contribute to the understanding and evaluation of the CMP process in further work.
Economic and financial determinants of firm bankruptcy: evidence from the French food industry
Authors: Aleksanyan Lilia , Huiban Jean-Pierre 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Despite the strong resilience of the French food industry during the recent economic crisis, the bankruptcy rate for this sector has dramatically increased since 2010. This paper focuses on the economic and financial determinants of firm exit due to bankruptcy in the French food industry and compares them with those for other manufacturing industries. Based on a large sample of firm-level data for the period 2001–2012, we show that the bankruptcy risk pattern differs between food industry firms and other manufacturing firms. Firm productivity is an important determinant of a firm’s probability of going bankrupt; productivity begins deteriorating 3 years before a failure. Controlling for firm productivity, we also show that credit cost has a positive and significant impact on the probability of bankruptcy. However, we observe smaller effect of credit cost on firms’ bankruptcy risk. In contrast, productivity appears to have an important beneficial effect on bankruptcy risk reduction.
Design and optimisation of an aerofoil with active continuous trailing-edge flap
Authors: Shen Jinwei , Liu Yi , Thornburgh Robert P. , Kreshock Andrew R. , Wilbur Matthew L. 
Published: June 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the design and optimisation of an aerofoil with active continuous trailing-edge flap (CTEF) investigated as a potential rotorcraft active control device. Several structural cross-section models are developed: high-fidelity NASA STRucture ANalysis (NASTRAN) and University of Michigan/Variational Asymptotic Beam Section Code (UM/VABS) models and a reduced-order analysis model. The validation of the reduced-order model is established by comparing its predictions of CTEF deformations with those of NASTRAN and UM/VABS analyses, which both show good agreement. The 2D aerodynamic characteristics of the CTEF aerofoil are evaluated using XFOIL and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses: FUN3D and Overset Transonic Unsteady Rotor Navier-Stokes (OVERTURNS). XFOIL, coupled with the reduced-order structure model, is adopted for optimisation study. The accuracy of XFOIL in predicting the aerodynamic pressure of the CTEF aerofoil is verified using CFD simulations, which shows sufficient fidelity. The predicted variations of aerodynamic coefficients with a CTEF angle are compared among the aerodynamic analyses. The optimisation process is developed and applied to two bimorph bender configurations: a Macro-Fibre Composite (MFC) solid bender and an MFC stack bender. The solid bender is used to confirm the functioning of the optimisation procedure and to use its optimal layout as a reference to the stack design, the primary design object. A linear tapered shape is found to be the optimum for a MFC solid bender, which generates an average of 63% more CTEF angles than those of an optimal rectangular bender. An optimised MFC stack bender is shown to resemble the shape of the solid bender. A four-ply bimorph is considered the best choice among the stack layouts because of its large output of CTEF angles and relatively less plies required. The CTEF angle produced by the four-ply optimal layout ranges from 7.6° to 5.3° with speeds from 0 to 200m/s at an angle of attack (AoA) of 6°. The reduction in the CTEF angle with AoA is less steep than that with speed, ranging from 6.5° to 5.8° with AoA from 0 to 8° at speed of 166m/s. An average of 14% increase in CTEF angles is achieved through optimisation for the four-ply bimorph.
Two new Ediacaran small fronds from Mistaken Point, Newfoundland
Authors: Mason Sara J. , Narbonne Guy M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSmall, stemmed frond fossils are common in Ediacaran-aged strata (ca. 565Ma) at Mistaken Point, Newfoundland, and many of them have previously been informally referred to as ‘dusters,’ but due to their small size and consequent relatively poor preservation, they have not yet been described taxonomically. Two new genera are herein defined on the basis of their unique constructions: the mop-like rangeomorphPlumeropriscum hofmanninew genus new species, and a flabellate, lobate frondBroccoliforma altanew genus new species.Plumeropriscum hofmannin. gen., n. sp. has a three-dimensional petalodium structure with numerous primary branches attached at the base of the petalodium rather than at a central axis.Broccoliforma altan. gen., n. sp. lacks visible branching, and instead has a lobate morphology with a petalodium that is at least superficially similar to the ivesheadiomorphBlackbrookia. Several other previously described taxa had also been included under the umbrella of ‘dusters.’ Collectively, these taxa show that the low epibenthic tier that small fronds occupied was more diverse than previously realized, with multiple taxa converging on the stemmed, small-frond body plan.
The Effect of Weather on Wine Quality and Prices: An Australian Spatial Analysis
Authors: Oczkowski Edward 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn the context of the important implications of climate change, this paper analyzes the impact of weather on wine quality and prices for Australian premium wines. Motivated by a recognition of consumers’ accessed information sets, the impact of temperature and rainfall on retail wine prices is assessed through their relation with quality ratings from a high-profile wine guide and then on prices. For a broad spectrum of different quality wines from a cross section of wines available in 2014 and a separate analysis of eight wine varieties, the indirect approach to modeling weather effects through wine quality is found to be superior than assuming weather impacts directly on retail prices. The results also demonstrate the importance of regional variations in weather conditions in influencing prices and identify the optimal season growing temperatures for different grape varieties. (JEL Classifications: Q13, Q54)
The Impact of Climate Change on Viticulture and Wine Quality
Authors: van Leeuwen Cornelis , Darriet Philippe 
Published: June 2016

AbstractClimate change is a major challenge in wine production. Temperatures are increasing worldwide, and most regions are exposed to water deficits more frequently. Higher temperatures trigger advanced phenology. This shifts the ripening phase to warmer periods in the summer, which will affect grape composition, in particular with respect to aroma compounds. Increased water stress reduces yields and modifies fruit composition. The frequency of extreme climatic events (hail, flooding) is likely to increase. Depending on the region and the amount of change, this may have positive or negative implications on wine quality. Adaptation strategies are needed to continue to produce high-quality wines and to preserve their typicity according to their origin in a changing climate. The choice of plant material is a valuable resource to implement these strategies. (JEL Classifications: Q13, Q54)
Climate Change Impacts and Adaptations: New Challenges for the Wine Industry
Authors: Ollat Nathalie , Touzard Jean-Marc , van Leeuwen Cornelis 
Published: June 2016

AbstractClimate change will have a profound effect on vine growing worldwide. Wine quality will also be affected, which will raise economic issues. Possible adaptations may result from changes in plant material, viticultural techniques, and the wine-making process. Relocation of vineyards to cooler areas and increased irrigation are other options, but they may result in potential conflicts for land and water use. Grapes are currently grown in many regions around the world, and growers have adapted their practices to the wide range of climatic conditions that can be found among or inside these areas. This knowledge is precious for identifying potential adaptations to climate change. Because climate change affects all activities linked to wine production (grape growing, wine making, wine economics, and environmental issues), multidisciplinary research is needed to guide growers to continue to produce high-quality wines in an economical and environmentally sustainable way. An example of such an interdisciplinary study is the French LACCAVE (long-term adaptation to climate change in viticulture and enology) project, in which researchers from 23 institutes work together on all issues related to the impact of climate change on wine production. (JEL Classifications: Q1, Q5)